Book Review of the Month: A Gift of Time
Michael Maag reviews the best and worst science fiction novels so you know what you should - or shouldn’t - read next.
“A Gift of Time”
by Jerry Merritt
What is the book about?
His affairs in order, Micajah Fenton is on his way home to end it all when he comes upon a perfectly circular crater in his front yard. At the bottom, he finds a broken time glider and a naked woman, or is she just in his mind? Either way, his plans for the evening are put on hold.
After a wild, fantasy fulfilling adventure, in exchange for helping repair the time glider Lovely Pebble offers Cager something of value - to return him to the past so that he can correct the mistake that has haunted him his entire life. He is returned to inhabit his 10-year-old self, but with all of the knowledge of his 80 years, as well as brain full of advanced alien understanding of the physics of space and time.
Initially, the prospect of rewriting his history seems like it will be easy, but Cager’s every action alters the future in ways he cannot anticipate and soon the world is much changed from the one he remembers from his childhood. All those differences work against him, ultimately preventing him from rectifying his mistake.
His only plan is to use his knowledge and the mental gifts from Lovely Pebble to build his own time machine to go back and try again. As he delves deeper into the mysteries of time, he begins to question the true nature of his existence and the choices he has made.
On a scale from one to five, how much did you like this book?
Ranking: Four Stars
The author weaves an intricate narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of second chances.
This is well written, poetic and engaging, with fantastic characters that learn, love, fail and grow. There is a lot of hard science in the book, which may come off as page filling nonsense to some, but I found it to be interesting and accurate, at least to my level of understanding.
The book does, however, fall into many of the failings of “Some Desperate Glory,” the last book I reviewed. A convenient space alien to guide our hero back to his past to correct his mistakes, including sexist and racist tropes, leaving us a little hollow at the lack of consequences.
I have to ask myself, did I enjoy this book more than the last simply because I could relate more to the protagonist? That his choices, circumstances, troubles and failings, if not my own, where at least recognizable. Both books approach time travel as a kind of get out of jail free card in an unsatisfying manner.
Overall, this book offers a compelling exploration of the impact of choices, the significance of human connection and the possibility of redemption. It includes fantastic world building, characters to love and empathize with, tension, risk and uncertainty to overcome.
Is this book worth reading or can the content be covered in a book review?
This book is a great read despite its shortcomings. It is an emotionally engaging and enjoyable exploration of time travel, boyhood, meaningful relationships, unintended consequences and love. It is also a fast read, great for a getaway, virtual or otherwise. Read the whole thing, even if you must skip the techno babble.
What is the best or worst quote, chapter or item in the book?
“If you do a poor job now, Cager, you aren’t taking care of the person you will become. How successful that future person is depends on you doing your part here and now.”