The Time Traveler's Wife

By: Audrey Niffenegger

Narrated by: Fred Berman, Phoebe Strole

Length: 17 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Clare and Henry have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was 36. They were married when Clare was 23 and Henry was 31. Impossible but true, because Henry is one of the first people diagnosed with Chrono-Displacement Disorder: periodically his genetic clock resets and he finds himself misplaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. His disappearances are spontaneous, his experiences unpredictable, alternately harrowing and amusing.

Clare and Henry's story unfolds from both points of view, depicting the effects of time travel on their marriage and their passionate love for each other. They attempt to live normal lives, pursuing familiar goals: steady jobs, good friends, children of their own. All of this is threatened by something they can neither prevent nor control, making their story intensely moving and entirely unforgettable.

©2003 Audrey Niffenegger; 2005 HighBridge Company (P)2003 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.

Critic reviews

• Alex Award Winner, 2004

"Highly original first novel....Niffenegger has written a soaring love story illuminated by dozens of finely observed details and scenes....It is a fair tribute to her skill and sensibility to say that the book leaves a reader with the impression of life's riches and strangeness rather than of easy thrills." (Publishers Weekly)

Loved it

I really enjoyed this book. The only thing I wished is that I felt that some things shouldn’t have been revealed until closer to the end. The language was a bit crass at times but it was balanced out by the visceral and poetic nature of the story. I loved the narrators as well. Loved the journal style of story telling coming from both characters points of view. Kept me engaged through the entire book.

Engaging

It was beautifully read (performed) that the readers have brought the characters to life. Some of the word choices ,however, I found very explicit that made it less interesting for me as a piece of literature. As a whole though, the story is clear despite the going back and forth in different times.

The Narrators Make the story

The book was, in my opinion, drawn out a bit much. Honestly, the narrators made the story - having male/female voices helped tremendously in getting thru the story. I am glad Clare had an outside interest because it seems Henry only had one thing on this mind with the exception of when he was with minor Clare or waking up naked in the Newberry Library. I know the author was trying to show how deep Henry and Clare loved each other - and a love that lasted the ages. Alba does her own traveling, though we don’t hear a lot about it, but she would be also leaving poor Claire alone. It seems to make Clare a pathetic character. And Gomez’ taking advantage of her state of mind and her “trance-like” state where she is dreaming of Henry was superfluous. Another view into poor Clare. You could look at Clare as a woman who loved so deeply she could never get over her love for Henry and it is a sweet view. I would rather think of her that way. Sweet Clare and time traveling Alba living their lives knowing that though Henry is gone, he isn’t gone forever!

Interesting

I thought it interesting if not a bit graphic. Would have been better without the profanity. Reminded me of a tv show I used to watch. Performance was excellent. I liked the dedication they had to each other. It had tragedy, suspense, humor…. I enjoyed it.

I had a difficult time pressing pause

I found myself drawn in so completely.
You know you’re reading something special when you start to think of the characters as your friends.

What a Ride

this is been one of my favorite stories for years The audible version is great The narration is amazing I couldn't recommend this book more just be ready to cry towards the end.

Better than the movie

I watched the movie years ago and enjoyed the chance to experience the book. The voice actors are especially great in this recording, and that helps with staying in the story. Even with watching the film adaptation first I never felt bored with the story line and enjoyed it very much.

If only

If only we could time travel…… Not quit sure I would want to live such a life. I love this story. It tells a story of what ifs and would you. A must listen/read.

Just dragged on too long

I thought it was a good story to start, the science of time travel was hard to swallow, but then the story just dragged on an I wished for time to speed up so it would just be over.

Wonderful story

Makes you really think about your life and if it were possible to know your own future, would you still want too if you knew you could not change it??