This is at least the third time I've read this book, which is unusual as re-reading is not something I normally do but I love this book. The story just sweeps me up and the illustrations and photographs just add to the pleasure of reading the story. Si Morley lives in NY (of the 1970s) his life is uneventful but happy then he meets Ruben Prien who hires Si for a secret Government project and offers him a unique opportunity the possibility of travelling in time it sounds crazy but Si has a personal reason for wanting to try. The time travel method is simple there are no flashy machines or technical marvels, the novel also touches on the consequences and dangers of time travel but when does our innate instinct for exploring the unknown ever let dangers and consequences get in the way.

Jack Finney's descriptions of New York of the 1880s are captivating not just the city itself but the people, the stark contrast of life then and how much it has changed over 90 years and our protagonist, Si's enthusiasm is infectious. The story slowly ramps up the tension as events are set in motion that have a momentous impact on the characters, and how just a small seemingly insignificant event can have a life changing effect and you don't want to put the book down. An exciting and worthy addition to the time travel canon, if you love time travel books read this you won't be disappointed.