The Universe is dangerously close to collapsing. With a shady authority known as the Time Police on their tail, will the Timeseekers be able to save us all?
Their only hopes rest with the prophesied 'chosen one' who - rather unexpectedly - turns out to be a kind old lady called Barbara. However, Nana Barb, as she is affectionately known by her seven grandkids, one great-granddaugher and the members of her local bridge club, becomes lost in time after the physicist who lives next-door accidently activates her new invention.
Unfortunately the only people who can save Nana Barb (and the entire universe) are her hapless grandson Dave, his best and idiotic friend Simon nd the beautiful yet clumsy physicist Louise.
Guided by the omnipotent tentacles of the Fates, Nana Barb ventures through time desperate for a good cuppa, in the process meeting her long-dead parents, spawning a new religion and picking up a futuristic android companion.
Will Dave and his new friends shake off the deadly Time Police? Will the Timekeepers stop the Universe from collapsing? And more importantly, will Nana Barb ever find a decent cup of tea?
..... Outer back cover.
FIRST SENTENCE (Prologue): On your planet, which in English is called Earth, we are known by many names: the Norsemen call us the Norns; the Romans Parcae; and the Classical Greeks know us as the Moirae.
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 224): ..... Stories become part of the cultural, even global psyche, and in the process become truer from the telling. Stories define your own existence, but they also create others.
MY THOUGHTS: Without a shadow of a doubt Nana Barb is a very cleverly written novel, it's just a shame that try as I might I just can't get my head around the idea of time travel meaning that any mention of the Patchwork Time Theory, the Classical Paradoxical Theory or Schrodinger's Cat (of which there was some) went straight over my head.
Just as well then that the novel has so, so much more to offer.
Delightfully quirky. Given that the earlier laugh-out-loud social gaffes of our hero, Dave, are ultimately replaced by an altogether more subtle form of humour (I loved the idea of a certain Irish pop singer and campaigner being considered a prophet) means that there really is something to tickle the funny bone of every reader. And isn't it great that one of the main characters is a tea-loving grandmother with whom many of us will identify?
Inspired by the likes of Douglas Adams, Nana Barb is not just a read for sci-fi fans - heart warming, thought-provoking and life affirming, in many ways it is a very human story that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself.
Part one in a proposed trilogy, this would make a great animated feature film, I'll be interested to see how the other books pan out as by scanning the QR code on the back of book 1 (or by visiting the website) readers, amongst other things, are offered the opportunity to contribute their thoughts and ideas towards the next book.
DISCLAIMER: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author I was merely asked for my honest opinion, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.
15 comments:
Umm, perhaps it's just because I am SO tired right now, but as I read the synopsis I couldn't help but be confused by the amount of things actually transpiring. Reading further though, it does sound like you had a good time. Perhaps one to revisit after I've had a good nap. ^_^
Okay. You got me with the Douglas Adams reference!
Petty, I'm glad you enjoyed this quirky novel! It sounds like my cup of tea as well, and I will keep it in mind.
Nice review! I love funny, quirky stories! And like Mama Zen, you got me with the comparison Douglas Adams!
This one looks like fun! I like Douglas Adams' books and have a weakness for time travel stories.
I love Douglas Adams--I'll have to check out this book! Sounds like a great story.
A grandmother being the chosen one definitely isn't something you see very often.
Glad you enjoyed this one!
This sounds like fun and make me more curious with the Douglas Adams ref. Will have to check out this book.
Is that description real, with the cup of tea? If so, I must read.
This does sound quirky and I like that memorable moment!
p.s. I'm taking a break from facebook, but will probably return at some point.
Thanks for the crochet link, I'll check that out!
This sounds like a book you enjoyed even with the time travel aspects. I am definitely curious to read this one. I like how you described it as quirky.
~Jess
I love the memorable moment you shared about stories. That is so true! And it's funny you mention Schrodinger's Cat as the book I am reading right now just included a bit about him too. It's not about time travel though, I'm afraid.
I couldn't possibly comment on the actual likeness to Douglas Adams work (I just know he inspired the author of this book) as I haven't read any of DA's books - perhaps I'll get Husband dearest to read Nana Barb as I know he is familiar with DA.
Yes, I thought it great to read of an elderly woman in such a role and yes, Blond Duck, the reference to the tea is real.
that is exactly what i was looking for! loved the memorable moment.
i'm glad you enjoyed this book.
big hugs~
xx
It's not a real cat!!! Schrodinger was not a cat torturer.
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