Book reviews on "The Kellerby Code," "The Ministry of Time," "Sufferance," "Time Orphans," "Glorious Exploits, and "Biography of X"This debut novel is six months in the life of Edward, and his peculiar relationship/friendship with Robert and Stanza. Best known as a comedy writer for TV and movies, Jonny Sweet is behind the screenplay of Wicked Little Letters, which stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley.
How to make sense of the present day for a time-traveller from the past, and how the unusual relationship between Gore and our narrator blossoms take up much of the narrative. The former is a constant source of wry humor, with the Ministry not wanting to dictate the input of new knowledge and allowing the ex-pats to explore; while still keeping close tabs on what they’re absorbing and wanting to control it.
It may take us more than halfway through the book, but the plot developments that occur at that point allow Dibble to rise to the challenge, infusing emotional depth into his storyline. From Richey to Anton and his fellow scientist Emma, as well as their mentor Professor Evans, an intricate nexus of interconnections and coincidences emerges, fully resonating throughout the story. If anything, readers may regret how it all unfolds in the last fifty pages of the book.