Summary, “The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.” by Neal Stephenson, Nicole Galland in 5 Minutes - Book
0"The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O." is a science fiction novel written by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland, published in 2017. The book combines historical fiction, time travel, and magic to create an intriguing and complex story.
The novel revolves around a secret government agency known as D.O.D.O. (Department of Diachronic Operations) that aims to recover lost knowledge of magic and use it to manipulate time. The story is presented in the form of documents, emails, journal entries, and other communication forms, creating a multimedia narrative that spans different time periods.
The plot follows Melisande Stokes, a linguistics scholar, and Tristan Lyons, a military intelligence officer, who are recruited into D.O.D.O. Together with a team of experts, they attempt to understand and harness magic's power to enable time travel. The agency uses a combination of science, historical research, and magic spells to send people back in time. However, as they delve deeper into their experiments, they realize that their actions are causing unintended consequences and altering the course of history.
Throughout the novel, the narrative shifts between contemporary times and various historical periods, including 16th-century Elizabethan England, ancient Constantinople, and the early American colonies. This blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction adds depth and richness to the storytelling.
"The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O." explores themes of power, bureaucracy, the ethical implications of time travel, and the challenges of maintaining secrecy. The authors skillfully combine elements of science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued by the complexities of time manipulation and its consequences.
If you enjoy a mix of historical intrigue, science fiction, and a touch of magic, you might find "The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O." to be an entertaining and thought-provoking read.