Modern Man Encounters Medieval Talking Dragon Through Time Travel
In the novel “George Falls Through Time,” we meet George, a modern man whose lack of self-confidence and decision-making skills have led to a string of failures in his life. After losing his job and his boyfriend, he now works as a dog walker, a job he is also struggling to succeed in. Suddenly, he finds himself transported from the 21st century to the year 1300, where he encounters a hostile and unfamiliar environment filled with violent locals speaking a language he can barely understand. Despite the challenges, he discovers a chance at true love with a young man named Simon, along with the inevitable encounter with a talking dragon, considering George’s name and all.
Author Ryan Collett, originally from Oregon but now living in London for the past decade, transitioned from the visual arts to writing to better express himself. His first novel, “The Disassembly of Doreen Durand,” was published in 2021. Despite considering the idea of a time-travel novel for years, he initially hesitated, feeling it was not within his area of expertise. However, once he delved into the genre, he approached it without any preconceived notions, letting the story take him wherever it led. The choice of the year 1300 for the novel was based on a desire for a period where time-travel would not pose insurmountable language barriers, with the language transitioning into a more manageable form around that time.
Collett’s research for the novel involved a blend of historical accuracy and creative freedom, using tangible historical details to immerse himself in the era of King Edward and Edward II. As an American living in England, he found a balance between appreciating the history of the setting while maintaining a nuanced perspective. The character George and the dragon were always intertwined in the narrative, with George’s modern ignorance and preconceived notions playing a pivotal role in the story’s development. The dragon’s evolution from a literal representation to a talking, critiquing entity added depth and humor to the novel.
In the novel, George’s immersion in the historical period of 1300 forces him to confront his own emotional shortcomings and societal entitlements, leading to a greater understanding of himself and the people around him. Collett’s exploration of historical elements aims to make history relatable and emotionally authentic, challenging modern perceptions of superiority. George’s journey through time becomes a reflection of personal growth and acceptance, highlighting the complexities of human nature across different eras.
As George navigates the challenges of the past and grapples with his own inner struggles, readers are taken on a whimsical and insightful journey through time, where the interactions between characters and the blending of history with fantasy create a unique narrative that captivates and entertains. “George Falls Through Time” invites readers to ponder the complexities of human nature, the passage of time, and the transformative power of self-discovery in a world both distant and strangely familiar.