INKHEART

Historical Background
This novel, Inkheart, can be placed in the XXI Century, since the author
gives some clues so that readers can come to this conclusion.

As you know, according to the Gregorian calendar, the 21 st century is the

current century which began on January 1 st, 2001 and will end on December 1 st,
2100. This time is characterized by the rise of a global economy and technology.

To begin with, Maggie’s world looks just like our world but except for one
thing: we do not have magic at all as it is shown in the story. Despite this, some
characters make use of new technological supplies such as burglar alarms, cell
phones, TV sets, and even cars. Although all these devices and means of
transportation were invented in the last century, they are still used nowadays.

As for burglar alarms, for example, this security system is mentioned in the
book in the following lines:

"All books are in safe hands with me," replied Elinor, sounding cross. "You
know that. They're my children, my inky children, and I look after them well. I
keep the sunlight away from their pages, I dust them and protect them from
hungry bookworms and grubby human fingers. This one shall have a place
of honor, and no one will see it until you want it back. I don't really welcome
visitors to my library. They just leave fingerprints and stray hairs in my poor
books. Anyway, as you know, I have a very expensive burglar alarm system."
(Chapter 5, pp. 29)

Besides, television, cell phones and cars are clearly reflected in many
chapters:

“Reluctantly, Elinor swung her legs out of the car. Meggie got out, too, and
stood beside her. Her heart was thudding. She had never seen a man with a
gun before. Well, on TV she had, but not in real life.” (Chapter 13, pp. 67)
"Unless you happen to have a cell phone with you," said Mo. […] Of course
Elinor did not have her cell phone. Capricorn had had it taken away from her,
and although Farid immediately offered to go and search Capricorn's fire-
blackened house for it, it did not turn up. (Chapter 57, pp. 280)

Last but not least, one of the Inkheart’s character makes a specific mention
of the period in which the story takes place when Elinor and Meggie are captured
by Basta, in Capricorn’s village, after they arrived there to save Mo, who had been
kidnaped at Elinor’s house the preview night. Elinor, a bad temper woman,
confronted Basta when he pushed her and Meggie around at gunpoint.

"What do you think you're playing at?" she said angrily, without taking her
eyes off the muzzle of the gun. "I've heard that these mountains were always
a paradise for robbers, but for heaven's sake, we're living in the twenty-first
century! These days people don't go pushing visitors around at gunpoint —
certainly not a youngster like him." (Chapter 14, pp.74)