Niffenegger, Audrey: *1963

The Time Traveler's Wife, 2003 - Information about the Book

  • General Information
    • The novel is a love story about a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably, and about his wife, an artist who has to cope with his frequent absences.
    • Information from Wikipedia
  • Facts

    • Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (South Africa, 2004) - This award is given to a novel that is considered an outstanding read.

      British Book Awards (2006) - It won the award for Popular Fiction.

      American Library Association's Alex Award (2004) - This award recognizes books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.

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    • Henry DeTamble: The male protagonist, Henry, is a librarian who involuntarily travels through time. His time-traveling condition causes him to experience life out of sequence, complicating his relationships and personal life.

      Clare Abshire: The female protagonist, Clare, is an artist who meets Henry when she is a child and he is an adult. As Henry’s time travel affects their relationship, Clare’s unwavering love and patience are central to the story.

      Gomez: A friend of Clare and Henry, Gomez has a complicated relationship with the couple. He harbors unrequited feelings for Clare but remains a loyal friend.

      Charisse: Gomez’s wife and Clare’s best friend, Charisse is supportive of Clare and Henry, even as she navigates her own relationship challenges with Gomez.

      Alba DeTamble: The daughter of Henry and Clare, Alba inherits her father’s time-traveling abilities. She plays a significant role in the later parts of the story, representing a new generation dealing with time travel.

      Dr. David Kendrick: A geneticist who becomes involved in Henry’s life, Dr. Kendrick studies Henry’s condition in an attempt to understand and potentially mitigate the effects of time travel.

      Ingrid Carmichel: Henry’s ex-girlfriend, whose relationship with Henry ends tragically. Ingrid’s presence in the story highlights the difficulties Henry faces due to his uncontrollable time travel.

      Kimy Goldstein: A close friend of Henry’s family, Kimy provides emotional support and helps take care of Henry during his frequent absences caused by time travel.

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    • Fate vs. Free Will
      A central theme is the tension between fate and free will. Henry's time traveling seems to suggest his life is predetermined, yet he and Clare still make choices that shape their relationship and future. The novel raises questions about how much control we truly have over our destinies.

      The Nature of Love and Marriage
      Henry and Clare's marriage is severely tested by his chrono-displacement disorder, highlighting the challenges all couples face in sustaining love and intimacy over time. Their enduring commitment despite the obstacles reflects the resilience of true love.

      Identity and Self-Determination
      Henry's fragmented experiences across different time periods challenge conventional notions of identity as continuous and linear. The novel explores how our sense of self is shaped by our circumstances and relationships.

      Mortality and Making the Most of Time
      Keenly aware that their time together is limited, Henry and Clare strive to cherish each moment and not take life for granted. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of our finite existences.

      While divisive among critics, the series deftly adapted the novel's imaginative concept and profound themes about love, identity, and making the most of the present before it's gone. The story resonated with many readers and showcased Niffenegger's talents as a writer exploring metaphysical ideas through an unconventional romance.

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