The Ministry of Time - Kaliane Bradley

 

My better half discovered this 2024 sci-fi novel and recommended it to me, and, of course, I listen to her!

The British government discover a time-travel device (there's a bit of a dig at the British for "stealing" the technology rather than discovering it themselves) and use it to rescue (although that can be up for debate) historical figures ("expats") from the time of their "death" (so as not to disrupt the timeline) and study their responses to the rigors of time travel.

The story centers around expat Commander Gore, from a lost 1845 Artic expedition and his "bridge", the unnamed author who is assigned to help assimilate him into modern society. They interact with a handful of other expats, some who are handling the modern world well, and some who aren't. Of course, there is romance, intrigue (this is a secret government experiment), race, sex, violence and simple human interactions. Interestingly enough, some of the expats seem more liberal in their thinking (particularly sexually) than many modern-day individuals, which I'm sure was a point that Bradley was making.

Very well written, with a surprise (to me) twist towards the end and, of course, the requisite time-travel paradoxes. Another fine read!