In recognition that I read much more than I can think cogently about, here are some quick thoughts on Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife.
It’s a wonderful concept. Here’s the story of a guy, Henry, and a gal, Clare. Henry can time travel, but he can’t control it. He just disappears and flits from when to when. Clare met Henry when she was six and he was in his thirties. It’s a beautiful love story that spans a lifetime together.
I love the narration and the character sculpting. Everyone feels unique and weird enough. I give demerits for the dialogue, though. At times, it reads more like theatre than a book. The conversations are so snappy, references so witty and quick, maybe even a bit too arch. It wasn’t bad enough to set it down, but at times the characters interactions feel too ideal. But as far as couples go, Henry & Clare really aren’t that normal, so maybe that’s okay.
But Henry and Clare still lack for drama in their lives, and most of the action just doesn’t feel that special. Some marital issues come later, but feel too compressed to make an impact. After more than 500 pages, the Moment never came. High drama it is not. This is a pastorale on companionship, patience, loyalty. For what it lacks in adventure, I suppose it gives enough in mind-warping hypothesis. Read it.
Mark Larson 