Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

"The Ministry of Time" is Kaliane Bradley's newest novel. A British-Cambodian writer and editor, Bradley's short fiction appears in "Somesuch Stories," "The Willowherb Review," "Electric Literature," "Catapult," and "Extra Teeth". "The Ministry of Time" has a little bit of everything in it, with elements of a time travel science fiction novel, spy thriller, romance and a workplace comedy. When Bradley wrote this novel, she wasn't intending on having multiple genres, but as she expanded the story it seemed like the most fun thing to do. As you read this book, you will see how seamlessly Bradley ties all these genres together. "The Ministry of Time" follows Graham Gore, a naval officer from a doomed arctic expedition in 1847. Commander Graham Gore died on Sir John Franklin's expedition to the Arctic but is ripped from the past right before his death and brought to an established government ministry. He is known as '1847' and is taken care of by the narrator of this story, a civil servant living with, assisting and monitoring him as he adjusts to his modern life. When we learn about the narrator's past, with her mother immigrating from Cambodia to the United Kingdom, we start to understand why she was drawn to this job. The expats are very similar to refugees, which gives the narrator a strong connection to them, especially her 'bridge' Graham Gore. "I flexed my shoulder blades, forcing the tension out. He was an anachronism, a puzzle, a piss-take, a problem, but he was, above all things, a charming man. In every century, they make themselves at home." While "The Ministry of Time" is mainly a fun read, it has many essential themes, including government corruption, the Cambodian genocide, climate change, the refugee crisis and colonialism. The novel ties in the refugee crisis from the perspective of the narrator and her own cultural trauma in Cambodia, as well as monitoring her expat's adjustment to the present day. The novel moves from the past and present, with perspectives from Graham and his time on King William Island in the Arctic Expedition, to his current situation in the government ministry. We also learn about the future in this story as well, which ties in the theme of climate change. The writing style in this book embraces a dry humor that makes for an entertaining read. Kaliane Bradley is an incredible author who shows that it is possible to tie in difficult topics and present-day issues, but still make a fun story for anyone to enjoy. The time travel perspective can be interpreted in so many ways as well. "Forgiveness, which takes you back to the person you were and lets you reset them. Hope, which exists in a future in which you are new. Forgiveness and hope are miracles. They let you change your life. They are time-travel". "The Ministry of Time" will be a great read for anyone looking for a spy thriller and thought-provoking romance for the summer. Eliza Smith, Bookseller and Reviewer at the Peterborough Toadstool Bookshop