The Time Traveler's Wife
Monday, November 15, 2004 at 7:41AM 1 Comment Last night's book club was for The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. Ms. Niffenegger was recently in town to discuss the book, and those who had attended her presentation were able to impart a bit more of the author's perspective, which made it interesting. This book received the most overall positive feedback of any we've read this year, and the most positive reaction since The Corrections.
In the book, Henry DeTamble has a genetic mutation that causes him to involuntarily time travel to points that have psychological significance to him. The course of the novel explores Henry's relationship with Clare, who is not "chronologically challenged." When Clare is young, an older Henry guides her development; when Clare ages and meets Henry in her present, he doesn't recognize her because he hasn't yet met her. These sort of time loops provide both charm and a bit of frustration.
The Time Traveler's Wife is a love story and has elements of chick-lit, but they are not overwhelming and I wouldn't characterize the book as a "women's novel." It's quite unique in its non-linear approach to storytelling, as it jumps around in time and narration.
I understand that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston purchased film rights to the novel and are set to star as the novel's primary characters, Henry and Clare. I am not sure that I see these particular actors in these particular roles, but they have both proven to me that they can handle the meaty roles (Aniston in The Good Girl and Pitt in Fight Club, among others). I hope they do it justice, as the work deserves proper treatment.
Reader Comments (1)
Thank you and Jen for lending me the book. I just loved it. Me being an actress, couldn't help but think of what a great movie it would make.