The approach of New Year’s Eve, and the passing of another significant chunk of time, has me thinking about one of my favorite books, The Time Traveler’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger.  I highly recommend this science fiction romance, but don’t expect aliens or space ships.

The Interesting Premise

The Time Traveler’s Wife tells the compelling story of Clare and Henry DeTamble and the love they share despite extremely difficult circumstances.  Henry suffers from “Chrono Displacement.” Translation: he spontaneously gets sucked through time, without warning, and wherever time drops him, he’s naked and vulnerable.

Needless to say, Henry is somewhat jaded.  But Clare, with her faithful and constant love, grounds him.  She makes his life, horrific as it can sometimes be, worth living.

Why It Works So Well

The Time Traveler’s Wife enthralled me not only with its unique premise, but also because its characters experience very real, identifiable emotions within extraordinary situations.

For example, one chapter from Clare’s point of view starts with the statement:  “Sometimes I like it when Henry is gone.”  She goes on to explain why; when he’s absent, he can’t complain about the music she plays or leave a mess in the bathroom.  But the last line of the chapter expresses an emotion that I think many spouses can relate to:  “Sometimes I like it when Henry is gone, but I’m always glad when he comes back.”

Henry’s often gone because he unpredictably disappears into some other year; my husband is often gone for his job.  But the missing part, that’s the same.

Niffenegger describes pain and joy with incredible honesty;I folded down several page corners that hit a special place in my heart.  Also, Henry and Clare exchange witty dialogue, and I can’t resist intelligent characters.

Finally, I related very well to Clare, a red headed artist.  Perhaps too well.  (See below)  In one scene, Clare describes how she uses pastels to paint a picture of someone special to her.  I could see the colors she chose, named in artfully appropriate terms like “burnt umber” or “sienna.”

Words of Warning

I could gush for hours about The Time Traveler’s Wife, but let me temper my praise with a few cautions.

First, the narrative bounces through time, like Henry, and switches between the point of view of Henry and Clare.  Some may find this confusing, but Niffenegger lists the POV character and the date at the beginning of each chapter.  Attentive word nerds should manage fine.

Second, if you have a soul, you will cry.  Or, maybe I just got too far inside Clare’s head, as I tend to do with characters.

Third, Henry and Clare share a passionate relationship, and Niffenegger doesn’t shy away from specifics.  Tender eyes beware.

My emphatic recommendation

The Time Traveler’s Wife tells the fantastic story of loving someone across time, despite obstacles.  Don’t miss out on the experience.

Have you read The Time Traveler’s Wife?  What did you think?  Or, can you recommend another book that addresses the theme of time?  Share your suggestions below.

Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!