The Time Traveller’s Wife-Review

Intro

What if your soulmate had some condition that forced them to leave you for extended periods? What if they were someone who you love but often just weren’t there for you? Well, The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger explores the complexity of relationships and illness through a veritable cocktail of science fiction and romance that hits a few notes.

Writing

Henry DeTamble has a genetic condition that causes him to move forwards and backward through time involuntarily, so when he is in his forties, he meets six-year-old Clare Abshire, who will become his wife. This story then explores the problematic relationship between these two people via alternating perspectives as they fall in love and eventually try to live everyday life. According to Audrey Niffenegger, this story is supposed to be a metaphor for her failed relationships until the creation of The Time Traveller's Wife. I have to admit I never saw that while reading it. Perhaps it's because of my lack of failed relationships (because I don’t have any), but I read it as a metaphor for someone struggling with a disability and their spouse. I would have assumed this was the case if I hadn’t known about Niffenegger’s authorial intent. I respect Niffenegger’s intent, but I didn’t read that in the text.

There have been complaints that the tone is melodramatic, and yes, sometimes the tone dips into the tragic angst one often finds in romance dramas. However, the tone fits well with the topic. Romance is often very melodramatic; the emotions are highly strung in romantic relationships, and with the added existential angst of time travel, the story earns its allowance of melodrama.

I liked the relationship between Clare and Henry; both have excellent chemistry and great voices, regardless of age. Niffenegger does a great job of characterizing Clarie and Henry with unique personalities and perspectives. These two characters hold the book together.

Conclusion

Sure, The Time Traveller’s Wife is melodramatic, and the science-fiction elements seem a bit weak. But the premise itself is melodramatic; romance is melodramatic. The time travelling metaphor is a little confusing in its implementation, but it's a solid read. And there were times when the book got to me. A good read for housewives on the beach who want some fantastical elements in their tragic romance.

Acknowledgments

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