The Time Traveler's Wife
Artist Clare Abshire and Newberry librarian Henry DeTamble are a couple deep in love and residing in Chicago. But their lives are not as normal as it appears, for Henry is a time traveler (or Chrono-Displacement sufferer) who is uncontrollably sent back and forth in time. He lands naked in various places and must know how to run, steal and fight at times to survive. Clare has in fact known adult Henry since the age of six, when he appeared at the Meadow near her home and their fates first became entangled. Told through alternate points of view, Henry and Clare deal with the trials of love, marriage and childbearing while dealing with a partner who is always disappearing. The intricate plot is skillfully told in a way that the reader can follow the non-chronological order of these engaging, flawed characters. It is a moving love story that has an enchanting time travel addition to the story, and it moves at a leisurely pace. The arts get much attention with the mention of several punk/rock artists, opera, books and art. A timeless tale of enduring love against all odds.
Check out this interview she did in 2008 about the book:
If you find yourself getting lost in the swirl of constant time travel, fret not! Here is a great guide created by Jack Humphrey that gives a chronological timeline for Henry & Clare
Decided that you want to use this novel for a book club? Then here are some discussion questions:
1. In The Time Traveler's Wife , the characters meet each other at various times during their lifetime. How does the author keep all the timelines in order and "on time"?
2. Although Henry does the time traveling, Clare is equally impacted. How does she cope with his journeys and does she ultimately accept them?
3. How does the writer introduce the reader to the concept of time travel as a realistic occurrence? Does she succeed?
4. Henry's life is disrupted on multiple levels by spontaneous time travel. How does his career as a librarian offset his tumultuous disappearances? Why does that job appeal to Henry?
5. Henry and Clare know each other for years before they fall in love as adults. How does Clare cope with the knowledge that at a young age she knows that Henry is the man she will eventually marry?
6. The Time Traveler's Wife is ultimately an enduring love story. What trials and tribulations do Henry and Clare face that are the same as or different from other "normal" relationships?
7. How does their desire for a child affect their relationship?
8. The book is told from both Henry and Clare's perspectives. What does this add to the story?
9. Do you think the ending of the novel is satisfactory?
10. Though history there have been dozens of mediums used for time travel in literature. Please cite examples and compare The Time Traveler's Wife to the ones with which you are familiar.
-Taken from www.readinggroupguides.com
2. Although Henry does the time traveling, Clare is equally impacted. How does she cope with his journeys and does she ultimately accept them?
3. How does the writer introduce the reader to the concept of time travel as a realistic occurrence? Does she succeed?
4. Henry's life is disrupted on multiple levels by spontaneous time travel. How does his career as a librarian offset his tumultuous disappearances? Why does that job appeal to Henry?
5. Henry and Clare know each other for years before they fall in love as adults. How does Clare cope with the knowledge that at a young age she knows that Henry is the man she will eventually marry?
6. The Time Traveler's Wife is ultimately an enduring love story. What trials and tribulations do Henry and Clare face that are the same as or different from other "normal" relationships?
7. How does their desire for a child affect their relationship?
8. The book is told from both Henry and Clare's perspectives. What does this add to the story?
9. Do you think the ending of the novel is satisfactory?
10. Though history there have been dozens of mediums used for time travel in literature. Please cite examples and compare The Time Traveler's Wife to the ones with which you are familiar.
-Taken from www.readinggroupguides.com