Title: The Time Traveler's Wife Author: Audrey Niffenegger type of book: Love story with a little Science Fiction! call number: Fic

This book is strong in character and story.

Summary:
Henry De Tamble, a librarian with "Chrono Displacement" disorder disappears without warning at random times in his life, emerging at various points in the past or the future. This adds a strange element to his relationship with his wife. For example, he first met Clare when he was 28 and she was 20, yet she ran up to him claiming that she'd known him all her life. Later, in his 40s, already married to Clare, he finds himself time traveling into the past, where he meets a six- year-old Clare.

The book alternates between Henry and Clare's points of view. It all sounds quite plausible, and you really feel sorry for Claire, who has to wonder if her husband will be around for their wedding or the birth of their child . . . or will he leave behind a pile of empty clothes? Henry is often in danger during his time travels -- will he return this time?

I would recommend this book!

Why?
This was as innovative as anything I've read. I liked how it depicted the effects of time travel on their marriage. Clare and Henry attempt to live normal lives, pursuing familiar goals -- steady jobs, good friends, children of their own. All of this is threatened by something they can't prevent or control, making their story "intensely moving and entirely unforgettable" as one critic said!

Other suggested reading:

Jack Finney's Time and Again (excellent) and its Titanic-themed sequel From Time to Time (so-so) are the classics in this genre.

Lots of people enjoy Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, but I couldn't get through the first one.

Employee Initials: SB Review Date: February 2004

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