A review by turtlelullaby
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I wanted to like this book so badly. There was just too much standing in my way. The premise was fascinating and there ARE some things written so beautifully, especially the endurance of love. However...

I could not get over how pedophilic it felt with him visiting her as a child (grooming). I did not like that Clare's character revolved around waiting for a man and desperately wanting to give birth to a child. Both main characters felt selfish to me at different points, the most notable example being when Henry couldn't even muster a half-hearted apology to Ingrid to try and stop her suicide. Also, having him lose his feet felt so off with the rest of the book amd didn't add anything to the plot or character develooment overall. Most of the sex that happens or is referenced to is problematic. Finally, the characters' self-importance and grandiosity was obnoxious (fancy parties, cool smoking, only the most elite music and art making, etc).

So while I tried, this one gets a lower rating from me.