Continuity

Another blog-in-bed post. I thought of reviewing The Testament of Gideon Mack, but I've just lent it to Mel, and think it's about time she writes something on here. Although we might have to wait till summer. Yet, I'm interested to find out what she thinks of it, so I'll try and get back to an earlier read: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

This book has got everything right, yet everything wrong. It's a beautiful love story, but at times it reads as Red Shoe Diaries (1). It's an extremely original approach to mankind's fascination with space and time, but it doesn't dare twist with fate. My main problem with the book however is the same as with the latest Spider-Man film: the most interesting character is hardly developed. The Eddy Brock of this story is Gomes, who is introduced as someone who is deeply suspicious of Henry (the main character), but whose suspicions are never explained to my satisfaction.

As a love story, it's beautifully tragic, and horribly twisted. Although the author's decision not to mess with fate seems a cheap way out, she has used it to her advantage to make us change our views of Henry, the time traveler. It seems wrong for a naked 30-something year old man to befriend a five year old girl, and prepare her for him (not sexually) in the future, yet it is justified by the fact that the 25-year old version of the girl knows what's going on. Unfortunately, the logical part of the story gives rise to an infinite loop - when exactly was the first meeting of the two? - but then it also opens the debate on another issue: are we living multiple lives? (2)

Before I wrote this paragraph, I rated the book, and was again annoyed by the fact that I gave it four stars overall - have a got no spine?! Surely, this is not a true literary masterpiece?! But then it is a story that we all recognise, and that is in its essence as tragic and epic as Romeo and Juliet. It could have been better with less of the soft-core porn and more character development in the sidelines, but overall, it has been a great read, and should definitely spark debate, if not a tear.

Plot: ****
Fun: *****
Novelty: ****
Overall: ****

(1) Possibly only shown in the Netherlands. If you don't recognise it, think "soft porn".
(2) Cue blog entry on LJ.