Description
A truly original debut novel from an extraordinarily talented new voice in children’s books. Laugh, cry and wonder at this race-against-time story of a boy who travels back to 1984 to prevent a go-kart accident, and save his father’s life…
“My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again four years later when he was twelve.
The first time had nothing to do with me. The second time definitely did, but I would never even have been there if it hadn’t been for his ‘time machine’…”
When Al Chaudhury discovers his late dad’s time machine, he finds that going back to the 1980s requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, burglary.
“My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again four years later when he was twelve.
The first time had nothing to do with me. The second time definitely did, but I would never even have been there if it hadn’t been for his ‘time machine’…”
When Al Chaudhury discovers his late dad’s time machine, he finds that going back to the 1980s requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, burglary.
Review
This is a young adult novel which I requested from Netgalley because I love time travel novels. I wasn't disappointed, it is probably one of the best time travel novels I have read (and I have read a lot). The book is very good at "explaining" time travel which isn't always the case in a novel of this genre.
The book is narrated by 12 year old Al Chaudhury and I just loved his voice. He really tells it like it is, dealing with some very grown up problems; like how to go back in time and make sure his Dad doesn't die. Best of all he has a hamster called Alan Shearer! - genius.
Of course not everything goes smoothly and at one point in the book I was so sad as Al changed his timeline, and not in a good way. It was such an intriguing story line and I was really absorbed in it too. I'm not going to say it is an easy read because that doesn't give it the credit it deserves. It is enjoyable to read because it is so well written, not just for the YA but for anyone. It has some very thought provoking messages within the story.
I really loved when Al travelled back to 1984 and they had to rig up all the computers - a trip down memory lane for me. So funny how he also had to explain his smart phone away. I had my heart in my mouth at times, wondering what was going to happen to Al on his travels.
This is a charming and delightful book, so enchanting. I'm giving this book five out of 5 stars and would love to read more by this author. In fact I enjoyed it so much I'd like to read it again.
My thanks go to netgalley for providing me with a review copy of this book.
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