This co-written science fiction novella has been considered "too much” by many book reviewers but that is exactly why I love it.
“I love you. I love you. I love you. I'll write it in waves. In skies. In my heart. You'll never see, but you will know. I'll be all the poets, I'll kill them all and take each one's place in turn, and every time love's written in all the strands it will be to you.”
This Is How You Lose the Time War is a chaotic mess of worldbuilding, narrative, prose and plot. Written in a double perspective it follows the story of Red and Blue, two rival time travel agents who exchange letters and end up falling in love.
I was actually recommended this by a close friend and I was skeptical because I don’t normally read Sci-Fi but I though I might as well give it a try!
“And everyone is alive, somewhere in time.”
I have to admit at first I was pretty confused because Amal and Max (the authors) just throw you into the world and the plot. However, the set up was incredible. The prose was lyrical and very poetic the entirety of the book. I consider this book art as much as literature. The time travel elements were expertly constructed and the rivalry was explained through their time travel assignments and letters.
The plot leaves you amazed by the planning and beauty of its execution. The plot twist at the end was so amazing and it takes you back through the whole series of events that didn’t make sense at first. The way they allow all the pieces to click in their own due time was so elegant.
To read this book you have to be patient and be willing to be confused at first. I went into this knowing the prose would be mind bending but I appreciate poetic writing so much. I just let the prose wash over me and took in the gorgeous, immersive writing. I promise the plot eventually reveals itself to you in all its Sci-Fi glory.
While the prose and style of the book is my favorite element I also really loved the rivalry/love story! Blue and Red are two female time travel agents. They work for rivaling organizations and end up meeting at different places in time. Discerning the difference in their characters and worlds was so magical.
Red and Blue begin to exchange letters, leaving them for the other to find as they follow each other through all worlds and timelines. Through these letters they form a bond, slowing falling in love. However, this love is difficult to explain because it can’t be defined in simple emotional terms. It really transcends our simple concept of love and romance. Their bond is one built on friendship and hardship and affection that followed them through every barrier. Through time, death, hate, and the complexity of their rival worlds.
“But when I think of you, I want to be alone together. I want to strive against and for. I want to live in contact. I want to be a context for you, and you for me. I love you, and I love you, and I want to find out what that means together.”
“I would rather break the world than lose you.”
The end is where the beautiful plot twist happens and the whole story seems to unravel backwards right in front of you. You watch while events are explained and every piece connects in a beautiful story of love and time.
I strongly believe that the confusion and chaos is completely worth the ending that clicks the whole story into place. This tiny little novella packs a punch and I highly recommend!!!
Happy Reading!