Thursday, February 22, 2007

A Book Review...sort of

I have just finished reading this book and I am blown away.

When I started reading the first page, I couldn't help noticing how beautiful the words flowed, almost like a poem.

"Long ago, men went to sea, and women waited for them, standing on the edge of the water, scanning the horizon for the tiny ship. Now I wait for Henry. He vanishes unwillingly, without warning. I wait for him. Each moment that I wait feels like a year, an eternity. Each moment is as slow and transparent as glass. Through each moment I can see infinite moments lined up, waiting. Why has he gone where I cannot follow?"

I almost want to stop reading, somewhat scared of moving forward. It's like hesitating before opening a much awaited gift, overwhelmed with a delicious sense of anticipation.

It is part science fiction, and part love story. Henry, a librarian, has a genetic disorder that causes him to spontaneously travel through time, mostly to his past. He meets Clare, his wife, when she was six and he was thirty-six, and marries her when Clare was twenty-two and Henry thirty. And in the face of his disorder, they struggle to lead normal lives. It is equal parts fascinating and heartbreaking, and totally engrossing.

I hope I don't put people off by my gushing. Far from being another mushy love story (like, er, The Notebook), the author tells it in a very detached, matter of fact manner. She makes the time travel utterly believable and pulls the reader into Henry and Clare's lives without all the scientific drivel.

I won't say anymore, except to reiterate how much I loved this book. If you're itching to read books you don't normally read, then make it this one.

19 comments:

Romeo Morningwood said...

I have heard a lot of good things about this book...unfortunately I don't read novels but my wife goes through them like candy.
I will wait for the Movie..
only 12 more books to go eh?

Dan said...

Menchie, if I read fiction I'd give it a chance based on your amazing recommendation. For some reason I have never been able to get into fiction! Isn't that crazy? I'm probably missing so much!

Anonymous said...

Well .... almost, you almost got me reading it, but I am afraid of heartbreaking matters.

Marie said...

I read this a while ago. I was attracted to it because it's so different. I enjoyed it.

Anonymous said...

Adding annother book to the list.... Might move it up the order given the glowing review.

Currently reading through lords and ladies by Terry Pratchett... One of the disc world series.

Reading is a huge part of my married life. My relationship exists on Terry pratchett and Douglas Adams quotes....

Ford Prefect is the greatest mariage councilor in existance:)

Menchie said...

HE,
I can't wait for the movie in 2008. They haven't cast the main characters yet. I hope Hollywood doesn't mangle it.

Get it for your wife, I'll bet she'll love it.

As for the 13, well, i got another 6 new books. Add that to the 50 or so I've got in my to-be-read box and, well...I am not going to count anymore.

Dan,
You are! You are! Maybe you just haven't found the right kind of fiction for you. But, I think you're just like my husband. So into finance books, techie mags and other whatnot.

Hildegarde,
Oh I'm sorry! But, just in case you change your mind...

Marie,
I just loved, loved, loved it. :D

Aidan,
I've read a book by Terry Pratchett, Good Omens where he collaborated with Neil Gaiman. You like sci fi and fantasy too!

I am also a fan of Terry Goodkind and David Eddings (only the early works, his latest work sucks). Brian Lumley is also pretty good with his Necroscope series which I only found in Sydney bookstores! So I hoarded.

kj said...

squeal.....i can't wait to start this book. you've provided all the motivation i need!

:)

Menchie said...

kj,
there is nothing i love more than sharing books with friends. i am so excited that you will be reading it. when i finished it yesterday, i couldn't help texting my friends to read it.

i would love to know what you think of the book when you finish.

WithinWithout said...

Sounds fascinating, Menchie. Great mini-review? How about just mailing me your copy?

My address is:

Within Without
c/o Spaceship Orion
Outer Quadrant
Milky Way Galaxy
R3T 4X2

Menchie said...

WW,
You serious?? :D I would, only I've already lent it to a friend. Plus there are about 3 people lined up.

How long do you think it would reach your galaxy if I Fed Ex it?

Anonymous said...

Good omens is one of my fave books...
If you get a chance Read a bok called American Gods.... neil Gaiman. you will not regret it:)

Menchie said...

Aidan,
Yeah, Good Omens was pretty good. I haven't seen American Gods in the bookstores though. The only Neil Gaiman I see are Smoke and Mirrors and his new book whose title escapes me at the moment. Will look for American Gods. Heck, what's one more book to add to the 60 or so in my pile, right?

Do you know that one of Gaiman's books will be a movie?

Cherry Popcorn said...

Wow.. Thanks for the review. I'm definitely gonna try and find myself that book! hehe.. Nice meaningful books are so hard to find!

Caroline said...

I loved it when I read it.
Glad you enjoyed it too.
x

Menchie said...

Princess,
You are going to love it. Tell when you've read it.

Caroline,
Up to now, I still can't get it out of my mind. I fall in love with books that way.

Irene said...

A friend gave me this book for my birthday. She asked what I wanted and I gave her your recommendation. I'm so excited to read it! ;p

Menchie said...

OMG Irene, text me when you finish!

Lotus Reads said...

I love your blog and I am happy to see book reviews as well...will visit again!

Menchie said...

Lotus reads,
thank you! :D