TIME A Novel

by Peter Grose

Could the Founding Fathers have created a better, more enduring republic? What would you say to them if you could go back in time? What warnings would you give? For Harry Brown, a young and passionate libertarian with a deep love for economics and history, these questions are more than academic—they are an obsession. Harry often debates with friends about how the framers might have better safeguarded the Constitution against those who seek to concentrate federal power for their own ends. When a chance encounter with an enigmatic quantum mechanics graduate student presents Harry with a stunning possibility—using advanced science to journey into the past—his dream suddenly seems within reach. Yet, the risks of this unprecedented venture loom large. The dangers inherent in leveraging quantum mechanics, astronomical phenomena, and modified technology to bend time are overwhelming, and Harry is torn between hesitation and ambition. But when an Orwellian law in the present day not only strikes at his core beliefs but directly threatens him, the daunting risks of his decision begin to pale in comparison. Will Harry seize the opportunity to meet the Founding Fathers and help reshape history? Or will the perils of his journey stop him before he even begins?



Could the Founding Fathers have created a better, more enduring republic? What would you say to them if you could go back in time? What warnings would you give? For Harry Brown, a young and passionate libertarian with a deep love for economics and history, these questions are more than academic—they are an obsession. Harry often debates with friends about how the framers might have better safeguarded the Constitution against those who seek to concentrate federal power for their own ends. When a chance encounter with an enigmatic quantum mechanics graduate student presents Harry with a stunning possibility—using advanced science to journey into the past—his dream suddenly seems within reach. Yet, the risks of this unprecedented venture loom large. The dangers inherent in leveraging quantum mechanics, astronomical phenomena, and modified technology to bend time are overwhelming, and Harry is torn between hesitation and ambition. But when an Orwellian law in the present day not only strikes at his core beliefs but directly threatens him, the daunting risks of his decision begin to pale in comparison. Will Harry seize the opportunity to meet the Founding Fathers and help reshape history? Or will the perils of his journey stop him before he even begins?

307 pages, Hardcover

Published December 20, 2024

Reviews

[Jimmy Giardine · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Could the Founding Fathers have created a better, more enduring republic?" asks the cover. No answer awaits inside. There is a germinating seed of a concept in this book, but too much time is spent on meaningless character development (everyone gets a signature cocktail). The elementary physics is discussed a bit too much and the libertarian ideals way too little. Much of what Harry, the protagonist, thinks needs fixing is only coarsely mentioned without any real in-depth rigor. We also have a character who doesn't think the founders could have changed anything. We don't know who is right as the book ends at the point where Harry goes back in time (maybe--we don't even know if it worked).

[Carolyn Blakelock · Rating 1 out of 5]

If only this book lived up to the description. Honestly, it read like a Harlequin Romance with a bit of libertarian and sci fi trappings. The libertarian content is basic, and he gets some facts wrong, the sci fi content is minimal, and while questions are asked, they don’t get answered. I only read it because the author nominated it for a Prometheus Award, but it won’t make it to the finalist list. Don’t waste your time on this book.