(This is a long one, just to warn you)
So I think it's time that I mentioned some of my thoughts on the book that dominated my free time for nearly a week and has frequented my thoughts ever since – The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I was totally captivated by this book.
1. The love story is central and strong – but definitely not cheesy or over the top. I think the plot and time line seem completely original, yet I know many love stories and novels about time travel have been written.
2. There is a point at which Clare meets Henry for the first time and vice-versa; but one knows the other first. While reading there are continual thoughts about the inevitability of their relationships. Their love and lives together are simply fact, not even fate. But that's not depressing, just thought provoking. The plot seems totally reliant on the wacky time line, and yet it feels more like time is reliant on Harry and Clare. This wacky time line means that it is important to tell the age of the main characters (Henry and Clare) at the beginning of each section of time, but this is distracting at first... the only downfall in my opinion although it's totally necessary. After awhile you just glance at it and refer to eat if necessary.
3. The flitting back and forth in time, affecting the past while old and young, the future while young and old, and the present as normal, young and old lead me to think about the possible inevitabilites of life (not just their relationship). What I am doing now my future self has already done, if time works like that – whoa what a mind trip!
4. At first it seems like Henry knows everything before Clare, but at some point (when Clare is 20) Clare knows more than Henry. There is no chance to feel sorry for one more than the other. Their relationship is completely unlike “normal,” but they are still just trying to do their best. For this I could relate to them. Niffenegger did a great job of making these characters believable despite the improbable timeline.
5. My work colleague said that it was “science fiction for women.” Which I can understand as he's a fan of science fiction but his girlfriend made him read this book. I don't want to agree with him, I don't think it's as simple as that. There is time travel and discussions of “medical science” in it but I don't think the dominating love story has to be just for women, nor do I think the science has to be only for men (yes, I am a feminist – no I will not vote for John McCain just because he has chosen a female running mate). I think the plot and time line are what they are and can be enjoyed by any gender. I do know men who like fiction, not just science fiction... and I also know women who much prefer science fiction to anything else.
6. Niffenegger tells the end of the plot about 100 pages before the end – but like the rest of the book that just made me want to read more because it wasn't the end of the story. This book stresses that life or even just this story wasn't about the beginning, middle or end it was about all of it – including the transitions between each stage, despite which comes first.
It's such a complicated love story. And Niffenegger never seems to get confused by it, which means the reader never gets confused by it either (although I'm sure you all are probably confused by my explination by now). As someone who has romantically dreamed of being a novelist since I was very young, I marvel at Niffenegger's ingenuity and creativity and engaging style. I'm sure I will be reading this again and loaning my copy to everyone I can. And anyone who wants to have a conversation about the book please, please, please comment.
be organized from the very beginning
2 weeks ago
2 comments:
Yes, yes, yes! When I started the book, I remember thinking (and perhaps even saying to my mom), "I don't get it yet, but I think I'm going to like it." I felt that the little bit of confusion/whirlwind plot was probably just how Henry felt when Clare showed up and knew everything about him. And I loved how even though she had known him her whole life (and he knew her for most of her life) they were still able to surprise each other and experience new things together. It makes me want to go out and buy another copy because my friend Laura has mine and I want to reread it right now! I've always described this book as a love story with time travel - it's not about time travel. And at the same time, I hate to classify it as a love story, because it's not a cheesy romance novel either, because the time travel element gives you so much to think about. I agree with your statement of "fact, not fate" as well.
I read TTW for the first time about four years ago (and reread it three or four times since) and still I think about it from time to time. Love it. And I'm so glad you liked it, too.
You are so right, it's a story about people affected by time travel as well as other parts of their lives. Although it's what makes their story different it's not the basis of the story - but it's not romance for sure. It's about life. It's about the lives of two people who love each other and they many ways they are affected.
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