The Time Keepers

by Alyson Richman

An unforgettable novel that captures the power of longing, loss, and love, The Time Keepers transports us from 1979 suburban New York to war-torn Vietnam, revealing that sometimes the most unexpected friendships can save us.

Two women from different worlds, Grace and Anh, are indelibly changed when a runaway boy is found on a street in their small Long Island town. Brought together by the love of this child displaced by war, the women find friendship and healing from their own painful pasts when their lives intersect with a mysterious wounded Vietnam vet. The vet, Jack, works at the Golden Hours, a watch store that mends timepieces—and might even mend damaged souls. 

Richman interweaves the journeys of these wonderfully diverse characters who will grip, fill, and break your heart—only to bring them together with the care and precision of an expert watchmaker, one piece at a time. Inspired by the true story of a Vietnamese refugee who entrusted the dramatic account of her escape from Vietnam to the author, and also that of a wounded veteran, Richman sheds light on those whose lives were forever impacted by the devastation of that war.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Audiobook, Adult, Asia, Historical

336 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Alyson Richman is the USA Today bestselling and #1 international bestselling author of several historical novels including The Velvet Hours, The Garden of Letters, and The Lost Wife, which is currently in development for a major motion picture. Alyson graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in art history and Japanese studies. She herself is an accomplished painter and her novels combine her deep love of art, historical research, and travel. Alyson's novels have been published in more than twenty-five languages and have reached the bestseller lists both in the United States and abroad. She lives on Long Island with her husband and two children, where she is currently at work on her next novel.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

1979. Grace who lives in Bellgrove, Long Island and Anh a woman who escaped Communist ruled Vietnam meet at the end of a long day. Grace finds a young boy in the street, she takes him home and calls the police. Grace discovers his name is Bao, he’s staying at Our Lady Queen of Martyr Convent, with his aunt Anh and other Vietnamese refugees or boat people.

Grace is married to Tom and he owns a clock and watch repair shop called the Golden Hours, and the couple like to help people and are kind. Tom comes to the aid of a severely wounded Vietnam veteran Jack, he lives above the shop and is a recluse and he works repairing time pieces after hours. Grace decides to volunteer at the convent, the nuns are run off their feet and she and Anh become friends.

All of the characters have experienced a life changing tragedy, Jack’s draft number came up in the draw and he’s one of the thousands of young American men sent to fight in Vietnam, and when he’s injured and thinks his life is over. Anh and her nephew have a chance to escape Vietnam and they take it, their family unit couldn’t comprehend how long boat journey to America would take, how risky it was and it’s like living in another world. Grace’s younger sister passed away when she was a child, and she feels guilty and it’s impacted her relationship with her own daughters.

I received a copy of The Time Keepers from Edelweiss Plus and Union Square & Co in exchange for an honest review. Alyson Richman uses the real stories of a Vietnamese refuge and a Vietnam veteran as a basis her latest novel, it’s a gripping and engrossing narrative, I cared about the characters, I rode every high and low with them and I cried my eyes out.

A story about love, loss, longing, unexpected friendships, kindness and compassion, and I discovered details about the Vietnam War that I will never forget, and those poor young men were only a year older than my son and it broke my heart.

The message and meaning I got from the best historical fiction book I have read this year is, people come into our lives for a reason, time doesn’t stop for anyone, and don't underestimate how working with your hands could have healing powers and five stars from me. If you enjoyed The Women by Kristin Hannah and I suggest you reading The Time Keepers by Alyson Richman and in my opinion it knocks it out of the park!

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyson Richman’s books are such a treat to read. I’ll never forget when I first discovered her books years ago, I bought her entire backlist and read it. My mom came to visit, devoured my copy of The Lost Wife, and then read her entire backlist, too. The Time Keepers is her newest novel.

About the book: “An unforgettable novel that captures the power of longing, loss, and love, The Time Keepers transports us from 1979 suburban New York to war-torn Vietnam, revealing that sometimes the most unexpected friendships can save us.”

There are threads of this beautiful story inspired by true events. I knew that going in, and my belief in the reality of this story never wavered. The Time Keepers is the story of Grace, and her husband, Tom, who owns a watch shop, as well as one of his employees, a Vietnam veteran. It’s also the story of Anh and Bao, two refugees from Vietnam.

After reading The Women earlier this year, and also reading a memoir set in Laos and Vietnam during the war, it was fascinating to read a story contemporary with the war, relaying its far reaching effects. It has its hard moments, but the characters bring lightness and so much hope. The ending brought moving tears, and I hugged my book. 🤗

I received a free copy of the book.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for access to this title. All opinions are my own and I am auto-approved for this publisher.

It is no secret that Alyson Richman is one of my go-to authors and her latest title didn't disappoint.

Book tagline: An unforgettable novel that captures the power of longing, loss, and love, The Time Keepers transports us from 1979 suburban New York to war-torn Vietnam, revealing that sometimes the most unexpected friendships can save us.

Richman's thorough research into the period and the Vietnam War made me feel like I was travelling back in time. Bao, Grace, and Jack were three compelling characters who kept me turning the pages. Yes, other points of view were scattered throughout the book, but these three major players clung to my heart and have lingered with me today.


Solid historical fiction!


Publication Date 15/10/24
Goodreads Review 15/10/24

[Soy Fabi, una booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

MARAVILLOSO. Como todos los libros de Alyson Richman éste también es fantástico. Un canto a la vida, a la empatía, a las vidas que se cruzan y que nos hacen bien.

Una prosa excelente que atrapa, una historia sumamente conmovedora que emociona hasta las lágrimas.

Lo súper recomiendo. Es bellísimo.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by the true story of a Vietnamese refugee who told the story of her escape to the author. As well as stories from a wounded veteran about how lives are forever impacted by the devastation of the Vietnam war.
An unforgettable story that transports us from 1979 New York to war-torn Vietnam showing that sometimes the most unexpected friendships are what get us through.
A wonderfully diverse cast of characters in this powerful and emotional saga.
Superb narration by Caroline Lennon.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media/Recorded Books for an arc of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachel Sliefert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange read for me. The characters and story had so much potential but I disliked how it jumped around from like eight people’s viewpoints and it was only a couple pages from each view. I liked the topic of the Vietnam war and would have really liked the story if it was told from fewer viewpoints.
I didn’t like the parts about Buddy and Clayton but would have loved digging deeper into Jack’s story. Not a terrible read, but not a winner.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE TIME KEEPERS
BY ALYSON RICHMAN

Author Alyson Richman truly wrote her heart out on this exceptional feat of historical literature. The writing was beautiful and easy to follow - the many short chapters really propelled the story forward, but the initial story about Grace finding a child in the street was so intriguing I couldn’t help but find out more.

The story is set in 1979 Long Island, 1968 and 1978 Vietnam, and is centered on Grace, an Irish immigrant whose life changed the moment she finds a young Vietnamese boy, Anh the guardian to Bao and a Vietnamese refugee, Tom husband of Grace who owns The Golden Hour who also employs Jack a veteran.

It’s so refreshing to read a historical fiction outside of WWII and set during the Vietnam war. I enjoyed the characters and how brilliantly their lives intertwined - my heart was about to explode.

With joy, tears, and everything in between, I truly enjoyed this gem.

[librosgatosyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro precioso sobre la pérdida y la resiliencia. Tres historias de vida convergen para contarnos sus procesos, sus penas y alegrías. Me pareció muy triste en algunas partes, lo terrible que puede ser la pérdida de un ser querido, lo nefasto de la guerra y como sufren todos a causa de ella. (La Guerra de Vietnam).

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

‘The hands of time must always move forward.’

This book is so touching. It is inspired by the true story of a Vietnam refugee. Covering two timelines, 1979 in Long Island and war-torn Vietnam. I loved the author's portrayal of both refugees and the experiences of a damaged veteran who can’t forget his past. 

Grace Golden is married to Tom, who owns a repair shop called the Golden Hours. She comes across a runaway refugee named Bảo. The story that ensues is captivating and heartbreaking too. I really enjoyed the weaving of these characters' lives in the story. 

The themes in this book of time and memory, hope and healing, family, and friendship and the dramatic effects of war are profound. I haven’t read too many books set in the Vietnam era. I’d definitely recommend this one. 

'There was architecture to love. The first bricks of foundation were always how you honored your family.'

I liked it a lot! 👍
{My Library}

If you’re a fan of Kristin Hannah’s, The Women, I think you’ll enjoy this book. I liked it even more! 

‘Time has the power to heal all wounds.’ 

I’ve long been fascinated by unique and interesting clocks and that made my enjoyment of the story all the more special. I love the features of my Apple Watch, and I have a watch I received from my parents for graduation that means a lot to me.

⚠️ | Contains some strong profanity sprinkled throughout, not too frequent. Also, some scenes pertaining to war to be aware of and a few fade to black love scenes.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of love that this book ended in a place I didn’t expect, wrapping up one of the interwoven story lines but not the others.

The book transported me from Ireland to Vietnam to the US, between characters and time periods. The story coheres through (mostly) good, kind, regular people living the lot they were given in their respective times and places, navigating love and loss and acceptance and coming together into one community.

The stories were vivid and I’m sure parts will stay with me for a while. Ultimately, I think it’s about opening your heart to know and love people from different backgrounds, and the richness that brings to everyone’s lives when it happens.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Alyson Richman, the Author of “The Time Keepers” has written a masterpiece that is memorable, captivating and intriguing. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Women’s Domestic Life Fiction, and Literary Fiction. The author has meticulously, painstakingly and historically interviewed people and researched the time during and after The Vietnam War, and the effects on Americans, and refugees from the country that ousted them. In this novel, Alyson Richman blends the cultural diversity and historical outcomes. In New York, there is a store called “The Golden Hours”, where one of the “broken Vietnam Vets”, Jack helps put the parts of broken watches and clocks together, and possible ” broken people”. The author vividly describes the scenes and the complex and complicated characters. Jack is handicapped from the war, and also has adopted a handicapped dog. Jack also provides the opportunity for a young refugee from Vietnam to learn to be able to fix some things.

The themes surrounding this story are about the consequences of war, friendship, longing, loss, love and hope. The author stresses the importance of family, friendship, kindness, and communication. The timepieces and clocks are symbolic in different ways. Alyson Richman writes, “Time has the power to heal all wounds”. There is another saying about time: ” Needed is the Tinture of time, and Essence of patience”. The ending of the story had me, so deeply touched that I was crying . I would highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Time Keepers
By: Alyson Richman
Pub Date: October 14, 2024

Jack is a wounded vet working at the Golden Hours. It’s a place which fixes watches and other timepieces. He ended up here when he left his old life behind.

Grace and Anh are two very different women from different worlds living in Long Island. A young boy who was displaced from the war is found on their streets.
Each of these characters are vividly developed and their pasts have haunted them all in different ways.

I knew this novel would be heavy for me as my dad was in Vietnam. Thankful my dad came home.

The physical and mental challenges vets go through in their lives, can also take a toll on those around them can be a challenge. This novel is about longing for what could have been, loss, love, forgiveness and the strength it takes to move forward. Friends, family and your community can help if you are willing.

Thank you Get Red Pr for this advanced copy.

[Kati Berman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Time Keepers
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is the story of a Long Island, New York family who befriends a Vietnam Veteran, Jack. It’s also the story of Anh and her nephew Bao, who escaped from Vietnam on a dangerous boat journey. Anh is now taking care of Bao, whose parents were tragically lost during the trip. The story goes back and forth from Jack’s Vietnam days, to Anh and Bao’s arrival to the US as refugees, Jack’s pre Vietnam days and life, etc. Hence the mixed feelings, the story is a good one, but the events are all over the place even in a single chapter, the scene suddenly changes. I sincerely hope that some of those will be corrected in the final edition of the novel. I didn’t think, Buddy’s and Clayton’s stories added anything to this novel and really had nothing to do with it. For all these reasons, this book was only 3 stars for me.
I received a complimentary galley copy, opinions are my own.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Time Keepers is a book about Viet Nam that I encourage everyone to read. This engrossing novel explores not just how the war affected those who fought on the battlefield; it also entails the suffering and loss of a Vietnamese family, as well as the ripple effects of the war on those thousands of miles away on the home front. It is extremely fitting that the backdrop of this story is a watch shop, a place where old timepieces are repaired and brought back to life again, as this is an emotional journey of mending hearts and healing both physical and mental wounds. The relationships in this novel are raw and genuine, as we meet characters of all ages and nationalities whose lives are connected in unexpected ways, each of them searching for belonging and acceptance and peace.

[Maco Zaldivar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me atrapó desde la primera pagina. Este libro tiene una prosa cautivante y una investigación muy buena.
Es 1979, Grace vive en Bellegrave y se encuentra con Bao, un chico vietnamita que, junto con otros refugiados, desea integrarse a la sociedad estadounidense.
Acá vemos el doloroso viaje que él tuvo que hacer para llegar a Estados Unidos y cómo Jack, un veterano de guerra, lucha por volver a tener un vida. Grace une las vidas de Bao y Jack, a pesar de su propio trágico pasado.
El destino los junta y la amistad rompe sus barreras.
Me gustó mucho, lo recomiendo; y seguiré leyendo a esta escritora.

[Louise Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE TIMEKEEPERS. By Alyson Richman
I have been a patient woman waiting for what seems like years for a new novel from Alyson Richman. The Timekeepers was worth the wait!
A book with a bit of everything. Love, loyalty, heartache, magnificent friendships, the horrors of war-torn Vietnam, post traumatic trauma, Catholic, Jewish, adolescence, family tensions, two very different kinds of mothers, diverse cultures, and the meaning of time. So many wonderful characters which band together when a mum finds a frightened Vietnamese boy curled up in a ball on the streets of suburban New York.
Inspired by a true story of a Vietnamese refugee who shared her story with the author of this fabulous book.
Loved it.

[Ivette Waleska Ruiz de Crespo · Rating 5 out of 5]

es una novela que toca profundamente el corazón del lector. Es una obra sobre el dolor, la pérdida y, sobre todo, la capacidad de los seres humanos para curarse a través de las relaciones y el apoyo mutuo.

[Kim (binge reading to avoid reality and the fall of US democracy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars because I really enjoyed the story. I cared most for Jack, Båo, Anh and Grace and appreciated their points of view. I thought that Buddy’s and Clayton’s perspectives were not helpful to the overall story. I was disappointed and distracted by the numerous grammatical errors, leaving me to wonder if the book was edited and proofread. The hopeful ending swayed me to the 4-star rating instead of 3 stars.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! 🥲

[Megan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Alyson Richman and I LOVED it. First five star of the year! The book followed storylines from multiple characters that intertwined, but was very easy to follow. Such a heartwarming story and sweet ending.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m between 2.5 and 3 stars, generously. I like what this book tried to do with showing how people can heal together from their traumas but there are just way too many characters. Three of the characters were directly affected by the Vietnam war (a veteran and a woman and child who escaped from Vietnam during the war) which could provide a very interesting dialogue and relationship. But instead I have to read 10 other POVs of people with significantly less problems than these characters. You can’t make me care about Grace dealing with her moody teenage daughter or Katie’s attempts to be friends with the popular girl when Jack can’t even show his face in public for fear of ridicule. This also could’ve been a commentary on being grateful for having the minor problems we have but the book doesn’t imply this.

Because everyone and their mother gets a pov, there’s no time to flesh anyone out so as much as I want to be connected to the three characters I care about, they don’t get nearly as much time as they should. Instead I have to read about Clayton and his stupid fort.

Also the clock/time theme felt forced to me.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Alyson Richman’s “The Lost Wife”, so I had great expectations for this book. I admire the research and the incredible work involved in crafting this story, but was very disappointed that the editor did not seem to care enough to proofread the book. Lots of little errors that just detracted from what could have been a better story.

[Danielle Finch · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I described this book in one word, it would be “sloppy.” In addition to WAY too many errors and poor sentence structure, she bounced around between character perspective literally within the same page sometimes. I also thought generally that the writing was very cheesy with way too many platitudes, and her main character’s white savior complex was hard to read.

[Marissa Hux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy release day @alysonrichman 🫶🏻
And thank you @getredprbooks @unionsqandco for the gifted ARC & @recordedbooks for the the ALC!


This was a beautifully written story. Heavily focused on the Vietnam war during several time periods, across many different characters. Some factual information weaved into a fictional story about grief, love, loss, new friends, new homes, after effects of war, PTSD, etc.

I adored so many characters. My heart literally broke seeing the journey and heartache many of them faced. The perseverance they had and the open arms extended to them made my heart in turn so happy.

The audio drew me into the time period and characters personalities. I felt immersed in their grief and trials right along with them. A fantastic historical fiction read and one I feel like I learned so much from.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Time Keepers by Alyson Richman. Thanks to @tlcbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two women from different worlds, come together after a runaway bot is found. Grace becomes friends with Ang, who has been displaced by war from Vietnam. Their time together intersects with a Vietnam war, pining for lost love. Inspired by true stories, this tale sheds light on the effects of war.

This is a recommendation from Kristin Hannah, which is perfect because Hannah fans will love this one! It has a lot to it that come together for an unforgettable read that leaves you in pleasant tears. It’s a story of war, immigration, and lost love. It also is true to the time and shows what it was like coming of age in the late 70’s.

The Time Keepers comes out 10/15.

[Wendy G · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...

This story begins with a family living in a small Long Island town in 1979. Grace is a unique woman, she went against her family and married a Jew. She is definitely her own person with definite opinions on morals and character. When Grace finds a lost Vietnamese boy wandering about all alone, Grace befriends him and brings him home. This begins a whole new chapter in Grace's life. The dual timeline in this story brings the reader back to Vietnam and how this child ended up in New York. It's a story of hardship and cruelty in Vietnam that led people to risk death to escape, what happened to soldiers from the United States who found themselves fighting in Vietnam, and the healing of painful scars and memories. It's not my favorite by Alyson Richman but another well woven story. The narration was well done in the audiobook.

[Dodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Time Keepers tells the story of Anh and Bao adjusting to life in New York following tragic losses in the Vietnam war. Grace, a volunteer, becomes involved in their lives and eventually so does Jack, a Vietnam vet. Alyson Richman writes a bittersweet and poignant tale with complex characters. I was invested the entire time, and eager to see what would happen with these characters. Richman adds information at the end explaining her inspiration for the book; as always I appreciate the author's input.

[Nicole Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Un día comprenderás que lo único en el mundo que desearías tener más no es dinero. Es tiempo. Ninguno de nosotros sabe cuánto tiempo tiene en esta tierra… "

Hermoso como entrelazó la historia de personajes tan diferentes pero que han enfrentado la pérdida de un ser querido y como el apoyo que se brindaron los unos a los otros les ayudo a superar dichas perdidas, nada es casualidad en esta vida.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a woman happens upon a Vietnamese refugee boy in their Long Island town in 1979, she becomes involved with him and his Aunt, helping them to fit in. Along with the backstories of the woman and refugees is the story of a veteran who lives in town and is a friend of the family. It's a gentle read, a little too sweet at times, but a nice story of "found family."

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Strong ending. Maybe it should be a 4