The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Travellers Wife is the first book of Audrey Niffenegger, first published in 2003, but becoming more popular since the film adaptation was released earlier this year. It is a beautiful love story, with a twist. The book focuses on Henry DeTamble and Claire Abshire. Henry suffers from a genetic disorder which means he frequently travels in time. Claire is an artist trying to lead some kind of normal life whilst dealing with the bizarre situation of Henry's time travelling.

They meet in the present when Claire is 20 and Henry is 28, she has known him her entire life yet at this point he has never met her. Claire is already aware this is the man she will marry, and he is faced with the frustration of not sharing the memories she has until in the following years he travels back in time, and enjoys Claire's childhood with her.

Unfortunately Henry's condition puts him in dangerous situation. Any injuries he acquires stay with him, and he has no control over where and when he travels too. In an attempt to help himself he persuades a doctor to try and help control his disorder, and to help him have children. The devastating consequences of his disorder change their lives for every during the Winter of 2006 and 1984.

This is a book that can be read time and time again without becoming dull. Everytime little details that have gone un-noticed will be spotted.

A beautiful story, though a little confusing at times. The story is written chronologically, at least from Clare's perspective, and if close attention is paid to the dates, confusion can be avoided. Well worth reading, though it may take a few reads to fully understand.

By Sarah