Kate
Mascarenhas has written an intriguing debut novel. While the
concept of time travel has been explored in many forms, the
story is unique in that the time machine has been built and
tested by four women in 1967. The perspectives of the women,
and of their future selves, alternate throughout the chapters.
The author’s studies in the field of psychology (she
is a chartered psychologist) enable her to delve into how
time travel affects the human mind and the many ways this
stressor can manifest.
The
book is complex, and it can be difficult to keep track of
what each character did during which time period, but with
patience and sometimes the rereading of a page or a chapter,
I was able to keep up.
The
trio of time travel, psychology, and a murder mystery provide
enough suspense to keep the reader engaged. Although some
parts of the story seemed a bit dry and lacking emotion, it
is possible that this was the author’s intent.
While
the book is not for everyone, for those with whom the subject
of time travel resonates, it is certainly a solid entry into
the genre. It is difficult to write this review without giving
away too much or over-explaining the storyline. If you are
intrigued, as I am, you won’t want to miss this novel.
On
another note, I understand that AMC has picked up the film
and TV rights, and I look forward to seeing this tale on screen.
The
author is working on another book, set in the present time,
which she says is more of a fantasy story than science fiction.
I look forward to that as well!
I
recommend that you get a copy of The Psychology of Time
Travel when you can set aside enough time to explore
the subplots in depth.
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