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353rd out of 631 books
—
2,152 voters
Time and Chance
by
Alan Brennert (Goodreads Author)
A classic novel from the bestselling author of Moloka'i and Honolulu
Before Alan Brennert became a bestselling author of historical novels, he wrote this lyrical fantasy in the vein of The Time Traveler’s Wife. Part love story, part deeply affecting character study, it is a literary tour de force chronicling the parallel lives of two men who were once the same man--until,
Before Alan Brennert became a bestselling author of historical novels, he wrote this lyrical fantasy in the vein of The Time Traveler’s Wife. Part love story, part deeply affecting character study, it is a literary tour de force chronicling the parallel lives of two men who were once the same man--until,
Mass Market Paperback, 338 pages
Published
December 10th 1990
by Tor Books
(first published January 1st 1990)
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I read this book, because I wanted to read a book written by Alan Brennert. His book "Molokai" has been highly praised, unfortunately the public library in my area, doesn't have this book in its shelves. So I opted to read another book by this author, namely "Time and Chance".
This book was written before "Molokai", so my disappointment isn't too great. His writing could've only gotten better since "Time and Chance".
The story sounds interesting; the protagonist could've lived two different lives...more
This book was written before "Molokai", so my disappointment isn't too great. His writing could've only gotten better since "Time and Chance".
The story sounds interesting; the protagonist could've lived two different lives...more
It was okay from beginning to end. Many have commented on how this idea of getting to live out your parallel life from the path not taken is so original, but it's been done quite a few times and this was not one of the finest examples. Many of the characters were unlikable and some of the choices the main character, Rick, made seemed drastic and didn't make sense. It had good moments, but there were too many points in the book where I was bored at how predictable the story was.
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Time and Chance is about the journey rather than the destination. It’s a book filled with conflict, love, tenderness and confusion all propped up by an intense emotional thread that seems to compliment the book well, without ever being overdone. If, at points, the plot did seem to lag, it does pick up and recover, especially during the last third of the book. Time and Chance is an impressive character study, which manages to hook the reader while also forcing them to examine their own lives, and...more
I loved the author's other books, Molok'ai and Honolulu, so I knew I would appreciate the writing, however this wasn't as riveting. It's an interesting concept to see how one's life would be different had we made different choices. Brennart made me care about his character, and I liked the homage made to Finney, one of my favorite authors of time travel. I do recommend this. It made me think about, appreciate, and occasionally forgive myself for, the choices I've made.
I am giving up on this book. I loved Molokai by Alan Brennert so I thought I would like this book. Nope. I am giving up, and I rarely openly give up. Usually the book sits dog eared on a shelf for ages. This one is going straight to the donation bin. Every minute thus far has been completely predictable and I don't want to spend the 4-5 hours it will take to get to the end and find out if it gets better.
A real good read. Somewhat confusing concept, but I decided to just let go of reality and enjoy. It wasn't cut and dried neat. One would expect the Rick/Richard thing to balance out even in the end, or else have the selfish one being the one with the most to learn,but this story was too smart for cop-outs. I like that the author didn't take any predictible or easy way out in resolving this strange plot.
well written, skillfully plotted parallel worlds tale... has a lot to say about the human tendency (necessary for decision-making) to reduce bountiful possibilities to either/or binaries (which can become debilitating, if clung to in the years after a key decision is made), and says it well...
This was a sort of fantasy, because the character was able to switch places with the himself who had made a different choice in life, but it takes place in the real, contemporary world. Wonderful book.
I couldn't really get into a parallel life, with the same character having a life the other one wanted and then changing for a season. I would like to actually do it, but it didn't seem real to me.
This is an earlier work by Alan Brennert, the same author of my current FAVORITE book, Moloka'i. This is the sole reason I bought the book. Halfway through it, I was ready to give it only 2 stars. It had an interesting premise (a semi-famous actor switches places with his alter-ego who opted to marry his high school sweetheart instead of pursuing acting), but it just wasn't keeping my interest as the two men sorted through each other's lives. But the last third of the book picked up, and I found...more
Jan 19, 2013
Bookguide
added it
Scott C reviewed this for the Lincoln City Libraries' web site in March 2004: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts...
This is a novel by the author of another novel I enjoyed, Molok'i, but in no way like that novel. This novel addresses the question "what would have happen if I had chosen a different path?" Richard a New York City stage and television actor has a sucessful career but is still not satisfied with his life. Rick is employed by as an insurance claims adjuster, has a wife and two children and has a moderately comfortable life. Richard and Rick are the the same person. They just happen to take differ...more
Not his recent historical fiction and a story not based in reality, but very interesting.
I loved brannerts other two books. This one fell flat for me and did not keep my interest.
Our book club choice. A science-fiction tale of two men swapping the same life. Very sweet.
I loved the smooth story of this book and the way that I was drawn to the characters.
Feb 12, 2013
Annette33
added it
Excellent read! If you like the idea of a parallel universe, you will like this.
Recommended by Aunt Nance 2/13
Interesting concept.
Recommended by Aunt Nance 2/13
-captivating like his later books
-character development almost as good as Honolulu, not as good as Molokai
-an earlier work, more like a twilight zone episode than historical fiction
-character development almost as good as Honolulu, not as good as Molokai
-an earlier work, more like a twilight zone episode than historical fiction
Robert Frost gets a passing mention in the final act of Alan Brennert's satisfying dramatic fantasy, and with good reason: the story is basically an extension of the poet's "The Road Not Taken." Believable characters and a compelling premise that is smoothly executed.
A book written by the author of Molakai in the 1990's.
I thought the book had an interesting subject, but I felt the characters were a little flat.
I thought the book had an interesting subject, but I felt the characters were a little flat.
Nov 21, 2012
Cheryl in CC NV
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-for-mt-tbr-challenge
I expect to enjoy this even more than I did Moloka'i.
Not crazy about the ending, but it was a quick and easy read. Kept me entertained...
May 18, 2013
Tfowler6208
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
Jennifer Sword
marked it as to-read
May 16, 2013
Mandy
marked it as to-read
May 14, 2013
Jose
marked it as to-read
May 13, 2013
Michelle
is currently reading it
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Alan Brennert's newest novel, Palisades Park, comes out 4/9/2013. Alan is the author of the historical novels Honolulu and Moloka'i, which was a 2006-2007 BookSense Reading Group Pick and won the 2006 Bookies Award, sponsored by the Contra Costa Library, for the Book Club Book of the Year. He is also the author of the thought-provoking fantasy novel Time and Chance. In addition to novels, he has w...more
More about Alan Brennert...
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Nov 01, 2011 03:24pm