Time Traveler's Wife I

Dear wife people,

I must admit that my expectations of The Time Traveler’s Wife were no short of poor. I am not one for romance novels, and this science fiction-y one was no exception. Which isn’t to say that I’m dissatisfied- no, I rather prefer my cruel outlook as it better provides an opportunity to critique. Of the many things for which I can be glad, I am glad that this book at least attempts to interest me, unlike some popular teenage romance novels... Yes, although I rank romance novels below those of almost any other genre, I cannot deny that some are better than others. Volumes better.

So, rather than dwell on my dislike of the matter and my immature prejudice towards it’s genre, I’ll focus more on what you, fellow readers, might like to hear from me. What is your favorite part of the book so far? Is it one of the characters, the writing style, perhaps? Is it the concept and execution of the time traveler alone? I found it interesting the way time traveling was pursued by the author… she tells it through his eyes as a negative experience, something to dread rather than anticipate. But indeed our hero must try to anticipate it at all times, wherever he is, to whenever else he is thrown.

To call time-traveling negative is probably considered by many to be inhuman, indeed, for it is everyone’s dream to travel even a few minutes or seconds back in time. So when we are confronted with time travel as something to dread, it is alien, isn’t it? I couldn’t dream of a more other-worldly prospect. That was interesting for me… an attempt by the author, perhaps, to ground the possibility of time travel.

Finally, the thing I have to say about this book is that the characters left me annoyed. Particularly in the beginning of the book, in Clare’s first entry, how she describes her longing for her husband and confronts him boldly and physically with affection even though she is well aware that he hasn’t met her yet. I can see why this would be relevant, yes, it is definitely an homage to undying love. For anyone who is truly in love would not care if their partner felt similarly, no? But it felt much too soon in the novel to introduce their affair. It was much too prompt. I could not understand why Clare felt the need to bombard her unknowing victim with affection even though she knew it was not mutual. I'd prefer to see the relationship develop before having it shoved in my face. Then again, the book explicitly states even in its’ title that this story is one of love faced with the supernatural.

My negative thoughts could be because I find the whole immortal nature of love concept to be sappy and overplayed, which is at best a shallow opinion. However, I am eager to hear what you all have to say about it, if not solely because I cannot find it in myself to speak well of it.

Sincerely, Irene