Readers of Mitch Albom’s previous novels will be familiar with his style of writing and “The Time Keeper” is no exception. Here we have the familiar mystical story with a message – a modern fairy tale almost. The novel introduces us to Father Time and how he came to be. More importantly we’re also introduced to two modern day characters, Sarah and Victor, and are given a glimpse of their lives. Sarah is a high school student, Victor a wealthy old man. Neither have anything in common and have never met. However for both of these characters time is important. As the novel progresses we’re given a glimpse of each characters life and begin to understand why time is important to them and how Father Time interacts with them.

Mitch Albom’s pared down style makes this a quick and easy read, however I would have liked to know more about the lives and family of both Sarah and Victor, rather than just the brief snapshot we are given.

Overall the message given in the book made this a worthwhile read – in a modern day world were time seems to control everything we do, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, year by year - we need to slow down and be thankful for what we have.