Sarah A. (sla506) - , reviewed on 8/14/2009 + 35 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

*plot details given in review (ending is not given away)*

I had no intention of reading this book because I'm often disappointed by the popular trends of contemporary lit. However, I've read/heard/seen such mixed reviews on the novel, that I had to find out for myself. And, I was pleasantly suprised. Overall I thought it was a good novel and a fresh, unique idea. Niffenegger is a good writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work. I've heard that others were confused by the time traveling and had a difficult time keeping track of dates and events, but I didn't find that to be a problem for the most part. I was wrapped up in the story and couldn't put the book down.

A couple things I didn't like: I felt their relationship was unrealistic. Obviously, when dealing with a story based on time travel you have to keep an open mind, which I did, and I think it's a cool concept; but, I didn't have much faith in their relationship. Which brings me to Henry himself. I feel like he was portrayed as a sleazebag. He drank too much, treated women horribly, slept around, did drugs, stole, was arrested multiple times, and because of these things, he had a horrible reputation. To top it all off, he was a time traveler and was never around! Tell me, what did Clare see in him!? If he didn't have all of those negative qualities, then I could understand why she waited around for him.

That was my biggest frustration. This review is getting too long, so I'll end by saying that, despite my skepticism, I thought it was really good, and I'll probably reread it in the future.

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