Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #495714 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

Review
Every once in a blue moon a novel turns up which has a magic all of its own. Such a book was In the Place of Fallen Leaves by Tim Pears back in 1993; and now here is another heralded by Dan Franklin, publishing director of Cape, as a book "everyone falls in love with". How right he is. It's the story of Henry and Claire, who meet when Claire is aged six and Henry in his 30s. They were married when Claire was 20 and Henry 28, which is possible because Henry can time travel. It is not science fiction, but a love story with a difference - a wonderful, strange and original novel which is both moving and funny - you must get a copy and read it. I can't praise it too highly. Film rights bought by New Line Cinema in association with Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

You magazine, Mail on Sunday, 21st December 2003
'A magical debut novel'

Zembla magazine, Dec 2003
'Quite simply stunning - sensitive, inventive, original and todl with a mature and evenly weighed style'

Customer Reviews

Brilliant, moving, original
Bought this after browsing through people's book lists on this site (a great place to find new books!) and finally started reading it yesterday. And finished reading it. It's a massive book so that should give an indication of how much I enjoyed it!

Reading other reviews here should have already given you an idea of the story's content, so I suggest you do what I did and just buy it. I tried not to let myself be too influenced by the reviews here, other than by being convinced that I would enjoy it - and I was right. I really, really enjoyed it and read it on the outward and return journeys on the train (3 hours each way).

The story is highly original and told from the points of view of Clare and Henry at different points in their lives. This is quite confusing at times but you soon get used to it. What's different and intricate is that you're reading the story out of synch, because Henry can exist in different times as he time travels through his own history. This in itself makes for an intriguing read.

But for me - the crux of the story is about love. Call me an old (young actually) romantic but I just loved this aspect of the story. Before you assume anything, I'm not your typical chick-lit reader - in fact I avoid it like the plague - but this is not typical chick-lit. It's so moving and beautifully told that I had to try not to cry on the train, and spent a long time thinking about it after I'd finished.

I know this review doesn't really say much about the plot but that's because I really think you should buy it and read it with an open mind. Prepare to be entertained - you'll laugh, wonder, and probably cry.

will change your life
I was a student of literature, so always try and read things with a critical eye. I couln't fault this novel. It actually left me shaken. It was so powerful and original that I had to go back and reread it to make sure I hadn't missed something. The imagery and form were superb. It's hard to believe this was a first novel. The characters are solid and emotional and grow before your eyes and the poetic voice worked like a song through the book, staying with you for days afterwards. It made a science fiction-like subject seem incredibly real, a hard thing to do. The work was strong and poignant at the same time.

I can't wait to read her new work, but its a tough act to follow.

The Time Traveler's Wife
I fell so deeply in love with the main character, Henry DeTamble that I was actually depressed for days after finishing this book! It is very rare that you read a book that totally immerses you. Audrey has developed characters that are so real in an emotional sense that they pull you on the journey they go through. I really felt the highs and lows that Henry experienced particularly the loneliness and isolation he often felt when 'leaping' through his own past and future. The relationships in the book are beautifully written and it is impossible not to connect with them. I loved the way that Audrey explored the different levels of Henry's relationship with Claire from guardian and father figure in her early childhood to lover and husband in her adult life. The beginning of the book was a bit complex but towards the end of it you wonder at the simplicity of it. I have found myself since finishing the book imagining and wondering what will become of the characters and implore Audrey to write a follow up.