How To Stop Time By Matt Haig

I try to avoid blurb, reviews and other critical responses to novels before actually reading them. But I think I can presume the obvious comparisons with Heinlein's Time Enough for Love have been done. For me the similarity is closer to Stranger in a Strange Land. The feelings of alienation and imprisonment in the self, experienced by Haig’s protagonist are somehow reminiscent of the materialistic individualism of that American classic.As could be expected of a story about a man who lives on and on as his loved ones die, there is an underlying Sartre-esque despair to the narrative, which is played with ironically by the inclusion of a French teacher as the love interest. Haig’s novel is thoroughly British, however. Self-doubt, subtle irony, Shakespeare, Tudor cottages, scenes of deprivation and poverty... Sounds like Python doesn’t it. And despite its somewhat heavyweight themes there is an edge of almost farcical satire to How to Stop Time.As its cheeky title suggests, this is not a novel that takes itself too seriously. The prose and structure are both simple and beautiful. The characterisation is sophisticated and economical, the pace well-measured throughout. It’s a page turner from from beginning to end. A great one if you fancy something from the more Literary end of the science fiction genre.

Matt Haig's 'How To Stop Time' is the kind of story that comes along once in a blue moon. This is a lovely piece of creation that reminded me how wonderful, humorous and versatile some books can be, A book that simply begins and evolves throughout into the kind of book that gives so much, it's simply wonderful on every level.This is not so much of a review but praise for the style and intelligence and kindness of style that Matt Haig writes with. He has enthusiasm and compassion as a writer that illuminates with every sentence. This is the kind of novel that harbours a very cool idea and delivers it in such a manner that it left this reader speechless.Pretty much, this is timeless and the sort of book you would love people of all ages to read. I found myself not wanting the story of Tom Hazard to end and would have given it 6 stars or even more if I could. Do yourself a favour and get a copy, knowing that it's the work of a truly breath-taking writer. Highly recommended.

I've previously read a few books by this author - love some of them and really like the others. This one had passed by me though and I picked it up now having recently read The Midnight Library (not my favourite but loved the premise). This book was first published in 2017.The book is 325 pages in 5 parts, each containing multiple chapters which jump about in time, always going back from the present day.I've read several books that have time travel at their core and structure/rules are always the key to their success. Matt Haig manages these impossibilities very strongly and I quickly forgot that this was not a reality.On starting the book, I did get the feeling that I had read it before although definitely hadn't which was very strange. I decided that, as I had had a recommendation, the details of the description from my friend had stuck in my head.The structure is really clear and I was swept along with the fantasy, never questioning the many difficult practical details.Extreme longevity is a very clever way to explore loneliness and that is a recurring theme that runs through all of the book. Tom, the main character and narrator, looks into his own soul, considering how to best live his life. The limits on his existence are constraining and he struggles to deal with their effects, meaning he continually analyses his actions in his attempts to "stop time".I was absorbed into Tom's world easily and completely believed the dilemmas that he faced, understanding how he tried to solve them.Various periods in past are visited and they are addressed in a way that is very natural. The detail is subtle with the descriptions never threatening to take away focus from the characters and the plot.Whilst the narrative jumps around in time frequently, we are always in Tom's head and the book is written in such a smooth style that is never jarring.Amongst all the life lessons that Tom considers there is plenty to be considered by those reading the book as well.This book is entertaining, emotional and thought provoking. I felt that I had learnt a lot about Tom by the end and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his journey of realisation.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the Midnight Library and Humans I was looking forward to reading this book. Sadly it did not live up to expectation. I found it turgid and an awkward read. I felt the author was trying hard to pull together threads of a story line but that the elusive knot to bind them ..remained elusive. I had to give up.I have wondered whether Matt has read the same books as I. Many years ago I read a book about a woman who remained ageless and also, in the case of Midnight Library ,a woman who gets trapped in another dimension in which she recognises family and friends but they do not know her. I wish I could find those books.

Reading this book makes you think about all the changes that has gone on through your life. From buildings coming and going, to technology. It made me think about what has gone on through my life so far, esp places I have been to over the years. It ends with a good message - think about the present, not the past or future.