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Such a great idea for a story and Niffenegger painted this beautifully. This book was a thrill to read. Highly recommended. However, I think it would have best been left alone, and not made into a movie. The many plot lines were captivating and the characters effervescent and charming. I cried like a baby.
Claire doesn't know what to make of it, but time marches on in a linear fashion for her, and soon she meets Henry at the library where he works. He believes it's a genetic abnormality and he can't control it. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is an unconventional romance and an atypical science fiction novel, blending both genres as well as sprinkling in a dab of social commentary to create a very human novel.The novel starts with Claire waiting for Henry, a predominate theme in the book. Claire finally gives birth to a girl, Alba, when she is thirty. She develops an eccentric relationship with the time traveling Henry, which to Niffenegger's credit, works and doesn't come off as creepy.
When they meet, he is twenty-eight.Henry leaves his girlfriend, Ingrid, for Claire. Toward the end, Claire sheds her traditional role to become a more modern woman. Henry, it is revealed, has been time traveling since he was five years old, after a visit to a museum, that had a profound effect on him. He recalls first traveling through time to visit Claire when she is six. Early in the book, there is an unusual scene when Claire is thirteen which her father and brother keep her from Henry. Soon, they learn that Alba can time travel, too.Henry's time traveling takes a toll on his body. Claire has several miscarriages before the doctors realize they have to suppress her immune system to get her to carry to term. If anything, the story lags a little since it blends romance and science fiction without committing to either.
The pace isn't fast, nor does the story drag. Claire is used to Henry's time traveling and accepts him for what he is. Then he involuntarily time travels to the past, and since he can't run away, he's shot by deer hunters when Claire is thirteen. What makes Niffenegger's story a gem, is her creative take on time traveling, making it a genetic condition, thus not conforming to traditional time traveling norms."The Time Traveler's Wife" is an intriguing read that will leave the reader experiencing Henry and Claire's highs and lows right along with them.
Book Review for: "The Time Traveler's Wife"Written by: Audrey NiffeneggerISBN: 978-0-15-602943-8Harcourt Publishing536 pages$14.954 StarsNiffenegger weaves a tale of intrigue and love - one that remains strong through decades of uncertainties. Niffenegger writes in a very "up front" style. Her characters are believable. Claire is twenty. He gets frostbite on his feet which have to be amputated.
After seeing their friends, Charisse and Gomez, have children, they try to have one of their own. Her husband, Henry, travels through time. The story is told using a journal entry form from Claire and Henry's perspective, which works well. The reason for his time traveling abilities are given here, which to Niffenegger's credit, is a creative take on the concept. It moves from event to event with concise precision. Claire is thirty-eight when he dies.The plot is tight. It's easy enough to read, but very direct. Henry and Claire are in love, but it seems a given and not a discovery.
Claire and Henry meet as adults. Claire is an artist and Henry works in a library. In a way, Claire embodies a very traditional female role in waiting for Henry, while he has numerous adventures as a time traveler, taking on a more traditional male role. The novel takes place between 1968 and 2008. Niffenegger's explanation of Henry's time traveling abilities is plausible, making the story work. Henry seeks out a genetic counselor. Young Claire soon gets used to a man popping out of time to see her. After meeting each other's family, they marry.The couple tries to live as normal a life as they can.
Its a good read & I didn't want to put it down. I see all the critisim & if you are a sincerer reader that can by-pass some ill-language & use your imagination a little, then you will be fine. I would recommend for the open minded, hopeless romantic anyday. I loved this book, I felt it was well written & altho confusing at times when following the time travel, the most important questions were answered. I'm not an avid book club reader by any means, but I know a decent writer & book subject & this one has what it takes to keep you interested & involved with the characters.
It is a very quick read and it has you wanting more. I very much enjoyed this book.
It is such a good mix of science, fantasy, and love. One of my favorites.
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