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The Psychology of Time Travel

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'The Psychology of Time Travel' by Kate Mascarenhas is a unique and complex story that revolves around time travel and its psychological effects on individuals. The book follows the lives of four female inventors who pioneer time travel in the 1960s, leading to a world where time is no longer linear and people interact with multiple versions of themselves. The plot unravels a murder mystery intertwined with the lives of various characters, exploring themes of relationships, identity, and the consequences of manipulating time. The writing style is described as detailed, imaginative, and rich, with multiple timelines and points of view adding depth to the narrative.

Characters:

The characters are predominantly female, showcasing a diversity of traits and political dynamics, particularly in the context of time travel.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by elegant prose, multiple perspectives, and a brisk pacing that sometimes complicates the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves together the invention of time travel, a subsequent murder mystery, and the psychological effects on individuals over decades.

Setting:

The setting transitions from the 1960s when time travel is invented to a future where it significantly impacts society.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, featuring short chapters that create a quick reading experience, although this can lead to confusion.
The laboratory, in Cumbria, was home to four young scientists. Margaret was a baroness turned cosmologist. Lucille had come from the Toxteth slums to make radio waves travel faster than light. Grace—w...

Notes:

The book is set in 1967 when four women develop the first time travel technology.
The main characters are all women, which is a refreshing change in the genre.
The story explores the psychological effects of time travel on individuals and society.
One character, Barbara, suffers a breakdown during the public announcement of the time travel invention.
The narrative weaves between multiple timelines, including past and future events.
Time travel is depicted as a business run by the Conclave, which oversees all time travel activities.
The protagonists face complex relationships, including a polyamorous love story.
The book is both a murder mystery and a science fiction tale.
Mental health issues are a central theme, especially regarding how they intersect with time travel.
The story contains a glossary of time travel jargon, such as terms for sexual encounters with different versions of oneself.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include mental health issues, allusions to rape, and themes surrounding death.

Has Romance?

Romance exists in the narrative, with key relationships developing, but it is not the primary focus, instead complementing the central plot.

From The Publisher:

"Astonishing."-The New York Times

"A fascinating meditation on the many ways traveling through time can change a person." -HelloGiggles

"This genre-bending, time-bending debut will appeal to fans of Doctor Who, dystopian fiction, and life's great joy: friend groups."-Refinery29

Perfect for fans of Naomi Alderman's The Power and Margot Lee Shetterly's Hidden Figures comes The Psychology of Time Travel, a mind-bending, time-travel debut.

In 1967, four female scientists worked together to build the world's first time machine. But just as they are about to debut their creation, one of them suffers a breakdown, putting the whole project-and future of time travel-in jeopardy. To protect their invention, one member is exiled from the team-erasing her contributions from history.

Fifty years later, time travel is a big business. Twenty-something Ruby Rebello knows her beloved grandmother, Granny Bee, was one of the pioneers, though no one will tell her more. But when Bee receives a mysterious newspaper clipping from the future reporting the murder of an unidentified woman, Ruby becomes obsessed: could it be Bee? Who would want her dead? And most importantly of all: can her murder be stopped?

Traversing the decades and told from alternating perspectives, The Psychology of Time Travel introduces a fabulous new voice in fiction and a new must-read for fans of speculative fiction and women's fiction alike.

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (42):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (29)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
3 months

****3.5****

The Psychology of Time Travel is most engaging story of a murder.

In 1967 by a four-strong women group known as the Pioneers invented Time Travel. But one of them has a nervous breakdown and she is kept out of the circle whereas others go ahead and creates an organization that controls Time Travelling, known as Conclave.

In 2018, Odette discovers a corpse in a toy museum on her first day of work which keeps her disturbed. In 2017, Ruby Rebello, grand daughter of Frozen out Pioneer wants to know more about her granny and Conclave.

There are 3 time periods that are narrated one after the other telling us what happened/ is happening/ is going to happen. At first it's a pure harassment to keep up with characters and the story but as you move forward, it becomes a craving. To know about the murder.

I liked the story very much but what I hated was there were too many women. A few handpicked men, i think there are only 4 !! which felt weird...

Totally a good story :)

Happy Reading!!!

ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!

 
 
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