A review by bookstorian
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig

5.0

Over 400 years old and wanting a normal life Tom makes the move back to modern London to teach history at a local school. He also hopes to be reunited with Marion and avoid breaking The Albatross Society's number one rule: don't fall in love.  Unfortunately for him he meets Camille, the French teacher and Tom's past threatens to unravel, destroying his future. Exploring themes of time, love and parenthood 'How to Stop Time' stopped me in my tracks - It was simply un-put-down-able. 

True to form Matt Haig once again had me enthralled from cover to cover. I wanted to devour but also relish every page as I learnt about Tom and his many lives. Whilst I usually struggle to by in to fantasy as my logical/realist brain finds it difficult to switch off - there is just something magical about Haig's writing that allows me to get swept up in the story. Notable elements of this book include the duel timeline (I was often thrust between past a present),  Tom (a very humble and at times naive character), the unique premise and fast paced plot as well as the incredibly philosophical lines about time, love and purpose with some reflective points on history and teaching too. My copy is filled with colourful highlight - I just couldn't get enough of this well told story, it deserves five stars and more really... 

If you love Historical Fiction and thoroughly enjoyed The Midnight Library or The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue this book is for you. 

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