Time and Again

By: Jack Finney

Narrated by: Campbell Scott

Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Science fiction, mystery, a passionate love story, and a detailed history of old New York blend together in this spellbinding story of a young man embroiled in a secret government experiment. Transported from the mid-1900s to the New York of 1882, Si Morley solves a mystery of the 20th century by discovering its 19th-century roots, and falls desperately in love with a beautiful young woman in the process. He ultimately finds himself forced to choose between his lives in the present and the past. This is the classic novel that has captivated an entire generation since its original publication in 1970.

©1995 Jack Finney, All Rights Reserved (P)1995 Simon & Schuster Inc., All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

"Go back to a wonderful world and have a wonderful time doing it." ( The New York Times)

Great Story. Great Audiobook

I chose this book based on a recommendation from the Afterword by Stephen King, in his audiobook/novel 11-22-63. He claimed it was the definitive book on time travel and that was what inspired him.

I bought the abridged version, but wished I got the unabridged version. It is a very entertaining story. The narration is excellent, and as far fetched as time travel may sound, he makes this believable. The characters are likable and there is a good storyline. I have recommended this to several of my friends who have liked it as much as I did.

New York City tour

I learned so much about early NYC. Author is an excellent writer! Accelerated my heart.

Time and Again by Jack Finney

Mr. Finney has written an enthralling, imaginative novel. I have read the printed version at least 4, perhaps 6, times. Each time I read it I must choose the proper time as this book will capture you and transport you to Old New York for the duration and you will be able to accomplish little else until its conclusion.
I count this book among my most prized possessions. After a hiatus of seven years, I have again started "folding back the gold foil".

Needed better development.

I love time travel novels. As an avid reader of the genre, this book was just under the mediocre ones. Here is why. The novel starts out with a hook that immediately gets you interested, a secret government experiment that you will not qualify for, but are encouraged to try. So, early on, curiosity gets your thoughts racing and you want to turn the page...but I found myself being distracted and the book losing my attention because the character development was on the weak side compared to some of today's top sellers. A. The protagonist was a generic person with nothing that really defined him. B. I didn't care what happened to him or feel any of his personal struggles. To me, this can make or break a novel. I want to read (listen) to a book where I want complete silence around me so I don't miss a second of what happens! Also, the story line had a decent foundation, but was hard to follow because of the lack of time spent explaining the other characters. They didn't need as much detail, but I found myself reading the Wikipedia entry just to find out what was going on! Not good. Overall, I wouldn't use a credit for this book, instead check out my favorite time travel books: Replay - Ken Grimwood, Schumann Frequency & The First Boxer by Chris Ride and Lightning - Dean Koontz. Those are worth every penny!

Best Time Travel Author Since HG Wells

I can't recall when I've enjoyed listening to any author so much. My only regret is that only two books are available. If you enjoy well written science fiction, and time travel in particular, Jack Finney may also impress you as the best author on the topic since HG Wells. I found the narrator to be particularly skilled, adding much to the audio product.

An enjoyable story.

Read Srephen King's 11/23/63 first (sensarional!) and this suffered by comparrison. Still, a pleasant tale to spend the day with.

One Star for Seriously Abridged...ruined it for me

The Abridged version is soooooo short that it ruins the entire story, I bought the abridged by mistake, I NEVER buy abridged versions of anything, so I'm rather mad at myself this time. Fortunately I own the book so I'll just read it. I loved the narrators voice, beautiful voice, I could listen to him for....well, ever! DO NOT BUY THE ABRIDGED VERSION of this very nice story!

Seriously over abridged

Get the unabridged version: this attempt to condense about 16 hours of text into less than 5 hours totally guts this fine story.
A 'Cliff Notes' version would include more of the plot and character development than this over truncated attempt.

Drat You, Abridged Versions!

Abridgment here is a travesty.This is a wonderful book, and Campbell Scott is a great narrator. But you need it all! Fortunately, Audible has added an unabridged version of this classic. Go for that one, definitely, even tho the narrator is not as good!
Many people think "Time and Again" ranks with the best of 20th century mysteries. It presents time travel in a totally believable way, and 19th century New York City comes wonderfully alive. The characters and the suspense are well portrayed. I recommend this wholeheartedly. Just be sure to get the full version.