Prisoner of Time
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By: Caroline B. Cooney
Tod Lockwood has never wanted to be anyone's knight in shining armor. In fact, he wants to avoid having anything to do with girls, at least for the present. But that's before Devonny Stratton steps into his life out of the nineteenth century. As for sixteen-year-old Devonny, she has no plans for marriage until her father arranges to wed to the contemptuous but well-connected Lord Winden. Devonny has only one hope. Someone must rescue her. Can Tod Lockwood be Time's answer to her prayers? Life never seems simple to Devonny, but do the solutions to her problems await her in the future? Or will she only become a prisoner of a different time?
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "Prisoner of Time" by Caroline B. Cooney
Plot Summary: "Prisoner of Time" is the third book in Caroline B. Cooney's Time Travelers Quartet. The story revolves around Devonny Stratton, a young Victorian woman who finds herself trapped in an engagement to a stuffy English lord. In 1998, Devonny implores her friend Tod to help her travel back to the 1890s to save her mother. Despite initial reluctance, Tod agrees to help, and they embark on a time-travel adventure.
Upon arrival in the 1890s, Devonny discovers that her mother is in danger. She also encounters Flossie, who is struggling with the absence of her lover Gianni. Devonny's presence in the past creates a series of events that lead to a complex web of relationships and challenges. Tod, who has grown fond of Devonny, helps her navigate the differences between her world and his, including the social norms and technological advancements of the 1990s.
As Devonny tries to find a way back to her own time, she must confront the societal constraints of the Victorian era and the personal struggles of those around her. The book explores themes of time travel, love, and personal empowerment.
Key Themes:
- Time Travel: The book delves into the concept of time travel and its consequences, showcasing how characters navigate different eras.
- Love and Relationships: Devonny's journey is intertwined with her growing feelings for Tod and the struggles of Flossie and Gianni.
- Personal Empowerment: Devonny's experiences in the 1990s highlight the progress made in women's rights and the continued societal constraints in the Victorian era.
- Social Commentary: The novel provides a commentary on the social norms of both the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two eras.
Critical Reception: While specific critical reviews are not provided in the sources, the book is part of a well-regarded series by Caroline B. Cooney. The Time Travelers Quartet has been praised for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes.
Additional Context:
- Series Placement: "Prisoner of Time" is the third book in the Time Travelers Quartet, following "Both Sides of Time" and "Out of Time" (though the exact order can vary depending on edition).
- Romantic Elements: The book is classified as a romantic time-travel adventure, focusing on the relationships and personal growth of the characters.
For a more detailed understanding, readers can refer to the Goodreads summary and the TeachingBooks annotation, which provide additional insights into the plot and themes of the book.