When Time Travel Meets Bureaucracy: A Novel Blend of Chaos and Comedy

Ever wondered what would happen if the modern-day British government stumbled upon time travel? Kaliane Bradley’s new novel, The Ministry of Time, paints a hilariously chaotic picture of just that scenario. The story follows an unnamed civil servant who gets involved in a secret program that helps historical figures navigate the modern world. Imagine trying to explain Wi-Fi to a Victorian naval officer about to embark on a disastrous Arctic expedition!

Along the way, the book delivers classic time-travel antics—think romance, dramatics, and yes, laser guns. But it’s not just all fun and games; the tale highlights the absurdity of navigating an impenetrable bureaucracy that could make even the most seasoned government employees scratch their heads in confusion. The twist? When it comes to achieving true freedom, these characters find that wrestling with red tape is more challenging than traveling through time itself.

Bradley’s fast-paced narrative is not just a story about historical adjustments but a sharp commentary on today’s bureaucratic hurdles. While each character escapes certain doom, they discover that their biggest enemy isn’t time—it’s paperwork! So, who knew that breaking the space-time continuum could come with so many forms to fill out? What’s your take on the quirks of government processes and how they might handle something as wild as time travel?

About the Author

View All Posts