The Time Traveler's Wife in Bloggers Unite™

Aug 20, 2010 Stuart Aken rated it it was amazing

Occasionally, though by no means often, I finish a book and think, 'I wish I'd written that!' Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveller's Wife is one such book. As a major movie has been adapted from the novel, it came with the baggage of exaggerated claims from the movie industry publicity machines. But I have not seen the film and was, in fact, initially introduced to the novel via that excellent readers' website, Goodreads.
I was interested from the opening paragraph, intrigued by the end of th Occasionally, though by no means often, I finish a book and think, 'I wish I'd written that!' Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveller's Wife is one such book. As a major movie has been adapted from the novel, it came with the baggage of exaggerated claims from the movie industry publicity machines. But I have not seen the film and was, in fact, initially introduced to the novel via that excellent readers' website, Goodreads.
I was interested from the opening paragraph, intrigued by the end of the first chapter, mildly concerned it might be too long somewhere around the middle, revived very shortly afterwards, and then compelled to read to the end.
The story is different, clever, fascinating, well-told and satisfying. I will give no clues (most are in the title) to those who have neither read the book nor seen the film) but simply suggest you read this book.
The characters are wonderfully drawn; real people who live extraordinary lives against a landscape which is superbly described.
The relationships are crafted with empathy and understanding so that I read on an emotional roller-coaster (if you'll forgive the slip into cliché).
Rarely do I come across a book in which all the elements are good. In this one, I discovered them to be as near to perfect as you can hope for.
And, rather sneakily (though in line with the need for authors and publishers to promote their wares in this world of too many books) the publishers have included a taster of this writer's next book, Her Perfect Symmetry, and this has now been added to my 'to read' list. But, unfortunately, it will have to wait until I have re-acquainted myself with the set texts my daughter is studying for her upcoming A level exams, as that is time sensitive.
As for The Time Traveller's Wife, I hope I've made it clear I not only enjoyed this book but admire the writer's craft and artistry. If anyone reading this has both read the book and seen the film, I'd appreciate your comments so I can decide whether the film is worth viewing. I recommend the book without qualification.
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Nov 09, 2010 Grace Elliot rated it really liked it

An enthralling read with some genuine emotionally challenging chapters. Quite a complicated idea and not totally convinced that the author hadnt changed the ground rules towards the end...but there we are. Glad I read it.

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Aug 28, 2010 Jen rated it it was ok

I think I would have enjoyed this book alot more if I had read it before I saw the movie....

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Jun 05, 2010 Cara Best rated it really liked it

I liked this ok, just cannot imagine myself being married to someone who is constatly gone who knows when.

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May 04, 2010 Madge rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I think that over all, this was a really great read, but there were times when I had to ask myself why I was still reading. It's not a very short book, which normally doesn't bother me, but this story dragged on at times. The concept was different and it's obvious that the author spent a lot of time on research for various parts of this book. I would recommend it to someone looking for an unconventional love story. It's definitely worth reading once. ...more

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