With The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger delivered a complex, captivating, and perfectly orchestrated plot with rich, rounded characters who demanded the reader’s interest.  The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of my all-time favorites and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

It is because of my love for The Time Traveler’s Wife that I am heartbroken to report that Her Fearful Symmetry failed to reach any of its predecessor’s achievements.

I had many issues with Her Fearful Symmetry.  Its characters’ actions were inconsistent; its plot was muddled and haphazard; its revelations were predictable and clichéd; and its entire premise was passé and, frankly, far below Ms. Niffenegger’s standards.  I kept waiting for it to get better, and it simply never did.

Truthfully, I wanted to like this book.  I was so excited to get an advanced copy and read it.  I couldn’t wait to shout from the rooftops and spread the word about its brilliance.  However, as much as it pains me to do so, and even though the thought of hurting Ms. Niffenegger’s feelings haunts me, I cannot lie about Her Fearful Symmetry – I simply did not enjoy its plot, characters, or technique and I do not recommend you read it.

But with that being said, The Time Traveler’s Wife is seriously a masterpiece and I wholeheartedly urge you to go pick it up, support the author, and give it a read.  You won’t be disappointed.