This is the new novel from the writer of ‘The Five People you meet in Heaven’ and is an interesting story based around the character of ‘Father Time.’   In the novel, which is written in the style of a  fable, Dor is fascinated by counting and measuring time and becomes the first person on earth to do so, essentially invented the ‘clock’ and time itself.  The Gods, angered by this, banish him from the Earth to a cave where he lives with immorality and where he is able to philosophise about life and time.

Woven into this narrative are two characters in modern time.  Sarah, who is suicidal and wants too little time and Victor, a terminally ill man who wants more time.   To help Dor overcome his own issues, he must first help these two characters wrestle with their own. 

This is a moving tale and to me, reminiscent of Paulho Coehlo and ‘The Alchemist.’  It did feel religious at times, but the morals and philosophical thoughts could be applied to anyone.  Essentially the main theme of the novel is to enjoy every day as time is short and precious.  It also illustrates how we shouldn’t take things or people for granted.  This didn’t feel like preaching but more a gentle reminder within a very gripping story.   I found the story of Sarah the most interesting, a girl who struggled with being accepted at High School and the difficulties teenagers can have when they feel they don’t fit in.

It’s a short novel so a quick read but one I would definitely revisit. 

This is published on the 4th September, thanks to Netgalley for my review copy. 

 Many thanks for this; I have loved his earlier books so must keep an eye for this new one.

Cheers,

Sal

I also got this to review:-

Readers of Mitch Albom’s previous novels will be familiar with his style of writing and “The Time Keeper” is no exception. Here we have the familiar mystical story with a message – a modern fairy tale almost. The novel introduces us to Father Time and how he came to be. More importantly we’re also introduced to two modern day characters, Sarah and Victor, and are given a glimpse of their lives. Sarah is a high school student, Victor a wealthy old man. Neither have anything in common and have never met. However for both of these characters time is important. As the novel progresses we’re given a glimpse of each characters life and begin to understand why time is important to them and how Father Time interacts with them.

Mitch Albom’s pared down style makes this a quick and easy read, however I would have liked to know more about the lives and family of both Sarah and Victor, rather than just the brief snapshot we are given.

Overall the message given in the book made this a worthwhile read – in a modern day world were time seems to control everything we do, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, year by year - we need to slow down and be thankful for what we have.

Reviewed for www.netgalley.com

I have almost all of Albom's works and they are all keepers for me and this book was no exception. A tale that will stay with me along time and made me think once more about how our actions can impact on others. 10/10

 I finished reading this book this afternoon and absolutely adored it. This is the third book I've read of Albom's and it didn't disappoint. The novel is ultimately about how, although we all wish for more time, we should in fact be grateful for what we have and that time is restricted so that we learn to value the precious moments we that are given.

It really is a thought-provoking read about time and how we cannot control it but can learn to appreciate all that we have and lose in life for whatever reason these events happen. This book will stay with me for a long time.

 I have read this book now, as part of a reading group read and thoroughly enjoyed it, just as much as I have enjoyed all of his other books. All of his books are keepers for me; but will wait until this is out in paperback.

Sal

I shall have to keep my eyes open for this, I have enjoyed his books, but I don't keep them anymore, as I once tried to re-read 5 people you meet in heaven, and really didn't enjoy it a 2nd time round, it seemed to lose something for me, so I don't keep them anymore, so I can't be tempted to do the same with any of his others!

Nat

Love the sound of this.