How to Stop Time A Novel

Matt Haig’s ‘How to Stop Time’ might just be the best dramatic sci-fi novel I’ve read in years.While the premise alone warranted interest on my part, it was Haig’s brilliantly executed dialogue that won me over. From beginning to end, the British author capably immerses readers into a bevy of settings and times by way of the characters’ voices, smoothing out otherwise jarring transitions. Additionally, the balance between descriptions and narrative is spot on, providing the story with a subtle sense of momentum throughout.Grief-stricken over the loss of his first love, protagonist Tom Hazard has only one reason to live: his open-ended search for his long-lost daughter. But after four-hundred years of aimlessly sleep-walking through life, a chance encounter with a mysterious co-worker suddenly reawakens his heart, igniting thoughts and feelings that he hasn’t felt in centuries. What follows is a captivating ‘Forrest Gump-esque’ story that finds Hazard taking the scenic route down memory lane, revisiting his chance encounters with everyone from Shakespear to F. Scott Fitzgerald while attempting to find a way to rejoin life.Haig succeeds in taking everything there is to love about the ‘man cursed with quasi-immortality’ premise and detaches it from trope and conception—despite the similar premise, this is thankfully NOT a vampire novel—distilling an ever-intriguing concept to its emotional core. This is essentially a story about a haunted man attempting to find some semblance meaning in his life. It’s heavy stuff, but Haig manages to infuse his narrative with just enough hope and humor to keep things from ever feeling dire.If I had one critique, it would be the third act, as things come to a head (and ultimately resolve) within only a matter of pages. That being said, the novel is an otherwise ‘slow burn’ that ultimately rewards readers with a satisfying conclusion, both answering the ever-important question of ‘what next?’ while also leaving the door open for a possible sequel.From premise to execution, Matt Haig’s ‘How to Stop Time’ is a success on all fronts—a stunningly refreshing piece of fiction that might just be the author’s best work to date.A Four-and-a-Half star book—highly recommended!

I loved the philosophy and the historical references. The ending was a delight and a surprise. I am always in favor of happy endings.

Sometimes you read a book multiple times because you like the story. After three reads, I still love this book. It was the first of many time travel books but it’s the best of all I have read. Just enjoy it!

There are plenty of lines in here you’ll want to remember. Plenty of wisdom about life and the things that matter..When you’ve lived as long as this guy you learn what matters in life. Love.

Book was described by seller perfectly. In very good shape for a used book! Well-priced.