Making History

by Stephen Fry
Making History cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 9496
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Stephen Fry, known for his comedic genius, takes a serious turn in 'Making History,' delving into a complex premise: what if Hitler had never been born? The novel follows a history grad student and a German physicist as they attempt to prevent Adolf's conception, only to uncover a world that is both better and worse than our own. Fry's experiment in history is his most ambitious novel yet, filled with thrilling suspense and a touch of humor./n/n Set mostly in America, 'Making History' is a futuristic fantasy rooted in one of mankind's darkest realities. It's a story that resonates with the issues of our times, showcasing Fry's emotional depth and his ability to tackle serious subjects with wit and intelligence.

Reviews
Bookpage · 2025-12-24
intriguing 3.50

The novel is a mix of academic satire, zany screenplay, and intriguing invented history. It dives into the complexities of historical events with a unique and entertaining approach.

This review describes 'Making History' as a part academic send-up, part zany screenplay, and part intriguing invented history. The reviewer appreciates the novel's unique approach to historical events, finding it both entertaining and thought-provoking. They highlight the book's ability to dive headfirst into the complexities of history, making it a captivating read. The reviewer also notes the novel's clever blend of satire and invention, which adds to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    Part academic send-up, part zany screenplay, and part intriguing invented history

    The novel dives headfirst into the trashbin of history and roots around

    A clever blend of satire and invention

Atticus Review · Atticus Review · 2015-10-04
smart 4.00

Fry's novel is engaging, smart, and funny, with a protagonist who is self-aware. The book offers a unique and entertaining take on historical events.

In this review, the author praises 'Making History' for its engaging, smart, and funny narrative. They highlight the protagonist's self-awareness as a notable aspect of the book. The reviewer also appreciates the novel's unique and entertaining take on historical events, making it a captivating read. They note that the book's blend of humor and intelligence adds to its overall appeal, making it a standout in the genre of alternate history.

Quick quotes

    Fry's novel is engaging and smart and, not least of all, funny

    Michael Young seems quite aware of the fact that he is, although relatively

    A unique and entertaining take on historical events

Brainfluff · SJ Higbee · 2011-09-09
engaging 4.00

The book offers a fascinating premise that fans of alternate histories will enjoy. It's an engaging read with a unique perspective on historical events.

In this review, the author highlights the intriguing premise of 'Making History' and its appeal to fans of alternate history. They praise the book's engaging narrative and unique perspective on historical events, making it a captivating read. The reviewer also notes that the book's premise is thought-provoking and well-executed, adding to its overall enjoyment. They conclude by highly recommending it to those who enjoy exploring different historical scenarios.

Quick quotes

    It's an interesting book with a fascinating premise

    If you enjoy alternate histories, I highly recommend it

    The book offers a unique perspective on historical events

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