A review by liseyp
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

adventurous challenging funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to the author, publishers Sceptre and NetGalley UK for access to this as an advance reader’s ebook. This is an honest and voluntary review. 

 

In an alternative version of our world a time travel door allows people who were recorded as dying to be plucked from history and brought into the present day. Each of these travellers is supported by a ‘bridge’ who helps to settle them into the 21st century and also monitors them for a secretive government department. 

 

An ambitious debut novel that takes complex social commentary, science fiction and a dose of humour and love to create something uniquely wonderful. 

 

The main character carries a lot of the book, and does it so well that I didn’t realise until quite late on that we are never given a name for her. It’s first person perspective so it’s not difficult to manage, but is unusual. What is noticeable is that even in first person narrative the supporting characters are well developed. Travellers Arthur and Maggie are particular favourites. 

 

The story deals really well with not only the transitions for the travellers, but how their own pasts impact on their experience in the future. From Maggie who embraces feminism and film, to Arthur who finds a time where he can be open about his sexuality but where gender norms still restrain him. 

 

I also really enjoyed the bureaucracy of the whole process. That this amazing world-changing technology is drained of its wonder by the filing of reports and the rules and approval processes for every decision. That the travellers are able to find any measure of joy against this backdrop makes that joy and pleasure even brighter. 

 

A wonderful book.