The Time Traveller’s Wife-Audrey Niffengger
March 16, 2010
Whilst I was at university I acquired a very large reading wish list of books I was going to read when I could choose what to read again. This book was at the top of that list as I had heard from a great many people how terrific it is. I have to say that it far exceeded my expectations. Not that I expected it to be bad but I have an unjustifiable sexism towards female writers and books recommended to me by women.
Regardless of this it is still a novel about time travel which, as well as making it instantly more manly, is my most loved subject matter for literature or indeed any form of entertainment. Having said this this can not be called a time travel novel in a traditional sense it is a love story. The Time Traveller’s Wife follows the life of Claire chronologically as the time travelling Henry pops in and out of her life during different periods of his. Throughout the novel Henry’s ability to time travel is treated as a disease rather than an extraordinary ability and the tragedies that then befall a couple trying to deal with it.
The remarkable narrative positioning is what makes this novel exceptional. Structurally it is flawless. The deviations through time makes the story slightly fragmented, but the pace and seamless interlinking allow for a smooth flow throughout.
Niffengger further proves herself as a highly intelligent writer by the way in which the narrative is told in first person by both Claire and Henry. This device allows an omnipotence to the story so nothing is lost, whilst still maintaining the personality and intimacy of a first person narrative. Niffengger creates an individuality for both characters through their writing style and the narrator is always evident. Furthermore, Claire’s narrative develops as she herself develops from a girl into a woman.. The language and content of Claire’s chapters change over time as her feelings and intentions for Henry change.
The Time Traveller’s Wife is a truly delightful novel that is far more intelligently put together than you would notice at first glance, or even when you are reading it because it is so easy to enjoy. If you haven’t read it then I definitely would recommend it and Niffengger is a novelist that I very much look forward to reading again.
P.S If you were thinking about watching the film then don’t.
