A Stitch in Time (Robinson novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Andrew Robinson |
| Products | Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel |
A Stitch in Time is a novel set in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine universe, authored by Andrew Robinson. The book began as a diary-style biography of the Cardassian character Elim Garak, created by Robinson after he secured the recurring role on the series. The work gained momentum when novelist David R. George III encouraged its publication. Although a sequel co-written with actor Alexander Siddig was announced for 2001, the only subsequent Garak story was Robinson’s short piece The Calling, featured in the 2003 anthology Prophecy and Change.
Plot
Presented as a letter from DS9’s resident Cardassian tailor and spy Elim Garak addressed to Dr. Julian Bashir, the narrative explores Garak’s life and Cardassia’s recovery following the Dominion War. Garak advocates for democratic changes and believes that Cardassia’s ruin was partly due to its previous military dictatorship.
Set against the backdrop of post-war Cardassia, Garak dwells among the remnants of his homeland while assisting with relief efforts and reflecting on his past through journal entries. The first timeline delves into his upbringing under Enabran Tain, portraying him as the son of a gardener with Mila as his biological mother; it follows his rigorous training at the Bamarren Institute for State Intelligence, his induction into the Obsidian Order, his ascent through covert missions, his rivalry with Gul Dukat, and eventual exile after opposing authorities over Palandine, a woman he loves.
The second timeline takes place aboard DS9, where Garak collaborates with Kira Nerys to prepare for joining the Cardassian resistance movement led by Damar.
Development history
A Stitch in Time was penned by Andrew Robinson, who portrayed Garak in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Initially considered for the role of Odo, Robinson was ultimately cast as Garak, a recurring character. The novel originated from a biographical diary Robinson created to deepen Garak's characterization, which he shared at conventions to engage fans.
Encouraged by David R. George III, co-author of The 34th Rule, Robinson transformed this biography into a novel. After submitting a proposal to Star Trek publishers, he expanded the diary into a full-length work, consulting The Star Trek Encyclopedia to ensure franchise consistency. Notably, there is a discrepancy wherein Garak conducts business with Quark, despite contrary statements in the television series.
Robinson collaborated with Pocket Books during development, with Margaret Clark serving as editor. He toned down sexual elements to align with the family-friendly audience, despite having portrayed Garak as sexually ambiguous on screen. Robinson sought to provide "total closure" for the character and compared Garak to spies from John le Carré’s novels, highlighting the intimate bond between actor and role.
At the time of its completion, Deep Space Nine had concluded after seven seasons. This marked Robinson’s debut full-length novel and was notably written without assistance from a ghostwriter. It was released as number 27 in Pocket Books’ original Deep Space Nine series.
In 2000, Robinson and actor Alexander Siddig announced intentions to co-author a sequel; however, it never materialized. Robinson continued crafting Garak diaries after the novel’s release and contributed the short story The Calling to the 2003 Deep Space Nine anniversary collection Prophecy and Change. In 2010, A Stitch in Time was reissued in Germany featuring new cover artwork. An audiobook version narrated by Robinson became available on August 1, 2023.
Reception
Paul Cole from the Sunday Mercury characterized the book as "an appropriately ironic, indirect, and occasionally enigmatic collection of memories" that interlaces three distinct eras, linked more by theme than by a conventional storyline. Alvaro Zinos-Amaro writing for Reactor commended it as "an exceptionally memorable experience" and a highlight within the Star Trek literary canon, emphasizing its refined prose and profound emotional resonance.
In 2015, John Bardinelli of Barnes & Noble included the novel among the finest Star Trek tie-in publications. Additionally, both Gizmodo and /Film have featured it in their lists of premier Star Trek novels, underscoring its importance in the franchise's book collection.