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Time and Time Again

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Time and Time Again by Ben Elton is a time travel novel that follows the story of Hugh Stanton, a former soldier recruited to travel back in time to 1914 with the mission of preventing the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and averting the outbreak of World War I. The book explores the complexities of time travel, unintended consequences, and the ethical dilemmas of altering historical events. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, engaging the reader until the final page, and the writing style effectively combines historical research with a suspenseful narrative.

Characters:

The characters are varied, with the protagonist experiencing personal struggles while interacting with a mix of historical and fictional figures.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and accessible, blending humor with serious themes and historical context.

Plot/Storyline:

The story involves a time traveler attempting to prevent World War I, focusing on the complexities and consequences of altering historical events.

Setting:

The novel is set in a near-future society reflecting on historical consequences, with time travel to the early 20th century.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, though some feel the conclusion comes too quickly.
IN CONSTANTINOPLE, ON a bright, chill early morning in June 1914, Hugh Stanton, retired British army captain and professional adventurer, leant against the railings of the Galata Bridge and stared int...

Notes:

The book explores the concept of time travel, specifically focusing on attempting to prevent World War I.
Hugh Stanton, the main character, is an ex-soldier recruited to change history after a personal tragedy.
The story starts in 2025 and travels back to 1914, centering around the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.
It raises questions about the morality of changing history and whether it can lead to better outcomes.
The narrative challenges the romanticized views of history by showing that altering past events has complex consequences.
The protagonist's journey involves humor, a romance subplot, and significant character development amidst a thrilling plot.
The book is noted for its unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the end.
Ben Elton, the author, is known for combining serious themes with humor and satire, creating thought-provoking narratives.
Characters in the book reflect modern sensibilities, creating contrasts with the historical setting they inhabit.
The detailed historical elements are researched, grounding the time travel premise in plausible contexts.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of personal loss, historical violence, and potentially triggering discussions about war and its aftermath.

Has Romance?

The book features a moderate level of romance, mainly through the protagonist's relationship with Bernadette, which complicates his mission.

From The Publisher:

If you had one chance to change history...Where would you go? What would you do? Who would you kill?

In Time and Time Again, international best-selling author Ben Elton takes readers on a thrilling journey through early 20th-Century Europe.

It's the first of June 1914 and Hugh Stanton, ex-soldier and celebrated adventurer is quite literally the loneliest man on earth. No one he has ever known or loved has been born yet. Perhaps now they never will be.

Stanton knows that a great and terrible war is coming. A collective suicidal madness that will destroy European civilization and bring misery to millions in the century to come. He knows this because, for him, that century is already history.

Somehow he must change that history. He must prevent the war. A war that will begin with a single bullet. But can a single bullet truly corrupt an entire century? And, if so, could another single bullet save it?

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (27):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (17)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (6)

About the Author:

BEN ELTON is one of Britain's most provocative and entertaining writers. From celebrity to climate change, from the First World War to the end of the world, his books give his unique perspective on some of the most controversial topics of our time. He has written fourteen major European bestsellers, including Stark, Popcorn, Inconceivable, Dead Famous, High Society, The First Casualty and Two Brothers. He is married with three children and lives in Western Australia.

 
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