Time travel fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that explores the concept of travelling through time, whether backward or forward. It delves into the possibilities and consequences of altering the past, present, or future, often raising philosophical questions about fate, causality, and the nature of reality.
What distinguishes time travel fiction from general science fiction is its focus on the manipulation of time itself as a central plot device, rather than merely incorporating futuristic technology or alien worlds. Time travel narratives often involve intricate paradoxes, alternate timelines, and the exploration of the human condition across different temporal settings.
Some great classics of time travel fiction include H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine,” which popularized the concept of time travel in modern literature, exploring social commentary alongside its scientific premise. Another notable example is Ray Bradbury’s “A Sound of Thunder,” which emphasizes the butterfly effect and the delicate balance of history. More contemporary works like Audrey Niffenegger’s “The Time Traveler’s Wife” blend romance with time travel, showcasing its versatility as a narrative device across genres. These classics have paved the way for a rich tapestry of time travel stories, each offering unique perspectives on the complexities of temporal manipulation.
Here are twenty great time travel novels:
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895) In “The Time Machine,” an unnamed protagonist invents a machine that allows him to travel through time. He ventures into the distant future, where he encounters two distinct species—the peaceful Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks—and witnesses the eventual decline of human civilization. Wells’ seminal work not only popularized the concept of time travel but also serves as a social commentary on class division and the consequences of industrialization.
A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury (1952) “A Sound of Thunder” follows a group of hunters who travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs, but one member inadvertently steps off the path and alters history. This classic short story explores the concept of the butterfly effect, illustrating how seemingly small actions in the past can have significant repercussions on the future. Bradbury’s work serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tampering with the past and the fragile interconnectedness of time.
The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov (1955) “The End of Eternity” is set in a distant future where a secret organization, known as Eternity, controls the flow of history by manipulating time. When an ambitious time traveller named Andrew Harlan falls in love with a woman from the past, he risks unravelling the fabric of time itself. Asimov’s novel is a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of tampering with the past and the ethical implications of playing God with time.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (1962) In “A Wrinkle in Time,” siblings Meg and Charles Wallace, along with their friend Calvin, embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s father from the clutches of an evil force known as IT. Guided by three mysterious beings, they travel to different planets and dimensions, confronting darkness and discovering the power of love and individuality. L’Engle’s novel is a beloved classic of children’s literature that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, offering a timeless and inspiring adventure that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut (1969) “Slaughterhouse-Five” follows the experiences of Billy Pilgrim, an optometrist who becomes “unstuck in time” and experiences various moments of his life, including his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and his encounters with aliens on the planet Tralfamadore. Vonnegut’s novel is a blend of dark humour, anti-war sentiment, and existential exploration, using time travel as a narrative device to highlight the absurdity and trauma of war.
Time and Again by Jack Finney (1970) In “Time and Again,” advertising artist Si Morley participates in a secret government experiment and finds himself transported back to New York City in 1882. As Si immerses himself in the past and becomes involved in a mystery, he must navigate the complexities of time travel and its impact on his own identity. Finney’s novel is a classic time travel tale that combines meticulous historical detail with a compelling mystery, offering a captivating glimpse into the past and the possibilities of altering history.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991) In “Outlander,” Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, is mysteriously transported back in time from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. Struggling to adapt to her new reality, Claire becomes entangled in the politics and conflicts of the time period, while navigating a complicated romance with the dashing Highlander, Jamie Fraser. Gabaldon’s series combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, using time travel to transport readers to a vividly realized past filled with intrigue and adventure.
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis (1992) In “Doomsday Book,” a historian named Kivrin is sent back in time from Oxford in 2054 to the Middle Ages, but due to an error, she ends up in the midst of the Black Death in the 14th century. As Kivrin struggles to survive in a plague-ridden world, her colleagues in the future race to rescue her. Willis’ novel is a masterful blend of historical fiction and science fiction, exploring themes of mortality, resilience, and the impact of technology on human relationships.
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (1992) In “Dragonfly in Amber,” the second book in the Outlander series, Claire Randall continues her time-travelling adventures in 18th-century Scotland, while also navigating the political turmoil leading up to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. As Claire grapples with her loyalty to two different worlds and the consequences of her actions, Gabaldon weaves a captivating tale of love, loss, and resilience across time periods, further expanding the rich tapestry of her Outlander universe.
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis (1997) In “To Say Nothing of the Dog,” time traveller Ned Henry is sent to Victorian England to retrieve a valuable artifact, but his mission is complicated by a series of misadventures and a meddling cat. As Ned navigates the quirks of the past and tries to maintain the integrity of the timeline, he finds himself entangled in a web of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. Willis’ novel is a delightful blend of historical fiction, comedy, and time travel, offering a charming and witty exploration of the complexities of causality.
Timeline by Michael Crichton (1999) In “Timeline,” a team of archaeologists and historians travel back in time to 14th-century France to rescue their colleague who is trapped in the past. As they navigate the dangers of the medieval world, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to alter the course of history. Crichton’s novel is a thrilling adventure that combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, and action-packed suspense, offering a gripping exploration of the perils of time travel.
The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) In “The Time Traveller’s Wife,” Henry suffers from a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel. The novel follows his nonlinear relationship with Clare, who he meets at different stages of her life while he jumps through time. Niffenegger’s novel is a poignant exploration of love, fate, and the complexities of temporal displacement, presenting time travel as both a blessing and a curse that shapes the characters’ lives in unexpected ways.
11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) In “11/22/63,” high school English teacher Jake Epping discovers a time portal that leads to 1958, with the aim of preventing the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. As Jake navigates the complexities of altering the past, he faces numerous obstacles and moral dilemmas. King’s novel intricately weaves together historical events with elements of science fiction, offering a gripping tale of time travel and its potential consequences.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (2015) In “Before the Coffee Gets Cold,” customers at a quaint café in Tokyo have the opportunity to travel back in time to revisit moments from their past, but there are strict rules and limitations to the experience. As each character grapples with their regrets and desires, they discover profound truths about themselves and the nature of life. Kawaguchi’s novel is a tender and introspective exploration of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time, offering a gentle reminder to cherish every moment before it slips away.
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (2018) In “The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle,” the protagonist is trapped in a time loop, forced to relive the same day and solve a murder mystery. Each day, he wakes up in the body of a different guest at a party, trying to uncover the truth behind Evelyn Hardcastle’s death. Turton’s novel is a mind-bending thriller that combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and time travel, offering a unique and intricate narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020) In “The Midnight Library,” Nora Seed finds herself in a magical library between life and death, where she can explore alternate versions of her life by undoing past regrets. As Nora travels through different realities, she grapples with existential questions about the nature of happiness, regret, and the choices that shape our lives. Haig’s novel is a poignant and thought-provoking meditation on the importance of embracing the present moment and finding meaning in the face of uncertainty.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (2021) In “One Last Stop,” August moves to New York City and meets Jane on the subway, who seems to be displaced from the 1970s. As August falls for Jane and tries to unravel the mystery of her time displacement, she discovers the power of love to transcend time and space. McQuiston’s novel is a heartwarming and magical romance that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the bonds that connect us across different eras.
Faye, Faraway by Helen Fisher (2021) In “Faye, Faraway,” Faye, a discontented 42-year-old woman, suddenly finds herself transported to 1977 where she gets the chance to relive her youth. As she navigates the past, Faye must confront unresolved issues and make peace with her present. Fisher’s novel is a poignant exploration of regret, second chances, and the power of self-discovery, using time travel as a vehicle for personal transformation and emotional healing.
Sea of Tranquillity by Emily St. John Mandel (2022) In “Sea of Tranquillity,” a group of astronauts embarks on a mission to colonize a distant planet. However, when they arrive, they discover that they have travelled much further into the future than anticipated. As they grapple with the consequences of their journey and the collapse of civilization on Earth, they must confront their own mortality and the fragility of human existence. Mandel’s novel is a haunting meditation on time, memory, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.
This Time Tomorrow by Tessa Bailey (2023) In “This Time Tomorrow,” time traveler Rachael Claremont is tasked with preventing disasters throughout history, but when she falls in love with a man from the past, she must choose between her duty and her heart. As Rachael navigates the complexities of time travel and romance, she learns valuable lessons about sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love to transcend time. Bailey’s novel is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance, offering a thrilling and heartfelt exploration of destiny and free will.
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And that’s our list of the 20 best time travel books. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any time travel novels not on this list that you feel should make the top 20?