From Publishers Weekly
This clever and inventive tale works on three levels: as an intriguing science fiction concept, a realistic character study and a touching love story. Henry De Tamble is a Chicago librarian with "Chrono Displacement" disorder; at random times, he suddenly disappears without warning and finds himself in the past or future, usually at a time or place of importance in his life. This leads to some wonderful paradoxes. From his point of view, he first met his wife, Clare, when he was 28 and she was 20. She ran up to him exclaiming that she'd known him all her life. He, however, had never seen her before. But when he reaches his 40s, already married to Clare, he suddenly finds himself time travelling to Clare's childhood and meeting her as a six-year-old. The book alternates between Henry and Clare's points of view, and so does the narration.
.--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Meeting Summary:
In attendance were Jen, Alex, Jolene, Lisa, Phil and Stella. We ate Pad Thai, pot stickers, fried shrimp, croissants, sushi, coffee cake, sorbet, and ice cream. We drank apple juice, beer, and water.
Overall the book was enjoyed, with readers enjoying the time travel aspect and the characters. The sad ending weas emotional for everyone and the uniquemess of the story and the premise was fun.
Criticisms included a lack of distinction between the male and female "voices" and unnecessary detail in descriptions of intimate relations.
The paradoxes inherent with any time travel premise were discussed, and it was concluded that a suspension of disbelief needs to happen in order for someone to fully enjoy the novel.
The discussion was lengthy and animated, the food was delicious and filling, the cat behaved and Lisa did not go into labor.
A successful meeting!
