The Ministry of Time Book Review

Released: 2024

Genre: Fiction, Sci-Fi, Romance

As a newcomer to the UK literary scene, Kaliane Bradley jumped in with short stories, winning several awards in the process. Her debut novel, The Ministry of Time, was written during the pandemic as a blend of science fiction and romance.

In the not-too-distant future, the UK has discovered the technology for time travel and begins a grand experiment; bringing the long gone back from the dead for a second lease of life. Graham Gore is a decorated sailor of the British Navy; he disappeared in the late 1840s on the Franklin Expedition to the Arctic ice pack. Brought into the present day along with other lost figures, Gore is paired up with the protagonist, an unnamed civil servant, to get adjusted. Over the course of a year, a tentative romance grows between the two as they explore matters of history, perspective and personal background. The book’s greatest strength is how it pulls you into the main viewpoint; Bradley adopts a relatable tone for the main character while pouring a lot of detail into Graham and his formal mannerisms.

The book’s structure swaps between the doomed Franklin voyage in the past and the present day, creating a strong connection between the protagonist and her unexpected partner. Watching Gore and the other time travellers interact with modern tools does create some unique and humorous moments. However, the book’s biggest issue for me was the greater meaning. What advantage does the Ministry give to the UK? How was the time gate invented? Why bring back these individuals above all the others? The Ministry of Time needed more depth to run alongside the budding romance. The true purpose behind the titular department is revealed in the final chapters, but the sense of build-up and intrigue to this point is lacking. There’s no doubt that the sci-fi portion is deemphasised in favour of more grounded drama.

Recommended?

MAYBE: The Ministry of Time has an interesting premise, well-defined structure and a relatable everyday tone. But the core narrative is rather uneventful and the future setting doesn’t receive much development until the closing chapters. This book will appeal to fans of romantic dramas but won’t be so memorable to others.