In the near future, a brilliant and ambitious civil servant is offered a high-paying job with a fascinating project. She's whisked away to work in a newly established government ministry, tasked with gathering and maintaining "expats" from across history to test the science of time travel. As a "bridge," she's assigned to care for a mysterious and charismatic individual known as Commander Graham Gore, who has seemingly appeared out of thin air.
Commander Gore is a historical reenactor from 1845, and at first, his unusual history makes for an uncomfortable living arrangement. However, as they grow closer, their initial awkwardness blossoms into a deep and passionate relationship. The bridge is introduced to a world she's never known, filled with new ideas, discoveries, and excitement. She's also met with a cast of eccentric and engaging fellow expats, each with their own stories to tell. As the bridge navigates this new reality, she finds herself torn between her duties, her feelings, and the extraordinary opportunities unfolding before her.
The novel's central premise raises thought-provoking questions about time, power, and human connection. As the bridge grapples with the consequences of her relationship with Commander Gore, she must confront the true nature of the Ministry's project and its implications for the future. With wit, charm, and intellect, Kaliane Bradley masterfully weaves together the complexities of human love, scientific curiosity, and historical exploration. The result is a captivating and exhilarating tale of what happens when we challenge our assumptions about time, love, and ourselves.
I recently had the pleasure of reading a thought-provoking novel that explored the complexities of human connection and scientific curiosity. The story follows a brilliant and ambitious civil servant who is tasked with caring for a mysterious individual known as Commander Graham Gore, a historical reenactor from 1845. At first, their relationship may seem like an uncomfortable living arrangement, but as they grow closer, their initial awkwardness blossoms into a deep and passionate love.
As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to a world that is both familiar and yet completely foreign. The novel's central premise raises thought-provoking questions about time, power, and human connection. The protagonist is faced with difficult choices and is forced to confront the true nature of the Ministry's project and its implications for the future. Throughout the narrative, the author masterfully weaves together themes of love, scientific curiosity, and historical exploration, creating a captivating and exhilarating tale.
One of the aspects that struck me most about this novel was the way it made me feel. The author has a remarkable ability to craft characters that are both relatable and complex, and to evoke strong emotions in the reader. The writing is witty, charming, and engaging, making it easy to become fully invested in the story. As I turned the pages, I found myself drawn into the world of the novel, exploring the complexities of the characters and their relationships. The result is a truly unforgettable reading experience that will linger with you long after the final page is turned.
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
This thought-provoking novel is a captivating tale of human connection, scientific curiosity, and historical exploration. The story follows a brilliant civil servant who is tasked with caring for a mysterious historical reenactor, and their relationship blossoms into a deep and passionate love. The author masterfully weaves together themes of science, history, and love, creating a story that raises thought-provoking questions about time, power, and human connection. The protagonist is faced with difficult choices, forced to confront the true nature of the Ministry's project and its implications for the future. The writing is witty and engaging, making it easy to become fully invested in the story, and the result is an unforgettable reading experience that lingers long after the final page is turned. The characters are relatable and complex, evoking strong emotions in the reader, making this novel a truly unforgettable read.