*minor spoilers ahead*
How to Stop Time introduces Tom Hazard, an ordinary-looking 41-year-old History teacher with a dangerous secret that he’s been alive for centuries. All he must do is keep changing his identity to protect his secret and stay alive, and most importantly, not fall in love.
I am a big fan of The Midnight Library, and so ever since, I’ve been meaning to read more of Haig’s books. I really love the magical realism genre as Haig can, in my opinion, accurately depict what would happen in the world and how humans would behave if these impossible events did happen. It’s a playful take on a typical fiction book, making it more exciting to read.
How to Stop Time is a slower-paced book, but it maintained my attention throughout. I enjoyed the alternative time perspectives with each chapter; the combination of flashbacks and current accounts was interesting to compare. I loved the little stories throughout the different time periods and notable historical figures, adding a more light-hearted and humorous element to the book. I particularly enjoyed the romance touch also, whilst Tom was warned not to be engulfed by love, it is natural and inevitable to discover this, especially if you are not looking for it. I also loved the action in the second half of the book, and that we saw what Tom got up to as he slowly aged.
Reading Tom’s life really makes you reflect on his condition and weigh up the pros and cons of his situation. Tom is immune to a lot of illnesses that have killed so many people throughout the years and so not having that type of health anxiety must be powerful. Yet, the constant worry of looking over your shoulder in case someone suspected you, especially in the past, which would result in your life being at risk, is a lot to consider. Tom is not immortal, which was a really interesting addition to his character, as he’s not invincible, despite appearing so to the average human. The social implications that his condition had on him and those he connected with were detrimental and therefore, powerful to read.
It is all science fiction until we see it happen. – p240
I wish there were more plot around The Albatross Society and their motivations to really grasp how dangerous a movement against these people could be. It is touched upon, but I hoped it would be explored further as I read more. Overall, I did find this book satisfying to read as it answered a lot of the questions that occurred to me whilst reading the story.
Online, I’ve discovered that Haig’s books seem to have a Marmite feel where people either love or hate them. I’m sitting on the love side, and so I hope it stays that way as I continue reading more of his books! I’ve added a bunch to my Amazon wishlist, so I’ll slowly work my way through them.
4/5 stars
Soph's Library 
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