Books / Time Travel
Jay Pelchen’s time travel adventure novel culminates at Bristol Castle
Australian writer Jay Pelchen lives in Austria, where he works as an analyst for the International Atomic Energy Agency.
His professional life has bestowed him with a skillset in strategic scientific analysis, knowledge that has proved valuable in the development of his debut novel The World That Was, which blends historical and science fiction.
The story charts what Pelchen calls “a scientifically plausible exploration of what might be possible if humanity found a way to travel back in time”.
is needed now More than ever
Civilisation was plunged back into the Dark Age when the Sun spewed forth the largest solar flare in recorded history. But amidst the ashes, a lone physicist made humanity’s greatest scientific breakthrough – time travel.
A decade later, the fledgling technology is ready to send a pair of daring pioneers on a one-way journey into the past. When the portal shuts there will be no communication. And no coming back.
Jay Pelchen – photo: Joti Kaur
Based around medieval Somerset, the narrative draws to its conclusion at Bristol Castle. In researching it, Pelchen made several trips to the city.
“The beauty of writing historical fiction is that the setting (and some characters) already exist,” he says.
“I based parts of my novel in Bristol due to its rich history, soaking it in as I explored Castle Park and wondered where earls and knights might have wandered centuries earlier.
“Australia has its own rich history but we are lacking the castles and other ruins that are so fun to explore in the UK!”
Jay Pelchen: The World That Was is published on March 29, 2024. For more information or to purchase a copy, visit www.the-world-that-was.com.
Main photo: Jay Pelchen
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