The Time Traveler’s Wife
I haven’t seen the movie, and only picked up the book at the weekend. I found it very addictive, and can see why it has become so popular.
The way Niffenegger lets the story unfold, starting with the first time Henry meets Clare (but not the first time Clare meets Henry) is superb. She uses the time travel to let parts of their story be slowly pealed back, like an orange.
There are many warm and happy moments in the book, and not not a huge amount of suspense (as Henry and Clare both know parts of the future). The final scores of pages are quite emotional as something inevitable draws closer and closer.
I’d go so far as to call it the best book I have read in the last six months or so (and I read a lot of books!). The movie sounds like it was pretty crappy, but I do recommend the book.
March 5th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I’ve seen the movie and it is building up the tempo of their lovemaking that he disappears leaving her all hot…. But yeah, she is hot man! Almost as hot as Palin…
March 5th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Loved the book and loved the movie too! Def see the film if you can DPF
March 5th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Although I only have arsed watched it on a plane it seemed to me the movie both sucked and blowed.
March 5th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I’m reading Glenn Beck’s “Arguing With Idiots” at the moment.
Reminds me so much of all of the lefties on Kiwiblog.
March 5th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Red
You could have left us one post without battle!
We want to see the film, shoulda bought the book in the airport last week.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I liked the booked other than the last 20 or so pages (and when they try to explain the time travel bit). I agree it was very well written and engrossing.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
“Arguing for Dummies” might be a more useful.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
It’s one of my favourite books. Didn’t want it to end. Have got her new book – Her fearful symmetry. But haven’t had time to read it yet. Didn’t know you read novels David.
[DPF: I am an omnivore reader. I love novels, biographies, historical fiction, Sci Fi, Politicial, Airport books etc etc - pretty much everything except Mills & Boon.
Recently also read Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving. It is semi-autobiographical and written incredibly well - couldn't put it down]
March 5th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I have read the book and enjoyed it. Some parts are very well done and very well written. I enjoyed the part where he met his young self for the 1st time and enjoyed the ending etc.
Some other parts preclude me from giving it to my folks (the part early on which gives a new meaning to the word m*sturbation, etc).
I’ve heard the movie is not as good, but I do like Rachel McAdams (she was stunning in The Wedding Crashers).
If you like this book, you might enjoy Jumper, by Stephen Gould. It’s probably written for a younger audience, but some of the situations remind me of TTTW.
March 5th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I’ve never read it. Is the wife called Helen?
I don’t know why I said that, its just I seem to remember there was this book I read once (or was it reality) where a bloke thought he had a wife called Helen.
I can’t remember the ending.
I think it was all a very bad dream!
March 5th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Movie was awesome Eric Bana was well cast.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
I read the book some time ago. I was gutted with the ending… about how he died. I know, it’s only a novel, but it was really well written. I think the fact they know the future makes it sadder.
March 6th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Eric Bana hasn’t been type cast and he hasn’t been over exposed.
Tactically brilliant man who doesn’t come out every 6 months with three movies.
He’ll have a long career.
March 9th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Intetresting you drop this into a discussion about another fantasy book.
March 9th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
“Intetresting you drop this into a discussion about another fantasy book.”
Au contraire, my dear little druid, AWI is a good book. Chapter 12 on the U.S Constitution was particularly informative.
March 9th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Au contraire? What do you mean by that? I wasn’t suggesting that fantasy books aren’t good, The Time Traveller’s Wife is great.