- Hardcover: 518 pages
- Publisher: Jonathan Cape Ltd; 1st edition (1 Jan 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0224071912
- ISBN-13: 978-0224071918
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.6 x 4.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1,211 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 184,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Review
Every once in a blue moon a novel turns up which has a magic all of its own. Such a book was In the Place of Fallen Leaves by Tim Pears back in 1993; and now here is another heralded by Dan Franklin, publishing director of Cape, as a book "everyone falls in love with". How right he is. It's the story of Henry and Claire, who meet when Claire is aged six and Henry in his 30s. They were married when Claire was 20 and Henry 28, which is possible because Henry can time travel. It is not science fiction, but a love story with a difference - a wonderful, strange and original novel which is both moving and funny - you must get a copy and read it. I can't praise it too highly. Film rights bought by New Line Cinema in association with Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
You magazine, Mail on Sunday, 21st December 2003
'A magical debut novel'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
252 of 266 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
At first glance, this book might seem like a gimmick book - the idea of a man who time travels to various parts of his own, his wife's, and other's lifetimes seems like a plot gimmick that won't hold up beyond the first chapter, but it's not! In fact, the whole time-travelling thing is just a vehicle for one of the most moving, tragic love stories I have read in quite a while.
The Time Traveler's Wife tells the intruiging story of Clare and Henry, who meet when Claire is 6 and Henry is 36 but marry when Claire is 20 and Henry 28. It describes in dramatic detail, their unusual meeting, and their lives together and not. Their story is full of up and downs - Clare can never be sure when Henry will disappear next, where to, or when he will come back. This adds a certain fleetingness and intensity to their relationship, particularily the earlier parts. As the book continues, it adds more flesh and detail to the two central characters; their friends, family, and relationships before and after they met each other. This ensures that the characters are well developed and described - not just reflections of each other.
This book is beautifully written, poignant and incredibly moving - I would recommend it highly.
360 of 384 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Bought this after browsing through people's book lists on this site (a great place to find new books!) and finally started reading it yesterday. And finished reading it. It's a massive book so that should give an indication of how much I enjoyed it!
Reading other reviews here should have already given you an idea of the story's content, so I suggest you do what I did and just buy it. I tried not to let myself be too influenced by the reviews here, other than by being convinced that I would enjoy it - and I was right. I really, really enjoyed it and read it on the outward and return journeys on the train (3 hours each way).
The story is highly original and told from the points of view of Clare and Henry at different points in their lives. This is quite confusing at times but you soon get used to it. What's different and intricate is that you're reading the story out of synch, because Henry can exist in different times as he time travels through his own history. This in itself makes for an intriguing read.
But for me - the crux of the story is about love. Call me an old (young actually) romantic but I just loved this aspect of the story. Before you assume anything, I'm not your typical chick-lit reader - in fact I avoid it like the plague - but this is not typical chick-lit. It's so moving and beautifully told that I had to try not to cry on the train, and spent a long time thinking about it after I'd finished.
I know this review doesn't really say much about the plot but that's because I really think you should buy it and read it with an open mind. Prepare to be entertained - you'll laugh, wonder, and probably cry.
90 of 97 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've never written a review before but felt that I just had to comment on this wonderful book.
This book moved me so much - I laughed and cried. I can't remember the last book that affected me so much. This is a huge book, both in terms of length and themes. It is a beautifully crafted elegy to love, longing and absence. The time travelling concept takes a little getting used to but this is what gives the novel its unique charm. I'm not a sci-fi fan at all but the author handles it with a lightness of touch. It is essentially a love story with a difference. Henry and Clare's relationship is portrayed so compassionately without ever being maudlin. The bitter sweet ending left me in floods of tears - it was as if Henry and Clare were people I knew. There have been a lot of comparisons to "The Lovely Bones". I loved that book too but "The Time Traveler's Wife" is still with me five days after finishing it. It is so rare to find a novel that is original, well written and unafraid of taking on some big themes. The only problem I have now is finding another book to match it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Loved it
This book is absolutely amazing. I've read it twice in the last year. It's one of those books that are nearly impossible to put down. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Music Lover
Nothing I have read since compares - best book I have ever read
I read this in 2006 and was hooked. It is the only book to make me cry. Still one of the best books I have ever read. Such a sweet story and loveable characters. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Jane Austen
Original idea, but it won't set the world alight
An interesting book with a good concept and a decent execution. I'm a bit baffled as to why there has been quite so much hype about it, though. Read more
Published 23 days ago by BookWorm
Poignat, original, good read!
I read this in paperback a few years ago, and liked it very very much. Some interesting ideas...I only had one negative about it that has frustrated me when I think of it... Read more
Published 26 days ago by Sarah-KindleFan
I struggled
I know most of you are bugging out right now, eyes popping, mouth gaping, silently cursing me out for only rating this book three stars, but I struggled with this story. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Beks
wonderful seller, not so sure about the book itself
Book arrived within a couple of days and cost 1p! Can't say better than that! I was recommended it by a friend, but so far I cannot get into to it? Read more
Published 1 month ago by lorna m
Loved it .... squeak !
This book is hands down one of the best books I've ever read. It drew me in and held me suspended. I couldn't breathe until I found out what happened next. Read more
Published 1 month ago by SASFAN
Hysterical black comedy
This is yet another one of my proxy reviews - of a product that is owned by my dear wife. This book was kindly bought for my wife by my sister-in-law some five years ago - thank... Read more
Published 1 month ago by K. K. Jakubczyk
Pleasantly surprised
I only read this book recently and given the hype behind it (and of course the film) I never expected to enjoy it...but I did!! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Good Read Hunter
I'd take it to the desert island
I loved this offbeat sci-fi romance to bits! Sci-fi not in an 'invading-aliens-and-futuristic-toys-for-the-boys' sort of way, but a gentler, low-tech, less outlandish sort of way. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Terry Bond, author
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