Emma Straub, the bestselling author of Modern Lovers and The Vacationers, has once again captivated readers with her latest novel, This Time Tomorrow. Released in May 2022, this time-traveling tale blends heartfelt emotion, witty humor, and profound introspection, making it a standout in contemporary fiction. In this in-depth book review, we’ll explore why This Time Tomorrow is a must-read, what makes it so special, and how it resonates with readers. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Emma Straub or new to her work, this article will provide a comprehensive look at the novel’s themes, characters, and storytelling brilliance.
What Is This Time Tomorrow About?
At its core, This Time Tomorrow is a story about time, love, and the choices that shape our lives. The novel follows Alice Stern, a 40-year-old woman who feels stuck in her life. She’s single, her career isn’t where she hoped it would be, and her beloved father, Leonard, is in the hospital, nearing the end of his life. On the night of her 40th birthday, Alice wakes up to find herself transported back to 1996, reliving her 16th birthday.
This unexpected journey through time gives Alice the chance to revisit her past, reconnect with her younger self, and reflect on the relationships and decisions that have defined her life. As she navigates this surreal experience, Alice begins to understand the complexities of love, family, and the passage of time.
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Why This Time Tomorrow Stands Out
Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow is more than just a time-travel novel; it’s a deeply emotional exploration of life’s what-ifs and the enduring bond between a parent and child. Here’s what makes this book so compelling:
1. A Unique Take on Time Travel
While time travel is a well-trodden trope in fiction, Straub brings a fresh perspective to the concept. Instead of focusing on grand adventures or altering history, This Time Tomorrow uses time travel as a tool for introspection. Alice’s journey is deeply personal, allowing her to confront her regrets, celebrate her joys, and gain a new appreciation for the present.
2. Relatable Characters
Alice is a protagonist readers can root for. Her struggles with self-doubt, career dissatisfaction, and the fear of losing her father are universally relatable. Leonard, her father, is equally endearing—a quirky, loving figure who adds warmth and humor to the story.
3. Emotional Depth
The novel delves into themes of aging, mortality, and the passage of time with sensitivity and grace. Straub’s portrayal of Alice’s relationship with her father is particularly moving, capturing the bittersweet nature of watching a loved one grow older.
4. Nostalgic Yet Timeless
Set against the backdrop of 1990s New York City, This Time Tomorrow is infused with nostalgia. From mixtapes to Blockbuster Video, Straub paints a vivid picture of the era. Yet, the novel’s themes of love, family, and self-discovery are timeless, making it relevant to readers of all ages.
Key Themes in This Time Tomorrow
1. The Parent-Child Relationship
At its heart, This Time Tomorrow is a love letter to the bond between parents and children. Alice’s journey is driven by her desire to understand her father and cherish the time they have left together.
2. Regret and Redemption
The novel explores the idea of second chances—not in the sense of changing the past, but in learning to forgive oneself and embrace the present.
3. The Passage of Time
Straub masterfully captures the fleeting nature of time, reminding readers to appreciate the moments that matter most.
4. Self-Discovery
Alice’s journey is as much about rediscovering herself as it is about reconnecting with her past. Her time-travel experience serves as a catalyst for personal growth.
Writing Style and Pacing
Emma Straub’s writing is as delightful as ever in This Time Tomorrow. Her prose is warm, witty, and infused with a sense of humor that balances the novel’s heavier themes. The pacing is steady, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Alice’s world. While the time-travel element adds a layer of intrigue, the focus remains on character development and emotional resonance.
What Readers Are Saying
This Time Tomorrow has garnered widespread acclaim from readers and critics alike. Here’s what makes it a fan favorite:
- Emotional Impact: Many readers have praised the novel for its ability to evoke strong emotions, from laughter to tears.
- Relatability: Alice’s struggles and triumphs resonate with readers who have experienced similar challenges in their own lives.
- Nostalgia: The 1990s setting has been a hit with readers who fondly remember the era.
- Thought-Provoking: The novel’s exploration of time, regret, and second chances has sparked meaningful conversations among readers.
How This Time Tomorrow Compares to Emma Straub’s Previous Works
Fans of Emma Straub will find This Time Tomorrow to be a natural evolution of her storytelling. While her earlier novels, such as The Vacationers and Modern Lovers, focus on family dynamics and relationships, This Time Tomorrow adds a speculative twist with its time-travel element. This fresh approach sets the novel apart while retaining the warmth and wit that readers have come to expect from Straub.
Exploring the Characters in Depth
Alice Stern: A Relatable Protagonist
Alice is a character who feels incredibly real. At 40, she’s at a crossroads in her life, grappling with the gap between her expectations and reality. Her career as a writer for a private school’s alumni magazine is far from the literary success she once dreamed of, and her love life is stagnant. Alice’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to reconcile her past choices with her present circumstances.
Leonard Stern: A Father’s Love
Leonard, Alice’s father, is a standout character. A science fiction writer, Leonard is both a mentor and a source of comfort for Alice. His declining health adds a layer of poignancy to the story, as Alice is forced to confront the inevitability of losing him. Leonard’s wisdom and humor shine through, making him a character readers will deeply care about.
The Supporting Cast
The novel also features a rich cast of supporting characters, including Alice’s best friend, Sam, and her teenage crush, Nick. These characters add depth to the story, highlighting the different ways people influence our lives.
The Time-Travel Mechanism: A Tool for Reflection
Unlike traditional time-travel narratives that focus on altering the past, This Time Tomorrow uses time travel as a means of reflection. Alice’s trips to 1996 allow her to see her life from a new perspective, understanding how her choices have shaped her present. This approach adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, making it more than just a speculative fiction novel.
The Setting: A Love Letter to 1990s New York
The 1990s setting is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Straub’s vivid descriptions of New York City during this era evoke a sense of nostalgia, from the grunge music playing on the radio to the iconic landmarks that define the city. For readers who lived through the ’90s, the setting will feel like a trip down memory lane. For younger readers, it offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
Themes of Mortality and Legacy
One of the most poignant aspects of This Time Tomorrow is its exploration of mortality. Alice’s fear of losing her father forces her to confront her own feelings about death and the legacy we leave behind. Leonard’s career as a science fiction writer adds another layer to this theme, as his work becomes a way for him to live on after he’s gone.
Why This Time Tomorrow Resonates with Readers
The novel’s universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery make it a story that resonates with a wide audience. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of midlife, grappling with the loss of a loved one, or simply reflecting on your own journey, This Time Tomorrow offers something to connect with.
Final Thoughts: Is This Time Tomorrow Worth Reading?
In short, yes. This Time Tomorrow is a beautifully crafted novel that combines humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Emma Straub’s storytelling shines as she explores the complexities of love, time, and family. Whether you’re a fan of time-travel stories or simply looking for a heartfelt read, This Time Tomorrow is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
So, grab a copy, settle into your favorite reading spot, and let Emma Straub take you on a journey through time—and through the heart.