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2.5 stars

The Time Traveler's Wife proffers the story of two people, Clare Abshire and Henry deTamble, whose lives are knit through with the vagaries of Henry's genetic condition, eventually named 'chrono-impairment', which causes him to time travel involuntarily. Though based on the premise of time travel, it is difficult to categorise the book as science fiction, when at its core it is the story of two people in love who are forced to play out their relationship on a foundation of uncertainty. Henry's disorder causes him to be hurtled through time with no control over where he will end up (however, most of his travelling forays are into the past or the very near future), and Clare, who meets Henry when she is six (and eventually marries him) must establish a semblance of normalcy in her married life despite her husband frequently disappearing, sometimes for days on end.

I was a little disappointed with how the story progressed. Though off to a good start, it devolves into your cliched love story, with characters becoming increasingly two-dimensional over the course of the book. Additionally, I was put off by what seemed to be a 'box-ticking' exercise of representing equality and tolerance (towards Black and Asian people, queer people, persons with disabilities), as well as by how convenient the storyline is. There are fairly large plot holes which are skimmed over in the interest of a cushy story. I also found it confusing how the book oscillated between the two narrators (the Time Traveler, and his Wife) - sometimes both voices seemed the same.

This was difficult to read because I kept wanting to cast it aside and move on to something else, but as a rule I finish all books I start.

I am giving this three stars, because I suspect, suspect, that L'élégance du hérisson, may be better read in its original French. This is perhaps not the fault of the translator, but the book in English becomes ponderous - lofty ideals and ambitions are the pillars of this book, which espouses erudition as that goal to aspire to. One need not have been born into the crème de la crème of society to foster an appreciation for Proust and Lacan and Kant, oh no! Such a person may be born into the dregs of society, but through a careful cultivation of tastes, this ideal may be within anybody's grasp. Through meandering philosophical pontifications between the two central characters, Renée, a concierge, and Paloma, a precocious twelve-year old, a story eventually unfolds, which one begins to develop an attachment to. This will be a difficult read for many, and it does take itself very seriously on occasion. However, like good wine, one needs to stick with it to the end. In my opinion, the wine could have matured longer - I was not entirely satisfied with the ending, but not dissatisfied either.

2.5 stars. With 1.5 of those being given because I am a sentimental sop.

The unrealistic utopia depicted in this book does not make the lived experiences of queer people around the world any easier. This book panders, in my opinion, and focuses on a very privileged section of the LGBTQ+ society. Every single character in this book is privileged, even the character with church-going, God-fearing Bible belt-ish parents who do not immediately accept his sexuality.

When this is contrasted with the realities of this world - gay detention camps, homosexuality being illegal (and punishable by death), childhood traumas due to homophobic or transphobic bullying, this book appears almost farcical.

The only aspect that resonated with me was the depiction of emotions. Most of us have experienced young love, and the toe-tingling, butterflies-in-your-stomach, heady feeling that accompanies this. The book quite decently navigates this minefield of emotions. Or perhaps just forces you to come over all nostalgic.

Not really recommended, this.

No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its hills, holding darkness within; it had stood so for eighty years and might stand for eighty more. Within, walls continued upright, bricks met neatly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut; silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House, and whatever walked there, walked alone."

Thus begins [a:Shirley Jackson|13388|Shirley Jackson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1550251468p2/13388.jpg]'s classic story. Already the tendrils of Hill House have been extended, and it is for you to be ensnared over the next 200- odd pages. The protagonists are Eleanor Vance, a thirty-something woman who has looked after her mother for several years until her death, Theodora, another young woman who has had a tiff with a 'roommate', and is here for a change of scenery, and young Luke Sanderson, the nephew of the lady who owns Hill House, and its eventual heir. They have been gathered by Dr. John Montague, who is researching paranormal phenomena. Eleanor and Theodora have both been chosen (or rather, were the only two who responded to Dr. Montague's invitations; sent out to a dozen-odd people) for their involvement in paranormal psychic phenomena at some point in their lives - Eleanor has experience with poltergeist manifestations, and Theodora has shown herself capable of telepathic ability. Luke is a mandated presence by the aunt - Dr. Montague is unable to rent the house without Luke being present.

The four constitute a rag-tag group who, Dr. Montague hopes, will get to the bottom of Hill House's mysteries. Hill House has purportedly been haunted for several years, and residents of the nearby village have stoked the flames of gossip and intrigue, until it is decided with absolute certainty that Hill House is haunted.

Eventually, one realises that this story is about Eleanor. Jackson draws this group together, but it is really Eleanor who carries the story through. Hill House molds itself to her, and for someone such as her, who has never had a house of her own, Hill House presents the possibility of 'home'.

There have been various explanations floated by people regarding what the story is about - for some, it is classic horror, for others, an exploration into the psyche of Eleanor (who at times sees and experiences things the others do not). What exactly is the deep dark secret that Hill House holds?

Something not overtly mentioned, and yet very visible in these pages, is the theme of same-sex love. Of the two sisters who originally inherited the house, the elderly Miss Crain (daughter of Hugh, he who built this house) takes a female 'companion' from the village to live with her in the house. The younger sister never does accept the companion as family, and eventually, even though the companion inherits the house, she is ostracised from society. This leads her to commit suicide in the house, which understandably becomes the custodian of this deep secret. It is this which haunts Hill House, in my opinion - a same-sex relationship that was never accepted by family and society, and it is this which is really what the story is about.

It is given to understand that Theodora has had a lovers' tiff, and Eleanor perceives this as an opportunity to perhaps move in with her at some point, setting up a home together. Theo flatly rebuffs Eleanor, who is by now perhaps unhinged; all her life, she has been devoted to her mother, and has never lived for herself, and this fleeting chance at love blinks out and disappears before it has the chance to manifest into something more substantial.

'Journeys end in lovers meeting' is Eleanor's constant refrain, and it is only to be supposed that, having met a lover, the journey must end. Jackson skillfully manoeuvres Eleanor's journey from newfound freedom to newfound love to newfound rejection, juxtaposed against the frightful happenings at Hill House, which are tormenting everyone (Mrs. Montague and Arthur are late entrants into this motley group, perhaps less unfazed by events than the others)

Things come to a head and Eleanor is asked to leave, by the same Doctor who had once invited her there. But Hill House will not let go of her easily, Eleanor knows, it will keep her close, it will be her home. The finale, when it does come about, is shocking beyond belief.

And through all this, Hill House stands strong, unshakeable, and brooding as ever.