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A review by ruth_bookdevourer
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley took me by surprise with its blend of humor and thought-provoking themes.
The narrative centers on a biracial British-Cambodian translator employed by the Ministry of Time, tasked with facilitating the integration of historical figures into the present. Specifically, she is assigned to assist Commander Graham Gore, who was part of the failed Franklin expedition to the Arctic in 1847.
What unfolds is a genre-bending tale that seamlessly merges elements of romantic comedy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction. At its core, it's a slow-burning romance that explores topics such as colonialism, slavery, inherited trauma, and racial identity.
The initial part of the story is a riot of laughter, as we witness the antics of historical figures adjusting to the modern world. Their curiosity and commentary were hilarious, I found myself chuckling out loud more than once. However, as the story progresses, it takes on a more introspective tone, going into deeper, more poignant reflections on life and society.
The characters are well-developed, with understandable motivations and depth. However, I did find myself struggling to navigate some of the past segments. While they offered valuable insights into the character, they occasionally disrupted the flow of the main narrative for me.
Overall, though, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Ministry of Time" to anyone who enjoys romantic comedy with substance and reflection. It's a delightful blend of humor and depth that's sure to entertain and provoke thought.
The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley took me by surprise with its blend of humor and thought-provoking themes.
The narrative centers on a biracial British-Cambodian translator employed by the Ministry of Time, tasked with facilitating the integration of historical figures into the present. Specifically, she is assigned to assist Commander Graham Gore, who was part of the failed Franklin expedition to the Arctic in 1847.
What unfolds is a genre-bending tale that seamlessly merges elements of romantic comedy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction. At its core, it's a slow-burning romance that explores topics such as colonialism, slavery, inherited trauma, and racial identity.
The initial part of the story is a riot of laughter, as we witness the antics of historical figures adjusting to the modern world. Their curiosity and commentary were hilarious, I found myself chuckling out loud more than once. However, as the story progresses, it takes on a more introspective tone, going into deeper, more poignant reflections on life and society.
The characters are well-developed, with understandable motivations and depth. However, I did find myself struggling to navigate some of the past segments. While they offered valuable insights into the character, they occasionally disrupted the flow of the main narrative for me.
Overall, though, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Ministry of Time" to anyone who enjoys romantic comedy with substance and reflection. It's a delightful blend of humor and depth that's sure to entertain and provoke thought.