Review of Timewise

[Katie Blackmore]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Timewise" by Robert Leet.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The contemporary science fiction novel, Timeswise by Robert Leet follows the life of Ron Larson, a directionless young man who has suffered a tough childhood after being orphaned at an early age and moving through a few foster homes.

His only ambition is to earn money by playing chess or poker, and by doing odd jobs. He meets the unconventional quantum physics professor, Regina Russo, who sees potential in him when no one else does. She proposes to pay him to study, on the condition that he receives only distinctions. Not knowing that Regina has her own agenda, Ron accepts and lands up finding his talent and passion for maths. Ron and Regina meet every month at a diner. Ron uses the concepts from the quantum physics discussions they have as his inspiration to develop a way of predicting the stock market for his Ph.D. thesis. Together with Sheila Park, a graduate from the economics department, he plans the successful prediction system that then turns into a booming business. Ron has it all - a beautiful wife, a successful business, and the desirable apartment in New York. His life is as good as it gets until he gets an unmarked note from Regina asking for his immediate help. Ron is forced to make life-altering choices and decides to take part in a dangerous experiment that could change the future.

I enjoyed multiple aspects of the book. Discussions on quantum physics theories were fascinating and thought-provoking. The author explains the complex theories comprehensively, allowing inexperienced readers to understand the technical aspects of the story. The inclusion of the theories made the story appear realistic and believable, which was an unusual and entertaining take. I appreciated the author’s unusual and in-depth character depictions. I particularly enjoyed the wide range of female depictions, none of which were represented as flat characters. These female characters were so much more complex, with ambitions and flaws. They helped Ron develop through their interaction with him. Lastly, I appreciated the uniqueness of the storyline. I expected it to be like “Back to the Future”, but this is not the case, which was a refreshing surprise.

I found some discussions on quantum physics dragged on for many pages. As interesting as this information is, I found it necessary to take regular breaks to process it and not feel overwhelmed. I became disengaged from the story and started dreading the conversations in the diner more than Ron. These lengthy technical discussions were too frequent and disrupted the flow of the story. I also found the ending quite an anti-climax and disheartening after such a build-up throughout the book. There were many directions the author could have taken, but he tied up the ends quickly, which resulted in the book flatlining at the end.

This book has many positive aspects ranging from the unique storyline, thorough character presentations to the realistic approach to the experiments using quantum physics theories. The book was professionally and very well put together with no apparent errors. On the negative side, I feel the numerous pages of explanations of the theories removed the reader from the story. This, together with the anti-climactic ending, prohibited the book from reaching a four-star rating. Thus I rate Timewise 3 out of 4 stars.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy quantum physics and anyone who enjoys novels with a technical aspect. I do not recommend this book to anyone who wants a light read as the reader needs to focus on the details. Readers who are offended by profanity or sexual scenes may not enjoy the book (although both are mild and not detailed).

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Timewise
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[MsH2k]

Although I’ve had this book on my list for a while, it’s never managed to reach the top. I don’t mind the physics discussions, but it sounds like they may be too much for the frequent diner meetings—enough to give someone heartburn ! Thank you for a great review.

[Katie Blackmore]

Although I’ve had this book on my list for a while, it’s never managed to reach the top. I don’t mind the physics discussions, but it sounds like they may be too much for the frequent diner meetings—enough to give someone heartburn ! Thank you for a great review.

Thank you! Sorry, I didn't see your post. hahaha I agree! I enjoyed most of it as I am generally very interested in those kinds of topics but as someone who reads before bed, it caused some brain burn instead

[Kaushiki Parihar]

Quantum physics would be too much for me to comprehend. But, you did a wonderful job on the review.

[Katie Blackmore]

Quantum physics would be too much for me to comprehend. But, you did a wonderful job on the review.

Thank you Kaushiki! I appreciate your kind words Yes, I definitely think the quantum physics aspect would either draw you in or drive you away.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

Your review reminded me that I would really like to read this book. Thank you for your well-written recommendation!

[Katie Blackmore]

Your review reminded me that I would really like to read this book. Thank you for your well-written recommendation!

Thank you for reading and commenting Raluca! It was definitely an entertaining read and if you like technical subjects like quantum physics, then you will certainly enjoy it.