Questions About To Say Nothing of the Dog (Oxford Time Travel, #2)

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Answered Questions (9)

Do i need to have read the first book to read this one?

Gail Gibbs Actually, there are two books you don't have to read. The phrase "To say nothing of the dog" is a reference to Jerome K. Jerome's delightful travelog,…moreActually, there are two books you don't have to read. The phrase "To say nothing of the dog" is a reference to Jerome K. Jerome's delightful travelog, Three Men in a Boat, written in 1880's, and full of wry observations about his own Victorian society. Connie Willis also wrote Doomsday Book, with a similar theme and some of the same characters. Both are excellent, but To Say Nothing of the Dog stands alone nicely. (less)

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I really enjoyed this book, I listened to a really good Audible recording. But I have one question. The very last word. Verity says something and I can make it out. It's not really spoiler, it's just one word. Can someone with the print version let me know :)?

Elise

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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Do I have to read the first book of the two? Came here because the humour and Three Men in a Boat references.

Bernadette Durbin You don't have to read the first to appreciate this one, though it is award-winning for a reason. Be warned, too, that while this book is a farce, the…moreYou don't have to read the first to appreciate this one, though it is award-winning for a reason. Be warned, too, that while this book is a farce, the first one is much more serious, given its subject matter. And the third book set in this universe is also more serious.

If you like Connie Willis' humor, Bellwether is a good choice.(less)

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Should one read Three Men in a Boat in order to best appreciate this book?

Janelle M Hartman This is thoroughly enjoyable even if you've never heard of Three Men in a Boat.…moreThis is thoroughly enjoyable even if you've never heard of Three Men in a Boat.(less)

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The questions "must I read Willis' previous books in the Oxford Time Travel series?" as well as "do I have to read Jerome K Jerome's book?" before "To Say Nothing of the Dog" have been asked. I read Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat" ages ago, but had no experience whatsoever with Connie Willis. So my question is a bit similar: would the book be less confusing if I had read these books upfront?

Bubbamike No you don’t have to read either her earlier works in the series, nor do you need to read Jerome. But you'll want to read Three Men in a Boat after yo…moreNo you don’t have to read either her earlier works in the series, nor do you need to read Jerome. But you'll want to read Three Men in a Boat after you read this. If you haven’t read it yet do so now. Enjoy. I did. (less)

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