Review: The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

From the author who's inspired millions worldwide with books like "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" comes his most imaginative novel yet, "The Time Keeper"--a compelling fable about the first man on earth to count the hours. The man who became Father Time.

In Mitch Albom's newest work of fiction, the inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.

He returns to our world--now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began--and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so.

Told in Albom's signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it and how precious it truly is.
(Goodreads.com)
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Review
I've read and enjoyed Mitch Albom's past books. I find them unusual but charming and this one was no exception. While the theme is not unusual, about making the most of the time you have, the concept was unique. The three main characters and their journeys were extremely different - a man "sentenced" to be Father Time, a terminally ill, wealthy man and a lonely, teenage girl. Each of them longed for a different use of time and didn't appreciate all that had already been given to them. They weren't even very likable in the beginning but they each evolved into better people. Chapters alternated between characters until their lives intertwined. I wasn't sure how it would be done but the author was able to connect them all in an interesting way and tie up loose ends.

The chapters were short and a bit choppy but easy to read. With a storyline much like a fable, it delivered an emotional message about the value of the time. It was interesting to see if the characters, as well as the readers, learned their lessons. Fans of this author are likely to enjoy this book as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook to review.

Author
Publisher

Release date: 9/4/12
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 240 (ebook)
Type: Adult fiction