The Ministry of Time: A Novel

Book critics had this book on their 'recommended' lists last month, but focused on its (subtle) themes of colonialism, the patriarchy, and so on. Yeah, yeah. The truth is that this is a beautifully written book focused on two characters working to understand each other and foster a romantic relationship. The characters are well drawn with just enough back-story for each. Their interactions feel real. The plot has enough energy and interest to keep us guessing. A beautiful book, that will leave you looking forward to the author's next.

The memorable protagonist of this compelling story is one of those characters who will live with you long after you’ve finished the book. This novel is a science fiction thriller, an intriguing mystery, and a poignant love story. The book isn’t perfect—the plot trips itself over some of the more convoluted storylines a couple of times—but the author’s talent is showcased throughout by the frequent uses of words that will cause the reader to stop simply to take a moment to enjoy the amazing phraseology. Read this for the story alone, but linger over its beauty.

‘“I’m smiling too.” “Oh? My ears aren’t quite as good as yours, I can’t hear it.” “I will endeavor to smile louder.”’ (p175)

Wow.

I thought I had this book figured out early – a time travel novel that isn’t hard to follow. Interesting but straightforward premise. Skillful storytelling and sparkling prose. Relaxing, funny, engaging. Plenty of tension, drama, unpleasant events, and even a few big surprises -- but only as background for a story that’s basically about relationships. Not particularly deep, but includes a sprinkling of thoughtful commentary. Easily four stars.

But late in the book comes a spectacular development that turns the story on its head. Everything changes instantly. I realized I’d missed all the hints and teasers; I’d even highlighted a few. I should have seen it coming. I didn’t.

Here’s a small warning. Every time something unexpected happens in the book you’re going to ask yourself whether this is the “spectacular development”. No. If you have to ask, it’s not. Believe me, you’ll know when you get there.

I had no expectations, no preconceived notions about this novel when I purchased it; I’m not sure why I did. I am very glad I did. I’ve read novels about time-travelling characters, have read books about fish-out-of-water characters who might as well be from another time, so drastically have their situations changed. It’s a useful literary device. In these novels, often the time-traveler must conceal his or her, shall we say, original time-line, lest something dire occur or the future change. I’m thinking of Diana Gabaldon’s much-loved Outlander series, as well as a slew of romance novels I’ve encountered in my years as an avid reader of fiction.

The Ministry of Time, however, is as much about the concept of time-travel itself as it is the time-travelers. By this I don’t mean the physics of it, but its repercussions and complications, both personal and bureaucratic. Bradley sets the act of time-travel not in a scientist’s arcane laboratory or a magical/supernatural ring of standing stones, but in a government agency, a secret and yet almost comically mundane labyrinth of offices, reports, dossiers, and oversight. Yes, the novel considers what happens in the relationship between the now- and the then-characters who meet and interact in a time known to only one of them, but at the heart of it are the concepts of displacement and consent.

I felt an overwhelming need to begin the novel all over again when I finished it. I hope, if you are reading my review, that you find the book as fascinating as I did. As a reader I count myself well-satisfied by The Ministry of Time, but reading it has left me deeply thoughtful—troubled and unsettled, but also oddly hopeful.

I read The Ministry of Time on a trip last week which probably wasn’t my best choice because I couldn’t put it down and occasionally needed to. It’s romance, science fiction, mystery, and suspense all rolled into one. In the not-too-distant future, a woman is hired for a time travel project where several people from across history have been bought to present day. Her job is to serve as a “bridge” for one, Graham, adjusting him to present-day life, things that have happened in history since his time period and modern-day conveniences that bewilder him. They’re to live together for a year and by the end of the year, have fallen in love but there are things that have been kept from him by both her and the government, things that have been kept from her by her employers, and some people from the future who may be a threat. Simultaneously, Graham discovers that she’s kept things from him that severely erode his trust in her despite the love they share. There are so many twists and turns in this novel that I can’t believe I’m saying it actually started out a little slow but is so worth reading. As I was reading this, I knew immediately that it would be turned into a movie or tv series and a search reveals that the BBC has already developed it for release later this year.

The concept behind The Ministry of Time, and many of the "sub-concepts" in the book, are really wonderful; what a great imagination Ms. Bradley has! However, for me at least, the book was all over the place, as if the author had to include something about every thought that came into her head as she wrote it. Aside from time travel, she touches up on the plight of refugees, the horrors that beset Cambodia, climate change, and so on. Also, sex, not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that there were so many distractions that I didn't know where to look first, and for that and other reasons the plot got lost.

Of course, plot isn't everything. There are some lovely passages in the book, and Ms. Bradley clearly has the chops of a good or maybe very good writer. However, her characterizations aren't great - they act in service of the plot, and when the plot doesn't quite stand out or work enough, the character suffers too (along with the reader).

I hope Ms. Bradley keeps writing, and hopefully she will get things together a bit more effectively next time.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley is a compelling and fascinating read that had me hooked from the start! This stellar debut novel blends sci-fi elements with contemporary issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The premise of a new government agency that pulls people from the past into the present day is intriguing, and the book deftly explores the resulting complexities. The inclusion of time travel, fated Arctic expeditions, and an 18th-century naval commander who plays disco music on his flute adds a unique and engaging twist!

The strength of this novel lies in its superb character development. Bradley has created deeply drawn and wonderfully realized characters, particularly Graham Gore from a doomed 1840's Arctic expedition. Gore's intelligence, wisdom, innocence, and vulnerability are vividly portrayed, making his character profoundly compelling. Other characters are equally unique and three-dimensional, each bringing their own distinctive flavor to the story. This rich cast ensures that readers genuinely care about the fates of these individuals.

The novel also includes refreshing LGBT representation, with characters expressing their identities authentically. The story alternates between the modern-day plot and Gore's final days on the HMS Erebus in the Arctic, building suspense towards the novel's climax. The romance that develops between the protagonist and Gore is carefully developed, though it is unevenly paced. The protagonist's experiences as a Cambodian immigrant in the UK provide additional depth, drawing parallels with how the Ministry treats the time expats. The protagonist's desire for power in the arena of cultural identity adds another layer of complexity.

While the novel offers extensive commentary on themes of immigration and cultural assimilation, it can sometimes feel dense and pedantic. To me, the novel is trying too many notes, and the narrative can be a bit opaque, especially during key events. Despite these shortcomings, The Ministry of Time is an engaging read that creatively blends sci-fi themes with modern commentary, making it worth your TIME!

I freely admit that I have a soft spot for time travel stories. When I started reading this one by Ms. Bradley, I thought I might be in for a real treat. I love the set-up for this one. The UK comes into possession of a time travel device the whys and hows of its operation wisely never explained, and they decide to pull various people from history to the present day as an initial test but—here’s the good part—only people are the verge of death who can be confirmed to have died alone. That way there’s very little chance that there will be disruptions to the timeline. Brilliant!

The story is told from the point of view of a “bridge”, a person assigned to one of the persons-out-of-time to help them adjust to the modern world. She is assigned to Commander Graham Gore, pulled from an Arctic expedition in 1847 (and often referred to as “forty-seven” by those in the project). Much of the pleasure of the novel comes from fish-out-of-water moments: discomfort with feminism, racism, smoking habits, etc.

If the novel had followed through with this premise and developed some of the things that were hinted at about the physical and psychological impacts of time travel, I believe it could have been one of the best of the genre. I might have even tolerated the obvious love story that was obvious from the earliest pages. However, we eventually end up in cliché territory with doppelgangers, alternate timelines, and a scope of time travel that expands far beyond the narrow line with which the story begins. (I did, however, like the later reveal of the time travel device being stolen from the future.)

So, what was initially an interesting exploration of some aspects of time travel rarely explored turns into a typical futuristic thriller. It’s still a very good one, but not the true classic it could have been.