In the ministry, there’s a vacancy that demands security clearance and rewards a trebled paycheck in addition to the task of working with highly notable refugees. Adela, the enigmatic deputy secretary of a function she refuses to clarify, conducts an interview with the protagonist for this position. She discloses her role as the vice-secretary in charge of relocating foreign nationals. Yet, these individuals aren’t from another geographic location; they’re from a different timeline, revealing that time travelling is indeed possible.
Despite this mind-boggling revelation, readers are urged not to rack their brains over the complexities of this phenomenon. As per Adela, all that should concern you is the fact that the British government has unlocked the secrets of time travel in the imminent future. Spare yourself the mystic complexities of quantum physics. Our protagonist, whose name remains undisclosed, is entrusted with the role of ‘the bridge.’ She is expected to co-habit and oversee an emigrant, yanked from a completely different era. Fate assigns her First Lieutenant Graham Gore from the 19th century.
In our reality, Gore served as the deputy commander on the Erebus, a twin vessel to the HMS Terror. Both ships reportedly went missing during their tragically destined expedition to unlock the Northwest Passage in the Arctic back in 1845 (eloquently revisited in Michael Palin’s 2019 narrative, Erebus). Despite the cruel fate involving lead-ridden food cans, ice, and potential cannibalism, in this parallel universe, Gore evades death and lands in the contemporary era through the time portal.
His spectacular arrival into our timeline triggers a series of comedic instances, as he attempts to adapt to modern technological conveniences. Gore is bewildered by appliances such as the washing machine and vacuum cleaner, referring to them as ‘maid.’ The discovery of bacteria leaves him terrified, and the concept of music streaming services leaves him in absolute wonderment, especially after the progression of recorded music is clearly elucidated.
Kaliane Bradley’s debut novel flawlessly interweaves intricate genres. Besides touching upon elements of scintillating, speculative science fiction, it solicits a future warning about upcoming wars over natural resources. Furthermore, it remarkably explores romance between Gore and his state-assigned live-in mate. The narrative beautifully portrays attempts of a man wrestled from time trying to comprehend the nuances of contemporary intimate relationships.
The book comprises various sections that intimately explore Gore’s experiences in the Arctic. Additionally, the narrative delves into intriguing dilemmas associated with time-travel as the story unfolds. An ethical lesson is also presented, advising that through forgiveness and hope, which are likened to miracles, we have the ability to alter our own destiny. Indeed, the book comes with something for everyone and is an advisable read for any audience.