The Map of Time
by Felix J. Palma
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: June 28, 2011
ISBN: 9781439167397
624 Pages
Fiction
Publisher’s Description:
Set in Victorian London with characters real and imagined, The Map of Time boasts a triple-play of intertwined plots in which a skeptical H.G. Wells is called upon to investigate purported incidents of time travel and thereby save the lives of an aristocrat in love with a murdered prostitute from the past; of a woman bent on fleeing the strictures of Victorian society; and of his very own wife, who may have become a pawn in a 4th-dimensional plot to murder the authors of Dracula, The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, in order to alter their identities and steal their fictional creations.
But, what happens if we change history? FÉlix J. Palma raises such questions in The Map of Time.
My Opinion:
The Map of Time is such an odd book, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It is written in the style of a classic, where the narrator speaks directly to the reader about what is happening in the story. The author leads the reader down many various paths in order to be able to understand all aspects of the story and how they work together perfectly by the end. This means that every 50-100 pages new characters and subplots are thrown into the story, which can seem frustrating at first as the plot veers off into completely different territory from the chapter that precedes it. Eventually it does all come together though – you just have to remember that as you read.
At first glance the story seems to have nothing to do with time travel. You may pick up the book, read the first section and think, “Wait a minute, wasn’t this supposed to be a time travel story, not a cross-class love story that happens to involve a prostitute during the time of Jack the Ripper. I was promised H.G. Wells – where is he?”
Well you just have to keep reading and trust the author. He adds layers to the story with each chapter, and time and again shows that things are not as they seem. Part time-travel story, historical fiction, farce, and romance, this novel has a lot to offer to the patient reader.
I recommend The Map of Time to those who like classic science fiction, H. G. Wells, and stories with a touch of magic. Although it took me about two hundred pages to become truly invested in the story, I felt that the investment paid off in the end. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author threw in some truly delightful plot twists. If you are able to suspend disbelief when it comes to a bit of magic and time travel then you will probably enjoy The Map of Time.
Rating 4/5
I received a free electronic copy of this book for review.
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I don’t think this is my kind of book, but my son would probably love it.
I love this honest review. While many aspects of it would lead me to believe this is not a book I would enjoy (takes 200 pages to get into — involves magic and time travel) I must admit that I am rather intrigued. I will definitely add it to the TBR list, although it may take a while before I actually get around to reading it.
I have read elsewhere that the author stuffs a lot of characters and plots into one book! But still, it sounds good!
I am reading this now and enjoying it so much. Glad that you were able to get into it!
I really enjoyed this book and would describe it as quirky. It does take a little effort to read this one, but it’s well worth it. Very nice review!
I appreciate your honesty here, so I can at least be prepared for the obstacles. Despite that you have to work to appreciate the book, it appeals to me for some reason.
I just got this one from the publisher. I can’t wait to read it. Isn’t it a lovely copy? I love the cover.
I do enjoy the classics so I am thinking I will like this, even though it might take awhile for it to pull me in.
My copy just came in the mail the other day. My husband saw it and asked me why I got it, considering I don’t generally like time travel. I said, “Yeah, but listen…” It just sounds so good, glad you enjoyed it in the long run.
I have been seeing this book around lately and it looks really good! I will have to see if the library has it…
That cover is just gorgeous! I really do want to read this one.
This book was not what I was expecting but I liked it a lot. The first part was my favorite. The second part was a little weak but in the end it all came together nicely. This is a tough one to review because of it’s complexity and not wanting to include spoilers.
When I first received this book for review, I simply looked at it and groaned. First, there was the sheer VOLUME of the book, and second of all, it was about time-travel (science fiction) and set in the Victorian era (not an era I care much for, too droll). But when I began reading this book, I was pleasantly surprised at how MUCH I liked it! The author, although his narrative being extremely descriptive and detailed, tends to handle the layering of the story very well. All the different aspects of the novel come together cohesively, and form a magnificent story.
Excellent review, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! 
Thank you SO much for your wonderful review on this novel – I especially appreciate all the honest commentary about the nature of the book, which I left out (for the most part) in my review because I was too busy gushing about how much I liked this book!
This is not a book I would normally go for, but for some reason I am convinced I will love it!
This is the second review that made me think I would like this one.
Like Stacy, this is also the second review I have read of this book. The first one intrigued me. Your review provided a bit more insight into the reader’s experience. I think I would enjoy delving into this one. I can be a patient reader if I have the insight that I will be rewarded for it later.
I’m glad that you liked this book. I did start it a while back and I like the writing style. I can’t wait to finish it.
I just received a copy of this book and I like magic and time travel but am not fond of science fiction. This doesn’t sound like classic sci fi so I will give it a try. I appreciate your tips to stick with it and that it eventually comes together! Thanks for your honest review.
I didn’t love this book, but I did like it. I agree, too, that it takes a while to get into it! But then it’s certainly interesting! Lots of open-endedness to it.
I enjoyed this one, but you’re right, the first 200 pages are a little slow but the pay off is good.
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