Friday, December 4, 2009

The Time Traveler's Wife



I was half-way through page two when I found myself thinking, "I wish I'd written this book!"

Not because of the NYT Bestseller spot, not because of the movie deal, not because of the fame and fortune that has flowed Ms. Niffenegger's deserving way -- but just because I love the concept!

Friends have been recommending this book for a long time -- I think it came out in 2003. And the movie came on this September (I haven't seen it.)

But what a book! I adored the writing -- the adroit handling of an amazingly complex story. The voices alternate between Henry, involuntary time traveler who may be anywhen, just when he least expects it, and Clare, the artist with whom he falls in love -- over a very long period of time. The book is heart-breakingly romantic, bittersweet, funny, and beautiful by turns. Unforgettable, in fact.

I won't go on -- many of you have likely read the book or seen the movie. If you haven't, there's an excellent review HERE.

But this is just to say a very belated WOW!




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15 comments:

Martin said...

Vicki

My daughter has mentioned this book before, but neither she or I have read it. Isn't it something when you pick up a book to see what all the fuss is about (sometimes, way after the publication date etc), only to discover, as you evidently have, precisely what the fuss was about. Enjoy!

Pat in east TN said...

I am like you, having heard of this book for what seems like a long time, and having not even bought it to go on my TBR pile. Well, here goes yet another order into Amazon ... I love your recommendations Vicki!

Carol Murdock said...

I have not read it and acually don't have it to read but like you,
it's been recommened to me a zillion times! Maybe Santa will bring it! :)

Vicki Lane said...

Sometimes I'm disappointed in those books everyone tells me I have to read. Not so here. I would really like to pick it up right now and read it again, just for the pleasure of the artful construction. And of course, the story . . .

I looked at the movie trailer on line (sound off) and from what I could tell the main characters seem just right. I may have to watch the movie too.

Anonymous said...

You might also like an old sci-fi classic called Time and Again by Jack Finney that take the time travel theme in different direction. There was also a sequel many years later, but I didn't think it was done as well.

Lynne in Ga.

Amelia said...

V-this is definitely in my top 10 of all time favorites. I read it at the beach a couple of years ago and got lightly scolded by Drew's mother for not pulling my nose out of my book for the first two days that we were there, but it was one of those can't-put-it-down-for-a-second reads. SO good! My friend Kate and I went to see the movie...with the book so fresh in your mind, I'll be interested to hear what you think of it.

Unknown said...

Vicki - So glad you liked this book. I have recommended it to many people and some have loved it and some have definitely not! I think this is one of those books that you have to just let yourself go - and believe. If you think it too much it loses its magic. I just finished "Her Fearful Symmetry" by the same author and I liked it very much. Let me know if you want em to send it to you. We have our first inch of snow on the ground this morning!

Reader Wil said...

A book title to remember!! I am looking forward to your new book. You said that Elizabeth personal life is getting more complicated. She is not....?? Nah, I don't think so, she is past that age and so is Phillip. Well I am getting more and more curious.
Thanks for your birthday wishes!

Vicki Lane said...

Oh, Lynne, I adored TIME AND AGAIN -- and I thought of it as I read this and thought I would have to find it and reread it.

Amelia -- I doubt I could like the movie as much as I like the book -- but I'm interested ti see haw they would do it.

Elizabeth . . .? No, at least she's spared THAT particular complication, Reader Wil! (Hadn't thought of that one.)

Rebel Fan said...

Vicki, I’ve been fascinated by the concept of T.T. ever since I saw The Time Machine movie when I was a kid. My favorite TT book is actually a series. Have you ever read Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander Series? It is by far some of the richest literature out there today.
But I did love The Time Travler's Wife as well.

Miss_Yves said...

Thank you very much for this advice!
I love your way of dispatching all these watches .

Vicki Lane said...

So many folks whose opinions I trust have raved about Gabaldon, but the one I tried just didn't catch me. It may just not have been the right eime for me to read the book -- I'll givr it another try.

Thank you, Miss Yves -- it seemed appropriate.

maría cecilia said...

Hi Vicki, I´m so sorry not being a good reader, I have all the books I once red just for decoration. In vacation time I take some books with me, mostly novels from latin writers, like Isabel Allende, Angeles Mastreta, Marcela Serrano and I think this is it.
Cariños
Maria Cecilia

Vicki Lane said...

No apologies needed, Maria Cecelia! You evidently spend your time most wisely with your roses!

Vagabonde said...

I am pleased that you recommended this book. When I went to the Cobb County Library Book Sale in September it was one of the books I purchased (at $1 each). Now I shall take it with me on my Christmas trip. I did not read any comments you received in case someone mentioned too much of the story or how it ends.