Time and Time Again: A Time-Travel Journey with Unexpected Consequences

by James Hilton

Embark on a thrilling time-travel journey with James Hilton's mesmerizing work, “Time and Time A Time-Travel Journey with Unexpected Consequences.” Join Hilton as he crafts a narrative that transcends the boundaries of time, weaving a tale of adventure, consequence, and the profound impact of altering the fabric of history.

As the time-travel journey unfolds, witness the unexpected consequences that ripple through the narrative. Hilton's storytelling is a kaleidoscope of temporal shifts, introducing characters who grapple with the weight of their choices and the far-reaching effects of altering the course of history.But here's the thought-provoking question that lingers within the What if time travel is not just a fantastical concept but a metaphor for the choices we make and the unseen consequences that shape our lives? Could Hilton's narrative be an exploration of the delicate balance between cause and effect in the tapestry of our existence?

Explore the nuanced details of Hilton's work, where each time jump becomes a portal to new possibilities and unforeseen repercussions. The fusion of thrilling adventure and philosophical inquiry creates an immersive experience, inviting readers to ponder the implications of rewriting history.

Are you ready to traverse the corridors of time and grapple with the unexpected consequences?Immerse yourself in evocative, succinct paragraphs that navigate the temporal landscapes of Hilton's narrative. His prose beckons you not just to read but to experience the twists and turns of a time-travel journey, prompting reflection on the delicate threads that weave our destinies.

This is more than a sci-fi adventure; it's an invitation to contemplate the consequences of our choices. Will you let “Time and Time Again“ be your guide through the temporal labyrinth, challenging you to consider the unexpected outcomes that echo through the corridors of time?Seize the opportunity to own a piece of thrilling brilliance. Purchase “Time and Time Again“ now, and let James Hilton's narrative transport you to a world where time is not just a concept but a canvas for exploring the profound consequences of our actions.

Experience Time Travel and Intrigue with "Time and Time Again" by James HiltonPrepare for a Riveting Tale of Time Travel, Mystery, and Redemption!Are you fascinated by the concept of time travel and its endless possibilities? In "Time and Time Again," James Hilton weaves a captivating narrative that transcends the boundaries of time, taking you on a thrilling adventure across centuries. This masterfully crafted story combines elements of mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue, offering a mind-bending exploration of the complexities of time.

Don't miss the chance to embark on a time-bending adventure that will captivate your imagination and challenge your understanding of reality. Your ticket to this mind-bending journey is within the pages of "Time and Time Again." 

Time and Time Again by James A captivating blend of science fiction and historical fiction, the novel follows the adventures of Hugh Stanton, a man who discovers a way to travel back in time. Stanton embarks on a mission to change a pivotal event in history, hoping to prevent a catastrophic world war.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Novels, British Literature

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

James Hilton was an English novelist and screenwriter. He is best remembered for his novels Lost Horizon, Goodbye, Mr. Chips and Random Harvest, as well as co-writing screenplays for the films Camille (1936) and Mrs. Miniver (1942), the latter earning him an Academy Award.

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was Hilton's final novel, and I found it to be a very reflective one, touching as it does on things from previous novels -

The protagonist's name is "Charles" (as it was in RANDOM HARVEST)

A dentist named "Mallinson" is mentioned - "Mallinson" was a character's name in LOST HORIZON

The school Charles Anderson attends is Brookfield, during the time of the Great War when "Mr. Chips" is Acting Headmaster.

There's even a brief mention that Charles's wife may have lost her memory, another nod to RANDOM HARVEST.

This is, as others have mentioned, a rather slight novel, but as much of Hilton's fiction does, it expresses his concern for the world and the direction in which it is going. And as always, his storytelling skills are first-rate.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time and Time Again was James Hilton's last novel. It was published the year before he died. It covers the rather ordinary life of a rather ordinary man.

Told in flashbacks, a diplomat outlines the big events in his life. They are basically a series of humiliations and disappointments.

It's always a pity when any of Hilton's books reach its end. Every book has a totally different story and the author always keeps a surprinsingly end to be discovered by his readers.

3* Lost Horizon (1933)
3* So Well Remembered (1945)
5* The Passionate Year (1924)
4* Terry (1927)
4* Catherine Herself (1920)
4* Good-Bye, Mr. Chips (1934)
4* The Meadows of the moon (1927)
4* Morning Journey (1951)
5* Random Harvest (1941)
4* Nothing So Strange (1947)
4* Time and Time Again (1953)
TR The Dawn of Reckoning (Rage in Heaven) (1925)
TR We Are Not Alone (1937)
TR To You Mr. Chips (1938)
TR Twilight of the Wise
TR Storm passage (1922)

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I considered not finishing this because about a third of the way through I felt bad for the main character and thought that if it was a book all about the little humiliations and problems in his life I wouldn't enjoy it. I am glad that I continued it though. It was an interesting description of the main character's past and present and relationships and the second half caught me up to the point I wanted the book to continue at the end.

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

“An Englishman’s Life Between World Wars”

We first meet Charles Anderson in Paris (the first of four Times) as he is contemplating a ceremonial dinner with his 17-year-old son, Gerald—a deferred pleasure which he has been anticipating since the boy was sent to America (to be safe during the blitz) at the age of five. Moving slowly forward, then rushing to contemporary years in Paris, the chronological plot line catapults readers back and forth at random speeds during much of the protagonist’s lifetime. A bit of a psychological sleeper this novel makes intermittent use of letters between characters, as well as direct dialogue, but features the private insights, secret misgivings and motivations of Charles--a modest career diplomat who is comfortable in most European capitals.

Neither overly ambitious or cleverly sly at promoting his country’s private agenda this mild-mannered fellow is torn in three emotional directions: his relationship with his crusty ex-barrister father, Sir Havelock; his long-distance relationship with his somewhat Americanized son; and his love affairs with three different women. The novel opens and ends with Charles’ diplomatic grappling with a nasty chap from the Communist world. “Stuffy” Anderson (as he is called by his younger colleagues) navigates the muddy waters between the Phony War, the First and then Second World War as best he can, although Jane proves a most capable helpmeet.

Most of the “action” is mental or emotional as Charles's views
mature re his career, his father and his son. His hobby of amateur painting provides some release from the rigidity of verbal sparring at the Conference table-- even though he never receives a Legation of his own. We earnestly wish that his relationship with Gerald will prove more rewarding than his own with Sir Havelock. A tapestry of personal and international diplomacy--woven between threads of quiet commentary on the changing shape of the world and the nature of relationships all round, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy the gentle pulsing of the human heart and mind.

July 9, 2015

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

My review/What I learned from this book?? I can't say I really learned anything from this book. It wasn't life changing, but it wasn't unreadable by any means. Probably one of the easiest reads I've read, but with that also comes the fact that I probably won't remember what happened in this book in three months.

Its pretty much just a story of an English diplomat in the time in and around WWI, WWII, and after. I can't even remember the guy's name. I seem to remember the character's houses and the places better then the characters, if thats me or Mr. Hilton's writing I don't know. The story skips around between the main character's past and the present, but the skipping is very easily understood.

Overall its a good waste of your time to see the ups and downs of the diplomat's life. It won't blow your mind (but it might, who knows), but its a good thing to read in the fold up third row of the family car with your feet propped up on your little brother's luggage whilst you hurtle through the blizzard, I'll guarantee you that you don't even notice the blizzard.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time and Time Again was James Hilton's last novel. It was published the year before he died. It covers the rather ordinary life of a rather ordinary man. It's very much like Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.

Told in flashbacks, a diplomat outlines the big events in his life. They are basically a series of humiliations and disappointments.

The section that sticks with me most is the first one where as a young college student he meets the woman of his dreams. She is reading a book in a cafe and he's forced to sit with her for a lack of seating on that busy day. They get to talking and find that they enjoy each others company. They decide to marry except parents intervene.

I have to admit that the middle of the novel is a bit of a blur in my memory. It's a bit like "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. Now in the both the novel and the song, I feel that the sons have ended up better than their fathers.

[Debi · Rating 3 out of 5]

By James Hilton
Set in the years just as WWI was ending to the advent of WWII, it is the story of an English diplomat that moves between the past and present. The main character is likable and develops well. The other characters; girlfriend, father, mother, wife, and son are not fully developed though they all add to the development of the main character. It is a glimpse of life in England and the changes that feel bewildering to a caught in the middle generation. A very satisfying read.

[JoLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle-aged British diplomat reminisces about his life from his college days at Cambridge through his early fifties. The protagonist, Charles Anderson, leads us through World War I, first love, and the progression of his diplomatic career. Tragedy during World War II almost ends his career. Will Charles persevere? A continuous thread throughout the novel is Charles' turbulent relationship with his distant and difficult father. A leisurely story, well told.

[Maritza Campos · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's like a novel about nothing, but well narrated. Weird book.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something addictive about Hilton's writing. He is a brilliant storyteller. He makes even an average tale impossible to put down. Not as good as Random Harvest but still thoroughly enjoyable.

[Dr.J.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Time and Time Again, by James Hilton.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................


Another work of a much beloved author that sounds as if one must have read it, due to the title, but leaving one without a clue as to truth of that. Begins enjoyable enough, with humour and more.

And one discovers the genesis of Hilton's perhaps most well known work here, accidentally:-

"The school was then in charge of old ‘Chips’, who had been summoned from retirement to plug a hole in the wartime shortage of masters. Chips ran things with a benignity that made Brookfield more than tolerable to several boys who might otherwise have found it unpleasant."

"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is arguably more famous than Hilton's iconic Lost Horizon, if only because of its being shown to schoolchildren.
................................................................................................


Hilton this time delves into world of a junior level diplomat and his memories, Cambridge and London and Gloucestershire, WWI and post WWI. In 'So Well Remembered' Hilton had a mill worker's son marry the mill owner's daughter, who left him to marry second son of a Lord; here, it sort of mirrors the set-up, in thst a second son of a knighted man, with some landed property and gentry status, is courting a London suburban lower middle-class daughter of a park superintendent, in the flashback.

"‘Good God,’ Weigall interrupted, ‘who cares about class nowadays except smart fellows like Bill Peters? He’s a snob in reverse—one of these days he’s going to make that miner’s cottage business pay off like a bonanza. Whereas you and I, Andy, are stuck in between—we weren’t born at Blenheim or Chatsworth on the one hand, and on the other hand we didn’t starve in tenements or pick crusts out of gutters...We just come from country homes with bits of land and families that go back a few centuries without having collected any titles or riches on the way...Well, that’s not quite true in your case, your father has a knighthood, but I gather he earned it, which is bad...I tell you, Andy, in the world I see coming our background—yours and mine—is going to be a pretty fair handicap. We’ll be the excluded middle—if you’ll pardon a logician’s term. So prepare to defend yourself, not Lily. She’s all right. She’ll sleep well tonight—she hasn’t our worries. You look worn out, by the way. Why don’t you get to bed?’"
................................................................................................


A while ago - specifically, February 05, 2016 - attempting to write about books I'd read over half a century and loved, but uncertain of titles, I'd written:-

"I wonder if this is the story I remembered for its gentle wafting of music through a tale that begins with a train accident, and a man from first class compartment who goes repeatedly into lower class compartments that are worst hit with fire, saving many people in the process, and not stopping even when he was repeatedly told to care about his own safety.

"Love and music wafts gently through the story of two ill fated souls that met too late, and all they had was a mutual realisation that they loved each other.

"When later I found that a piece of music I had been listening to stayed on in my head like a fragrance that I could not identify - and it turned out to be the composer mentioned in this story, even if perhaps not the exact same piece, it was not a surprise, but a confirmation - I had begun to listen to the music because of reading this amongst others and had been listening to various composers for a couple of years, and then found this music remaining with me, subconsciously.

"But I am only guessing that this is the title - that it was this writer, I am sure."

Now, I'm certain this isn't the one, but am unsure if I did read this decades ago. And before the turn, one feels almost certain one didn't - but then comes the unexpected turn that is still a horror, but somehow not as unforeseen as it ought to have been if this were the first time one were reading this, and one almost knows the next turn one expects.

And when it comes, one knows it's another work of Hilton, read and forgotten, except like a faint perfume that lingers.

"Charles felt rather sick. ‘All right...so you pulled it off. You’ve been clever, I admit that. It’s an odd thing to prove to me on the day I’m supposed to become a man—that life’s full of wormholes and that you know how to find them...never mind, though, I’ll admit that also. But now I’ve got a disillusionment for you. This career of mine you talk of—this career—this—this...’

"His eyes were riveted by something else on the table before him. It was a telegram, addressed to Charles at Beeching, from his college tutor.

"HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS ON OBTAINING NOT ONLY FIRST IN TRIPOS BUT YOUR THESIS ALSO CONSIDERED SO GOOD STRONGLY RECOMMEND SUBMISSION FOR THE COURTENAY PRIZE..."
................................................................................................


About this point, one is reminded also of another work of the author, but here the protagonist is innocent and more, in the separation he suffers from his early young love - unlike in the other work, one involving a medical student.

And there are bits such as -

" ... He sometimes found things he agreed with in the unlikeliest quarters—a remark, for instance, by D. H. Lawrence—’Let there be a parliament of men and women for the careful and gradual unmaking of laws.’"

Which, added to other details such as the fire drill and letters to Times, make one wonder if the author was sketching someone he knew well, even if not long. This impression grows as Hilton gets deeper into WWII years, which he brings a vividness despite his keeping it between diplomats, generally upper strata and so on; London blitz was suffered by most residents, after all, even if specifics weren't identical.

" ... She found a job with the local authority, arranging shelter for bombed-out families; in this she became an instant success and (to Charles’s dismay) quite invaluable. Sometimes when they both returned to the flat, she from the Town Hall and he from his varied duties in Whitehall, it was long past midnight. Then if there was no raid they could have a meal of sorts and a few hours’ sleep before morning took them to work again. It was hard, and amidst these compulsions, to remember that they were financially well off—hard, and also, as a rule, irrelevant. Money was still the lubricant, but it was not the driving power of this new kind of life; it conferred a few small privileges, but no large immunities. ... "

This universality of experience, of travails and tragedies of WWII years is further brought home, subtly, but nevertheless with a strong identification for the reader, subsequently, and one wonders just how much of it all was autobiographical for Hilton - for, with all the wonder of similar strongly bringing the protagonist home to the reader in his much better known works, they still remain a tad remote.

The final twist brings another well remembered turn and helps one sum up the work, if one wished, as story of a bright but truly modest man who missed his generally expected chances to rise due to no fault of his, but achieved sudden limelight due to being chosen by a defector as someone 'simpatico' to come to when surrendering.

"He felt that so many things had happened before, even though far differently, and the thing to do was perhaps just to sit by the window for a few minutes and remember how."
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1975

April 19, 2021 - April 23, 2021.
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[Apryl Anderson]

Not exactly a gripping tale, but an interesting exploration of one character, his relationships, and that particular place and time. History really does repeat itself, even if the costumes change a little.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slick, well-plotted story...Hilton skillfully manipulates chronology...

[Dr.J.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Time and Time Again, by James Hilton.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................


Another work of a much beloved author that sounds as if one must have read it, due to the title, but leaving one without a clue as to truth of that. Begins enjoyable enough, with humour and more.

And one discovers the genesis of Hilton's perhaps most well known work here, accidentally:-

"The school was then in charge of old ‘Chips’, who had been summoned from retirement to plug a hole in the wartime shortage of masters. Chips ran things with a benignity that made Brookfield more than tolerable to several boys who might otherwise have found it unpleasant."

"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is arguably more famous than Hilton's iconic Lost Horizon, if only because of its being shown to schoolchildren.
................................................................................................


Hilton this time delves into world of a junior level diplomat and his memories, Cambridge and London and Gloucestershire, WWI and post WWI. In 'So Well Remembered' Hilton had a mill worker's son marry the mill owner's daughter, who left him to marry second son of a Lord; here, it sort of mirrors the set-up, in thst a second son of a knighted man, with some landed property and gentry status, is courting a London suburban lower middle-class daughter of a park superintendent, in the flashback.

"‘Good God,’ Weigall interrupted, ‘who cares about class nowadays except smart fellows like Bill Peters? He’s a snob in reverse—one of these days he’s going to make that miner’s cottage business pay off like a bonanza. Whereas you and I, Andy, are stuck in between—we weren’t born at Blenheim or Chatsworth on the one hand, and on the other hand we didn’t starve in tenements or pick crusts out of gutters...We just come from country homes with bits of land and families that go back a few centuries without having collected any titles or riches on the way...Well, that’s not quite true in your case, your father has a knighthood, but I gather he earned it, which is bad...I tell you, Andy, in the world I see coming our background—yours and mine—is going to be a pretty fair handicap. We’ll be the excluded middle—if you’ll pardon a logician’s term. So prepare to defend yourself, not Lily. She’s all right. She’ll sleep well tonight—she hasn’t our worries. You look worn out, by the way. Why don’t you get to bed?’"
................................................................................................


A while ago - specifically, February 05, 2016 - attempting to write about books I'd read over half a century and loved, but uncertain of titles, I'd written:-

"I wonder if this is the story I remembered for its gentle wafting of music through a tale that begins with a train accident, and a man from first class compartment who goes repeatedly into lower class compartments that are worst hit with fire, saving many people in the process, and not stopping even when he was repeatedly told to care about his own safety.

"Love and music wafts gently through the story of two ill fated souls that met too late, and all they had was a mutual realisation that they loved each other.

"When later I found that a piece of music I had been listening to stayed on in my head like a fragrance that I could not identify - and it turned out to be the composer mentioned in this story, even if perhaps not the exact same piece, it was not a surprise, but a confirmation - I had begun to listen to the music because of reading this amongst others and had been listening to various composers for a couple of years, and then found this music remaining with me, subconsciously.

"But I am only guessing that this is the title - that it was this writer, I am sure."

Now, I'm certain this isn't the one, but am unsure if I did read this decades ago. And before the turn, one feels almost certain one didn't - but then comes the unexpected turn that is still a horror, but somehow not as unforeseen as it ought to have been if this were the first time one were reading this, and one almost knows the next turn one expects.

And when it comes, one knows it's another work of Hilton, read and forgotten, except like a faint perfume that lingers.

"Charles felt rather sick. ‘All right...so you pulled it off. You’ve been clever, I admit that. It’s an odd thing to prove to me on the day I’m supposed to become a man—that life’s full of wormholes and that you know how to find them...never mind, though, I’ll admit that also. But now I’ve got a disillusionment for you. This career of mine you talk of—this career—this—this...’

"His eyes were riveted by something else on the table before him. It was a telegram, addressed to Charles at Beeching, from his college tutor.

"HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS ON OBTAINING NOT ONLY FIRST IN TRIPOS BUT YOUR THESIS ALSO CONSIDERED SO GOOD STRONGLY RECOMMEND SUBMISSION FOR THE COURTENAY PRIZE..."
................................................................................................


About this point, one is reminded also of another work of the author, but here the protagonist is innocent and more, in the separation he suffers from his early young love - unlike in the other work, one involving a medical student.

And there are bits such as -

" ... He sometimes found things he agreed with in the unlikeliest quarters—a remark, for instance, by D. H. Lawrence—’Let there be a parliament of men and women for the careful and gradual unmaking of laws.’"

Which, added to other details such as the fire drill and letters to Times, make one wonder if the author was sketching someone he knew well, even if not long. This impression grows as Hilton gets deeper into WWII years, which he brings a vividness despite his keeping it between diplomats, generally upper strata and so on; London blitz was suffered by most residents, after all, even if specifics weren't identical.

" ... She found a job with the local authority, arranging shelter for bombed-out families; in this she became an instant success and (to Charles’s dismay) quite invaluable. Sometimes when they both returned to the flat, she from the Town Hall and he from his varied duties in Whitehall, it was long past midnight. Then if there was no raid they could have a meal of sorts and a few hours’ sleep before morning took them to work again. It was hard, and amidst these compulsions, to remember that they were financially well off—hard, and also, as a rule, irrelevant. Money was still the lubricant, but it was not the driving power of this new kind of life; it conferred a few small privileges, but no large immunities. ... "

This universality of experience, of travails and tragedies of WWII years is further brought home, subtly, but nevertheless with a strong identification for the reader, subsequently, and one wonders just how much of it all was autobiographical for Hilton - for, with all the wonder of similar strongly bringing the protagonist home to the reader in his much better known works, they still remain a tad remote.

The final twist brings another well remembered turn and helps one sum up the work, if one wished, as story of a bright but truly modest man who missed his generally expected chances to rise due to no fault of his, but achieved sudden limelight due to being chosen by a defector as someone 'simpatico' to come to when surrendering.

"He felt that so many things had happened before, even though far differently, and the thing to do was perhaps just to sit by the window for a few minutes and remember how."
................................................................................................
................................................................................................

................................................
................................................

................................................
................................................
April 19, 2021 - April 23, 2021.
................................................
................................................

................................................
................................................

................................................................................................
................................................................................................

[Jason Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

We join our hero Charles Anderson, a middle-aged second-tier diplomat, in Paris, preparing to share a seventeenth-birthday dinner with his son. The occasion prompts reminiscences, so that extended flashbacks form the bulk of the story, as we review Charles's whole life. Charles suffers a difficult relationship with his intimidating and slightly demented father, struggles at Cambridge, loves and loses, and passes through the sidelines of both World Wars. His career, and indeed his life, is creditable yet unremarkable, and really he seems to be offered to us as an everyman, a mirror of the times: notably he is as old as the century.

Hilton writes calmly and elegantly. He is in no hurry and there are (almost) no car chases. Yet his storytelling is precise, addictive and involving. His unfolding of character is very fine and he evokes states of mind excellently. Having started this the day I finished Goodbye, Mr Chips, I was charmed when Chips and his school turned up for an offstage cameo; but this also points up the continuity of the tales: Hilton is recording the experience of living through these times and the changing condition of Englishness. (I was also startled to read Charles's prescient idea for enlivening his South American posting: an Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands!)

The title, and the closing, suggests recurrence: two wars, a repetition of awkward father/son relations, a series of lovers, lots of actual and figurative mountain-climbing. Nonetheless the tale felt more linear than cyclical to me, told for its own sake more than to a specific end, and no less worthwhile for that.

(Incidentally, two similar-titled and rather more melancholy books, Time and Time Again by Ben Elton and Time and Again by Clifford Simak are also worth your - time.)

[Marsha Rafalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 1953 (year I was born) and is selected to meet a challenge. It was also the last book written by James Hilton who died the following year. Although not the best seller like his previous books (“Lost Horizon”, “Goodbye, Mr. Chips”) but it occupies a unique a unique place in his outre. The book is a quiet, contemplative little book that builds a sense of the passage of time. The main character, Charles Anderson, is a 50ish low level diplomatic employee. He provides an anchor for stories about his elderly father and his 17 year old son. All of them have their own quirks and eccentricities. This character driven novel provides a retrospective look at how a person’s life is formed along with how themes and attitudes repeat across generations—recurring time after time.

I was surprised by this book. Knowing that “Lost Horizon” and “Mr. Chips”, I expected a story with more plot and action. But although historical events such as WWI and WWII and the turmoil surrounding them, they only affect our protagonist in passing. Instead we follow the inner life of Charles Anderson as he faces his midlife failures and humiliations. I enjoyed this book and found the feeling of “A Gentleman in Moscow” as it also looked at the effect of the passage of time as the principle “action” of a story. Recommend to readers of historical, literary fiction.

[Carla Parreira]

Esse é um romance melancólico e esperançoso, publicado em 1953. A história gira em torno de Charles, um diplomata inglês que, após a Segunda Guerra Mundial, se encontra em Paris para encontros diplomáticos e para se reunir com seu filho, Gerald, que passou a maior parte da vida nos Estados Unidos. O enredo alterna entre passado e presente, revelando a infância e adolescência de Charles, seu relacionamento complicado com o pai, Revelock, e suas experiências em escolas como Brookfield e Cambridge. O romance explora temas como o primeiro amor, o casamento, os desafios da guerra e a vida pós-guerra, destacando a escrita contida de Hilton e a profundidade psicológica dos personagens. A caracterização é rica, com diálogos que revelam as nuances de cada figura, como a lealdade da esposa Jane, a admiração de Gerald pelo pai e a complexidade do diplomata soviético Palan. A obra provoca reflexões sobre a continuidade da vida, a coragem diante do sofrimento e a percepção do amor. O autor consegue capturar a atmosfera da vida londrina, fazendo o leitor sentir-se imerso nesse mundo em transformação.

[Barry Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, the description of this book that I see for the Kindle edition is wrong. It describes another entirely different novel by Ben Elton.
The novel by James Hilton tells the story of the life of a fictional English diplomat, Charles Anderson, born in 1900. The only time travel involved is memory. The story is told in a present narrative, giving way to four flashbacks. Hilton's treatment of memory in this book is not quite as engaging as he treatment in Goodbye Mr. Chips, but there is a lot more action in a more complicated world.
An engaging read. It had to be. The Kindle edition I read had hundreds of typographical errors. Most were capitalization errors. Lots of sentences without capitalization. Lots of words with a terminal "i" capitalized (e.g., "taxI"). Accented characters in foreign word replaced by blanks. Very aggravating.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though from the perspective of an English Diplomat's entire career and many flash backs to his early days, this book had for me the pace and feel of a comfortable moving, "Mr. Hollands Opus". The only dangerous actions were the ones shared by all the people during the war years, but still there is something about seeing an entire life of a person that when shared you can't help but to understand that person so much better. I find myself wishing for that understanding of everyone I deal with as sort of a super power, wouldn't that be a real change for the world of mankind? I digress, Finale review, this was a good read, but I would suggest, don't read it in a rush, just allow yourself to relax into this book and enjoy a simple life.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle-aged British diplomat reminisces about his life from his college days at Cambridge through his early fifties. The protagonist, Charles Anderson, leads us through World War I, first love, and the progression of his diplomatic career. Tragedy during World War II almost ends his career. Will Charles persevere? A continuous thread throughout the novel is Charles' turbulent relationship with his distant and difficult father. A leisurely story, well told.

[Cheryl]

p. 50
Nothing is happening in the present, what little of the present we see.
The past is told not as flashback or such, but as explanation.
Y'know, the very opposite of 'show, don't tell.'
And so very many words, customs, place names, minor historical events that I have no clue about, and Hilton gives no context clues, assuming his audience knows that stuff.
No reason to care about this minor diplomat's secretary (?).
No women.
Can't find a reason to read.
Feb. 2022

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fathers and sons often misunderstand each other

Hilton examines the generation gap between fathers and sons of an upper class British family, their love lives and the emptiness of mid-level foreign diplomats. This well written novel was marred by A.I. copy editing throughout. Where capital letters go missing at paragraph starts, they suddenly appear in middle of a sentence and at the end of a word in bold face. Although it failed to ruin a great read, the AI certainly tried.

[Leslie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read a book written in 1953. It felt very "proper". Since I've never read anything else by Hilton (Lost Horizons was the most famous I think), I don't know if this was his regular style of writing or if his writing was done to match the "stuffy" and proper behavior of his main character Charles. It was good, but not something I would race to recommend to anyone else.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason so many of James Hilton's books have been made into movies - some of them more than once. I've never read anything he wrote that I didn't love. Even though he died almost 80 years ago, his stories are as timeless as the day they were written. This one made me think of Edith Wharton's "Age of Innocence" in that it is centered around reminiscing about a first love.

[Mark Rabideau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the most 'average' novel I have read by James Hilton. It is not bad, but it certainly it is not in the league of Goodbye Mr. Chips or Lost Horizon. I guess it just goes to prove that even the best writers are not always 'spectacular'.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Time and Time Again for several reasons. James Hilton tells interesting stories in a smoothly written manner, and because his stories encourage philosophical rumination in the reader.
The ending was not what I expected but upon reflection, it was quite good.

[Curtis]

This is a good read, but not my favorite of James Hilton's books. Romance takes a back seat to career in this story. If you have read Random Harvest, you may be expecting a different ending. The ending is a surprise, even more so given that it isn't what you were expecting.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was quite disappointed in this book. While it was a convincing portrait of an English gentleman of some charm, it just didn't seem to have much depth.

[Charles M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of diplomat Charles Anderson's experiences and adventures across several countries, etc.

[Kellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book after reading Random Harvest. The story was good, but not great, although parts of it were.