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A review by caitlin_bookchats
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wish the book had had a stronger single thesis, or perhaps I am simply reading it wrong.
The first half was delightful and because I had seen only mixed reviews about the book I kept wondering "what is going to go wrong in the second half?"
Then I guessed something that, I'm not certain the author is really hiding from the reader, and I thought I know what would mar the ending. But that element was used more interestingly than I expected.
What really made this a three star for me and not something higher is that the first 70% or so of the book felt like it was building towards something narratively and thematically but ultimately that was messy. I think the messiness might work for the narrative but I wanted more clarity around theme.
The first half was delightful and because I had seen only mixed reviews about the book I kept wondering "what is going to go wrong in the second half?"
Then I guessed something that, I'm not certain the author is really hiding from the reader, and I thought I know what would mar the ending. But that element was used more interestingly than I expected.
What really made this a three star for me and not something higher is that the first 70% or so of the book felt like it was building towards something narratively and thematically but ultimately that was messy. I think the messiness might work for the narrative but I wanted more clarity around theme.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Gun violence
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual content
Minor: Colonisation, Racial slurs, Homophobia, War, and Cannibalism