Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Bid Time Return
Book Review: "O call back yesterday..."
Summary: 4 Stars
I cannot shake off the impression that to some extent Matheson himself is the man in the hotel room, convincing himself that he can touch the past. Perhaps it was a by-product of an overwrought imagination coupled with a visit to San Diego. Or did he create a well-rounded, complete work of fiction? Disguised as a speedily chronicled delusion? This is one of a number of novels written along similar lines. Some of them are more thoroughly researched and detailed than this novel, but do not have the same emotional core. At times melodramatic, the novel nevertheless creates a touching love story. This is achieved by a disarmingly complex story structure: Richard Collier becomes willingly enmeshed in a web of inescapable fate. He must go back to Elise McKenna; it is written... In many ways the book is superior to the film, but in the screenplay the structure of the story is rearranged slightly. The pocket watch is moved and creates one of the finest paradoxes in time travel fiction. This simple alteration also serves to greatly intensify the character of Elise McKenna in a single stroke without the need for lengthy prose. I was surprised that I had to order this book on the Internet: an almost overlooked book, echoing the photograph of the young and vibrant Elise McKenna, forgotten, slowly fading away in a hotel museum, waiting patiently... I took a trip to California last year. I 'happened' to go to San Diego. I also happened to visit the Hotel Del Coronado: so curiously and specifically identified by Matheson. Why not invent a hotel along similar lines? I went to set my mind at rest. I went to fail in my attempt to find the portrait of Elise McKenna, or whatever her name may be. The 'Hall of History' was closed for refurbishment. I can be grateful for the fact that my faint delusion remains intact. I have since been told that the photograph is there...Book Review: A Timeless Wonder
Summary: 5 Stars
Time travel is possible. You too will think that after reading this book. Matheson does an excellent job of making you believe that you are indeed back in 1896. Just as the author portrays character Richard Collier as a man in love with a picture, and obcessed with reaching back through time to meet Elise, you too will find yourself drawn to the mystic of this story. The motion picture (Somewhere In Time) somewhat follows the plot of this book and will capture your imagination much as the picture of Elise did Richard Collier. But you have to read the book. It goes much deeper and into more detail than the motion picture. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It's very good reading. Get the book. Read it and you will find that you, yourself, Bid Time Return to Somewhere in Time.Book Review: A WONDERFUL STORY!
Summary: 5 Stars
I did not know until after I had read the book that this was the premise for the movie Somewhere in Time. I can't wait to go get the movie. I usually don't go for romances but this one was awesome and I just couldn't put it down.Richard Collier has just months to live and decides to flip a coin and see where it takes him. He ends up in a beautiful hotel built in the 1800's. While wandering the halls of the hotel he sees a picture of a beautiful woman and his life is never the same.
This book delves into the inner turmoils of love and the lengths one will go to find that love, a love that goes beyond space and time.
This is a book that I will never forget.
Book Review: A haunting and heartbreaking blend of romance and sci-fi.
Summary: 5 Stars
Imagine a perfectly haunting and heartbreaking blend of time travel and timeless romance. This is what you will have the pleasure of reading if you chance a copy of Bid Time Return" by Richard Matheson. This book later released in hardback as "Somewhere In Time" is exquisetly crafted and unique both as science fiction and as a genuine and tragic romance. A dying playright sets out to spend the last of his days on the road. A Chance flip of a coin leads him to a hotel where
in the lobby he falls painfully in love with a picture of a beautiful actress who had performed there nearly a century earlier. His love for her growing inexplicably stronger eventually becomes obsession and through a series of subtle and haunting events he crosses the boundary of time itself to meet her and fall deeply in love. Do not expect a trite or trivial love story nor the use of the conventional time travel formula. This book takes a unique approach at the concept of time travel and love offering the idea that physically spanning time is not someting to be achieved through the use of advanced technology or the power of superior races. Rather that the strengh of the mind coupled with the power of true love can span any boundry including time itself to be connsumated. Written in first person perspective "Bid Time Return" will leave the reader with a lingering sense of wonder and sadness. Like waking from a dream of beauty and bliss or watching the last days of summer drift away. The reader will feel a sense of longing for the love they never had for years to come.Book Review: A romantic trip back in time that will break your heart!!
Summary: 4 Stars
This novel does take some concentration to get through the first twenty pages but it's worth it. I urge you to resist putting the book down. The need for a dying playwrite to travel back in time to meet the one woman who has captured his fancy will melt your heart.
The magnetism between the two is so well written that you will feel as if you were on the journey with Richard Collier. It's easily a one night read and I highly recommend it to someone looking for a good romantic tale to curl up with on a stormy night