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The Man Who Lost Track of Time: A Transformational Short Story on Time, Purpose, and What Really Matters
What happens when you finally have everything you ever wanted, but you've never felt worse? This thought-provoking, philosophical novella follows successful lawyer Jonathan as he searches for meaning beyond ambition.
Jonathan spent his childhood deprived of food, attention, and love. Decades later, he is now a wealthy, award-winning lawyer with every material comfort money can buy. By all accounts, he has "won" at life.
So, why is he so deeply unhappy?
When a long-lost childhood friend gives him a mysterious gift—a broken pocket watch—Jonathan is compelled to confront what the true measure of time should be and what is truly important in life.
Guided by the profound insights of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, The Man Who Lost Track of Time is a tender and transformational short story about rediscovering purpose, embracing our inner leadership, and recognizing the impact we have on others—often in the smallest, most human moments.
Fans of The Alchemist and The Time Keeper will love this soulful, modern fable about time, healing, and the courage to lead a life of meaning.
Jonathan spent his childhood deprived of food, attention, and love. Decades later, he is now a wealthy, award-winning lawyer with every material comfort money can buy. By all accounts, he has "won" at life.
So, why is he so deeply unhappy?
When a long-lost childhood friend gives him a mysterious gift—a broken pocket watch—Jonathan is compelled to confront what the true measure of time should be and what is truly important in life.
Guided by the profound insights of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, The Man Who Lost Track of Time is a tender and transformational short story about rediscovering purpose, embracing our inner leadership, and recognizing the impact we have on others—often in the smallest, most human moments.
Fans of The Alchemist and The Time Keeper will love this soulful, modern fable about time, healing, and the courage to lead a life of meaning.
76 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2025
About the author
Raphael Kleinmann
1 book4 followersRaphael's journey into the meaning of life began over 50 years ago. Raised in Antwerp, Belgium, he grew up in a family of watchmakers. While they repaired clocks, Raphael was drawn to repairing “inner time”—a theme he brings to life through the character of Horatio in his story, The Man Who Lost Track of Time.
A Board Member and Diplomate of Logo-Philosophy at the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy, Raphael integrates logotherapy—a values-based approach to leadership—into both his storytelling and his leadership roles in global business across the pharmaceutical, medtech, and consumer goods industries.
He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Business Administration from European University and earned an MBA in International Business from the University of San Diego. Fluent in English, French, and Dutch, Raphael is also a passionate traveler, outdoorsman, and active community contributor.
A Board Member and Diplomate of Logo-Philosophy at the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy, Raphael integrates logotherapy—a values-based approach to leadership—into both his storytelling and his leadership roles in global business across the pharmaceutical, medtech, and consumer goods industries.
He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Business Administration from European University and earned an MBA in International Business from the University of San Diego. Fluent in English, French, and Dutch, Raphael is also a passionate traveler, outdoorsman, and active community contributor.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 13, 2025
inspirational
Wow! What a great story, everyone should read this book and apply these principles to their life. I have slowly been learning this outlook on life and what a difference it can make to myself and others.
Wow! What a great story, everyone should read this book and apply these principles to their life. I have slowly been learning this outlook on life and what a difference it can make to myself and others.
May 13, 2025
Wow! What a great story, everyone should read this book and apply these principles to their life. I have slowly been learning this outlook on life and what a difference it can make to myself and others.
December 2, 2025
This is a small yet powerful book about finding meaning in life and delivering its meaning straight from the theme of a well-known book and ideology. It could easily be a one-sitting knockout that I somehow stretched over a couple days, but I attribute that to my own distracted self.
We follow Jonathan, an ungrateful prick of an OT hoarding, self-absorbed lawyer and the events that bring him to finally pause and appreciate the world around him, and yes it has a direct link to time tick-tock tick-tock.
Kleinmann actually had a table setup at my local Barnes where he was chatting with customers and signing autos; real nice guy. He mentioned the Frankl book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” refers to it a few times throughout the book, and has an afterword that describes the psychology of logotherapy. Briefly, thankfully. There is a level of cheese here that books like this need to have in order to work, where I roll my eyes while a little tear develops in the corner of one of them. After our main character has started the worldly process of improvement, he meets a young woman in a wheelchair who at one point is interrupted by a phone call then hangs up and says, “my helper is here to bring me to the children’s hospital where I’ll be singing later;” I found this amusingly and too perfectly fitting and she turns out to be a large inspiration for the character’s later humble years.
Overall I enjoyed this actually more than the book the writer was largely inspired by; maybe because he didn’t treat his audience like he was in a college psychology course.
We follow Jonathan, an ungrateful prick of an OT hoarding, self-absorbed lawyer and the events that bring him to finally pause and appreciate the world around him, and yes it has a direct link to time tick-tock tick-tock.
Kleinmann actually had a table setup at my local Barnes where he was chatting with customers and signing autos; real nice guy. He mentioned the Frankl book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” refers to it a few times throughout the book, and has an afterword that describes the psychology of logotherapy. Briefly, thankfully. There is a level of cheese here that books like this need to have in order to work, where I roll my eyes while a little tear develops in the corner of one of them. After our main character has started the worldly process of improvement, he meets a young woman in a wheelchair who at one point is interrupted by a phone call then hangs up and says, “my helper is here to bring me to the children’s hospital where I’ll be singing later;” I found this amusingly and too perfectly fitting and she turns out to be a large inspiration for the character’s later humble years.
Overall I enjoyed this actually more than the book the writer was largely inspired by; maybe because he didn’t treat his audience like he was in a college psychology course.
October 16, 2025
This story beautifully explores life, meaning, and what truly matters …not the pursuit of perfection, or the being the best at your job, or having the most money…but the pursuit of purpose. It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t about having everything figured out, but about choosing how we respond when things fall apart. I love how it has a quote that really resonated with me- the idea that “our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude” -Viktor Frankl
June 17, 2025
In this short but powerful novel, Kleinmann provides a clear example of a man who benefits from the principal teachings of Logotherapy. In the story, Jonathan a successful attorney finds himself alone and sick from the career-focused life he leads. After a life-altering return to his roots, Jonathan discovers that he can change his present situation by centering his life on something deeper, in his case, publishing narratives that give hope. His self-discovery is an effort to find peace, joy and calm in his life. The focus is on the present and finding meaning in life and recentering yourself to chase quality rather than quantity. The author also suggest that Logotherapy, an approach discovered by Victor Frankl, can be a source of healing and redirection for all people who are stuck chasing material goods and careers at the expense of helping others.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! #selfgrowth #meaningful
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! #selfgrowth #meaningful
June 17, 2025
For those who love stories that gently intertwine memory, dreams, and the search for meaning, this book is a quiet treasure.
The Man Who Lost Track of Time definitely captured my attention and kept me intrigued from start to finish. It’s beautifully interlaced between past and present, the real and the dreamlike, creating a layered experience that touches both heart and mind.
This is not just a story about one man’s crisis—it’s about the soul’s journey toward remembering what truly matters. Through unexpected connections and tender moments of clarity, the narrative leads us to reflect on our own choices, longings, and what gives our life a sense of direction.
It’s a short read, but it lingers. A heartfelt, soulful journey that invites the reader to pause and reflect: What is life asking of me?
Highly recommended for those who enjoy thoughtful, quietly powerful storytelling that stays with you long after the last page.
The Man Who Lost Track of Time definitely captured my attention and kept me intrigued from start to finish. It’s beautifully interlaced between past and present, the real and the dreamlike, creating a layered experience that touches both heart and mind.
This is not just a story about one man’s crisis—it’s about the soul’s journey toward remembering what truly matters. Through unexpected connections and tender moments of clarity, the narrative leads us to reflect on our own choices, longings, and what gives our life a sense of direction.
It’s a short read, but it lingers. A heartfelt, soulful journey that invites the reader to pause and reflect: What is life asking of me?
Highly recommended for those who enjoy thoughtful, quietly powerful storytelling that stays with you long after the last page.
June 22, 2025
It’s one of those rare books that make you reflect on your life, your decisions, and what truly matters. I am so grateful to have picked up a copy; it has made such a positive impact on me. Recommend!
June 17, 2025
For those who love stories that gently intertwine memory, dreams, and the search for meaning, this book is a quiet treasure.
The Man Who Lost Track of Time definitely captured my attention and kept me intrigued from start to finish. It’s beautifully interlaced between past and present, the real and the dreamlike, creating a layered experience that touches both heart and mind.
This is not just a story about one man’s crisis—it’s about the soul’s journey toward remembering what truly matters. Through unexpected connections and tender moments of clarity, the narrative leads us to reflect on our own choices, longings, and what gives our life a sense of direction.
It’s a short read, but it lingers. A heartfelt, soulful journey that invites the reader to pause and reflect: What is life asking of me?
Highly recommended for those who enjoy thoughtful, quietly powerful storytelling that stays with you long after the last page.
The Man Who Lost Track of Time definitely captured my attention and kept me intrigued from start to finish. It’s beautifully interlaced between past and present, the real and the dreamlike, creating a layered experience that touches both heart and mind.
This is not just a story about one man’s crisis—it’s about the soul’s journey toward remembering what truly matters. Through unexpected connections and tender moments of clarity, the narrative leads us to reflect on our own choices, longings, and what gives our life a sense of direction.
It’s a short read, but it lingers. A heartfelt, soulful journey that invites the reader to pause and reflect: What is life asking of me?
Highly recommended for those who enjoy thoughtful, quietly powerful storytelling that stays with you long after the last page.
July 6, 2025
This book is a short story based on logotherapy about a man who lives a lonely life and whose sole focus in life is to be successful and rich. We follow that man through out his journey of discovering the true meaning of life and watch him transform his life to the better. The story captures perfectly the sad truth of many people's lives today, where social media and the race for success take over their lives. The story also shows the other side of that, a life with true meaning and purpose, and how easy it is to better ones life with only a change of thinking and a change of attitude.
This is a short story, that I read in one sitting, but it leaves a lasting impact and gives inspiration and something to think about and consider regarding ones own life. Definitely a must read for people who are feeling lost or lonely in life.
This is a short story, that I read in one sitting, but it leaves a lasting impact and gives inspiration and something to think about and consider regarding ones own life. Definitely a must read for people who are feeling lost or lonely in life.
May 12, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
A thought-provoking, life-affirming, and powerful novella - not to be missed!
A thought-provoking, life-affirming, and powerful novella - not to be missed!
July 2, 2025
"Work, money, sex, and power. That was all that mattered".
The Man Who Lost Track of Time is about Jonathan and his quest to find happiness and the true meaning of life. The chapters begin in his early childhood and build up to his current adult life at the age of fifty. Jonathan is introduced as an incredibly successful lawyer in New York about to receive his fifth 'Top Attorney' award, which will go on the highly decorated wall of his career achievements to date.
Hard-hitting, thought-provoking and emotional, this book had it all. From the very start you can feel Jonathan’s loneliness and struggles with the world. His reliance on his own imagination, combined with the stories he was told by his mother as a young boy, shaped him to the driven, hard-working, over-achiever he is now.
I enjoyed the character development throughout the book, and the earlier chapters gave a good insight into his early life and the circumstances that led him to the present. His friendship with Michael was heart-warming, and I got a little emotional that Michael carried the stories Jonathon told him throughout his life and even shared them with his daughter. This was a true reminder that showing kindness to people doesn’t go unnoticed and it can make a real difference in their lives.
This is one of the most powerful books I’ve read. I’d highly recommend it to anyone, particularly someone who feels a little overwhelmed with adulthood and the demands that life brings. Sometimes it’s easy to get lost in the world of commuting and working and forget the value of things in life that truly make us happy. This book has given me a different perspective on the important things around me. I will be reading more about Logotherapy and how beneficial it can be.
The Man Who Lost Track of Time is about Jonathan and his quest to find happiness and the true meaning of life. The chapters begin in his early childhood and build up to his current adult life at the age of fifty. Jonathan is introduced as an incredibly successful lawyer in New York about to receive his fifth 'Top Attorney' award, which will go on the highly decorated wall of his career achievements to date.
Hard-hitting, thought-provoking and emotional, this book had it all. From the very start you can feel Jonathan’s loneliness and struggles with the world. His reliance on his own imagination, combined with the stories he was told by his mother as a young boy, shaped him to the driven, hard-working, over-achiever he is now.
I enjoyed the character development throughout the book, and the earlier chapters gave a good insight into his early life and the circumstances that led him to the present. His friendship with Michael was heart-warming, and I got a little emotional that Michael carried the stories Jonathon told him throughout his life and even shared them with his daughter. This was a true reminder that showing kindness to people doesn’t go unnoticed and it can make a real difference in their lives.
This is one of the most powerful books I’ve read. I’d highly recommend it to anyone, particularly someone who feels a little overwhelmed with adulthood and the demands that life brings. Sometimes it’s easy to get lost in the world of commuting and working and forget the value of things in life that truly make us happy. This book has given me a different perspective on the important things around me. I will be reading more about Logotherapy and how beneficial it can be.
March 4, 2026
The Man Who Lost Track of Time: A Transformational Short Story on Time, Purpose, and Inner Leadership delivers a compact yet resonant meditation on success, meaning, and the illusion of achievement. Raphael Kleinmann crafts a philosophical novella that invites reflection without becoming heavy handed.
Jonathan’s journey from childhood deprivation to outward professional triumph serves as a powerful contrast between material accomplishment and internal fulfillment. The introduction of the broken pocket watch functions as both symbol and catalyst, gently guiding the narrative toward deeper existential inquiry.
Rooted in the principles of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, the story explores responsibility, purpose, and the quiet influence we exert on others. The tone remains tender and contemplative, allowing readers to engage with big ideas in an accessible, story driven format.
At just 60 pages, the novella succeeds as a modern fable concise enough to read in a single sitting, yet layered enough to linger long afterward. For readers drawn to purpose driven fiction in the spirit of allegorical storytelling, this is a thoughtful and inspiring addition to the genre.
Jonathan’s journey from childhood deprivation to outward professional triumph serves as a powerful contrast between material accomplishment and internal fulfillment. The introduction of the broken pocket watch functions as both symbol and catalyst, gently guiding the narrative toward deeper existential inquiry.
Rooted in the principles of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, the story explores responsibility, purpose, and the quiet influence we exert on others. The tone remains tender and contemplative, allowing readers to engage with big ideas in an accessible, story driven format.
At just 60 pages, the novella succeeds as a modern fable concise enough to read in a single sitting, yet layered enough to linger long afterward. For readers drawn to purpose driven fiction in the spirit of allegorical storytelling, this is a thoughtful and inspiring addition to the genre.
September 7, 2025
Raphael Kleinmann’s The Man Who Lost Track of Time is a beautifully written and deeply inspiring book. His words invite you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. The writing is insightful and heartfelt, blending wisdom with a refreshing sense of hope that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Kleinmann has a rare ability to turn profound ideas into something relatable and actionable. This book isn’t just meant to be read — it’s meant to be felt. It challenges you to think differently about your own journey and leaves you motivated to live with more meaning and intention.
A brilliant, moving, and unforgettable read.
Kleinmann has a rare ability to turn profound ideas into something relatable and actionable. This book isn’t just meant to be read — it’s meant to be felt. It challenges you to think differently about your own journey and leaves you motivated to live with more meaning and intention.
A brilliant, moving, and unforgettable read.
June 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a quick read, but it hits surprisingly deep. Jonathan’s story pulled me in right away—he seems to have everything, but something’s clearly missing. When he’s given this old pocket watch, it sets off a journey that’s both emotional and thought-provoking. The story made me reflect on what really matters in life without being heavy or preachy. It’s simple, relatable, and honestly kind of moving. Definitely worth reading if you’re feeling stuck or just want something meaningful and uplifting.
April 15, 2026
Wonderful story that I feel everyone should apply to their lives, it had me thinking after I finished it which not a lot of books do in this manner. It had me thinking on what changes I could make for my future to become more fulfilled and happy. I recommend everyone giving this a shot, never know what good you could gleam from it to apply to your own life!
July 6, 2025
What an inspiring story! This book is a must-read, its principles have the power to truly transform lives. I've been gradually adopting this mindset, and it's made a meaningful difference in both my own life and the lives of those around me.
July 10, 2025
Wow! What an amazing story, everyone should read this book and incorporate these principles into their lives. I've been gradually embracing this perspective, and it has made a remarkable difference for both myself and those around me.
July 6, 2025
This book is a captivating and well-crafted story that keeps you engaged from start to finish with its thoughtful writing!
September 7, 2025
Raphael Kleinmann’s The Man Who Lost Track of Time is a beautifully written and deeply inspiring book. His words invite you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. The writing is insightful and heartfelt, blending wisdom with a refreshing sense of hope that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Kleinmann has a rare ability to turn profound ideas into something relatable and actionable. This book isn’t just meant to be read — it’s meant to be felt. It challenges you to think differently about your own journey and leaves you motivated to live with more meaning and intention.
A brilliant, moving, and unforgettable read.
Kleinmann has a rare ability to turn profound ideas into something relatable and actionable. This book isn’t just meant to be read — it’s meant to be felt. It challenges you to think differently about your own journey and leaves you motivated to live with more meaning and intention.
A brilliant, moving, and unforgettable read.
July 27, 2025
This is a long short story (76 pages) about an unpleasant man who turns his life to the good after receiving a gift in the will of an old friend who he abandoned thirty years previously. Essentially this is a pitch for Viktor Frankl’s ideas about logotherapy. Not one for me.
There were a number of formatting issues with my copy which meant that on Kindle every full stop appeared as a �. There were some other errors, but this was the most serious. This made it very challenging to read the story and needs to be resolved before publication.
Thank you to NetGalley for making an advance copy of this book available for review. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own, following a full read of the book.
There were a number of formatting issues with my copy which meant that on Kindle every full stop appeared as a �. There were some other errors, but this was the most serious. This made it very challenging to read the story and needs to be resolved before publication.
Thank you to NetGalley for making an advance copy of this book available for review. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own, following a full read of the book.
June 30, 2025
Jonathan was raised with his mother's love and stories and then little else. His mother was forced to give him up and Jonathan was raised in a group home where he became friends with another boy.
Jonathan grew up to be a lawyer and concentrated on getting ahead and ensuring that he had all those luxuries that escaped his grasp as a child. His friend's life took another path and it took a broken watch in bring Jonathan's life back into focus.
This novella is only 76 pages. Take the time to read it. I'm glad that I did.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Raphael Kleinmann for approving my request to read the advance read copy of The Man Who Lost Track of Time in exchange for an honest review.
Jonathan grew up to be a lawyer and concentrated on getting ahead and ensuring that he had all those luxuries that escaped his grasp as a child. His friend's life took another path and it took a broken watch in bring Jonathan's life back into focus.
This novella is only 76 pages. Take the time to read it. I'm glad that I did.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Raphael Kleinmann for approving my request to read the advance read copy of The Man Who Lost Track of Time in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a quick read, but it hits surprisingly deep. Jonathan’s story pulled me in right away—he seems to have everything, but something’s clearly missing. When he’s given this old pocket watch, it sets off a journey that’s both emotional and thought-provoking. The story made me reflect on what really matters in life without being heavy or preachy. It’s simple, relatable, and honestly kind of moving. Definitely worth reading if you’re feeling stuck or just want something meaningful and uplifting.
June 22, 2025
It’s one of those rare books that make you reflect on your life, your decisions, and what truly matters. I am so grateful to have picked up a copy; it has made such a positive impact on me. Recommend!
July 10, 2025
Wow! What an amazing story, everyone should read this book and incorporate these principles into their lives. I've been gradually embracing this perspective, and it has made a remarkable difference for both myself and those around me.
July 6, 2025
It’s one of those rare books that make you reflect on your life, your decisions, and what truly matters. I am so grateful to have picked up a copy; it has made such a positive impact on me.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews