The Time Traveler's Wife follows the love story of Claire, an art student, and Henry, a librarian with the unique ability to unexpectedly travel in time. Claire and Henry actually met back when Claire was just six years old, and Henry, then 36, accidentally dropped into the field she was in on one of his many unexpected and unsolicited travels through time.
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The Time Traveler's Wife depicts the complicated lives of both Claire and Henry, and is told from both points of view, as they navigate through their passionate love affair, meanwhile trying to overcome the challenges brought about by Henry's random ventures through time. Henry is unable to predict when he may disappear in time, not does he know when he will come back, or even when he is back in the present day. This makes the time they do have together all the more meaningful, and heartbreaking, as they realize that Henry's travels will likely lead to his death.
We watch as Claire and Henry tell the story of their lives, and loves. As Claire grows up, and Henry pops in and out. We see them grow and learn about each other, whether it be Claire explaining something to a younger version of Henry, or the other way around. Claire and Henry do all they can to maintain the semblance of normalcy - Claire tries to occupy herself while Henry is gone, they attempt to start a family, and Henry just tries to survive as his condition drops him into some unfavorable situations.
Best part of story, including ending:
This is a true love story. It follows a deep love, and two people who are willing to sacrifice all for each other, though in the end, they are fighting a loosing battle with time.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene in The Time Traveler's Wife occurs in the future, after Henry has dies, but has now returned and is at an art gallery showing with his daughter, whom he never met before, in "real" life. This scene is both heartwarming, and heartbreaking, due to the pure and unfaltering love of Henry's daughter Alba, as well as the sad realization that both father and daughter, and Claire as well, have and will miss so much.
Opinion about the main character:
I would consider both Henry and Claire equally main characters. My favorite thing about both of them is the way they are committed to love, and the love they feel for each other. It's amazing, and inspiring, to view this love story through their eyes.
Clare met Henry when she was six years old; he was thirty-six. Years later, when they are reunited and marry, they are the same age. This is possible because Henry suffers from Chrono-Displacement Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel to moments of emotional significance for him, such as the childhood of his future wife or the scene of his mother's death. Clare and Henry try to lead a normal life and normal marriage in spite of Henry's frequent and dangerous disappearances to the past. They hold down jobs, visit friends, and try to have children in the balance of a passionate love for one another, the trials of Henry's disability, and what it means for their future together.
The review of this Book prepared by Jennifer Martin-Romme