To Say Nothing of the Dog (Oxford Time Travel, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Connie Willis's To Say Nothing of the Dog continues the Oxford Time Travel adventures, focusing on the misadventures of Professor Chronohistorian's department at Oxford. The central plot revolves around a seemingly simple mission: to retrieve a valuable historical manuscript, the De Bello Gallico, from 14th century France. However, this mission quickly unravels into a comedic and chaotic journey through time.

The primary protagonist, Dr. Polly Churchill, is tasked with finding the manuscript. She is paired with her perpetually nervous and somewhat inept colleague, Dr. Mark Verner, who’s assigned the far less glamorous job of finding a suitable dog. This dog, mysteriously referred to only as the "dog," is crucial for their temporal stability; without it, the unpredictable consequences of time travel threaten to unravel the very fabric of reality (and the lives of everyone involved). The dog's significance is veiled in mystery throughout much of the book, adding to the suspense and humour.

Their journey is fraught with complications. Polly’s attempt to retrieve the manuscript lands her in a confusing 14th-century French monastery amidst a plague, complicated by language barriers and the suspicion of the monastery’s inhabitants. Mark, meanwhile, struggles to acquire a suitable canine companion, encountering obstacles ranging from bureaucratic red tape to medieval prejudices against dogs. Their individual journeys intertwine in unexpected and often hilarious ways, reflecting the unpredictable nature of time travel.

Beyond the individual struggles, the overarching theme of the book is the importance of human connection and the unexpected ways in which even seemingly insignificant events can have massive consequences in history. The novel highlights the challenges of preserving the integrity of history through time travel while emphasizing the personal impact of historical events on individuals. The constant threat of altering history and the need for meticulous preparation add to the tension.

Further adding to the complexity, the narrative jumps between multiple timelines and perspectives, including scenes back in present-day Oxford, adding layers to the story and highlighting the collaborative nature of the time travel projects. The humor comes from the juxtaposition of modern-day anxieties with the challenges of the medieval period and the inherent absurdity of time travel itself. The constant threat of paradoxes and the need to maintain temporal integrity underscores the seriousness of the mission, which is balanced by the witty dialogue and slapstick comedic situations. In essence, To Say Nothing of the Dog is a vibrant and intellectually stimulating tale that explores the complexities of history, the human condition, and the sometimes chaotic nature of scientific endeavors.