In her sophomore novel, Angela Brown weaves an intricate tale that explores the delicate threads connecting love, family, and the weight of our choices. “Some Other Time” is a departure from her debut “Olivia Strauss Is Running Out of Time,” showcasing Angela Brown’s growth as an author while maintaining her signature blend of warmth and introspection.
Plot Overview & Analysis
The story follows Ellie Baker, a woman on the precipice of divorce after twenty years of marriage to Jonah. What begins as a seemingly straightforward tale of a couple falling out of love transforms into an exploration of parallel lives when Ellie awakens to find herself in an alternate timeline where she never married Jonah at all.
Brown’s narrative structure is ambitious, though occasionally uneven. The story alternates between the “real” timeline and the altered present, creating a tapestry of what-ifs that keeps readers engaged. However, some transitions between timelines feel abrupt, potentially confusing readers who aren’t paying close attention.
Character Development
The Main Players
Ellie Baker emerges as a complex protagonist whose journey of self-discovery drives the narrative. Her character arc is both compelling and frustrating—much like real life. Brown excels at portraying Ellie’s internal struggles, particularly her grappling with identity beyond being a wife and mother.
Jonah Baker is well-drawn but occasionally feels underdeveloped. His perspective could have added more depth to the story, especially during crucial moments of their relationship’s dissolution. Nevertheless, his presence serves as an effective anchor for exploring themes of choice and destiny.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters shine brilliantly:
Bunny and Frank (Ellie’s parents) provide both comic relief and emotional weight
Maggie (their daughter) represents the ripple effects of parental choices
Gabby emerges as an unexpected highlight, offering fresh perspective on friendship and growth
Jack serves as an interesting foil, though his storyline occasionally feels forced
Writing Style & Prose
Brown’s prose is accessible yet thoughtful, peppered with moments of genuine insight about marriage, parenthood, and the passage of time. Her descriptions of domestic life are particularly strong, capturing the mundane moments that often define our relationships.
Strengths
Authentic dialogue that rings true to each character
Vivid descriptions of settings, especially the Florida scenes
Skillful handling of emotional moments without falling into melodrama
Areas for Improvement
Pacing issues in the middle section
Occasionally repetitive internal monologues
Some metaphors feel heavy-handed
Themes & Deeper Meaning
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
Choice & Consequence
Brown masterfully illustrates how small decisions can create massive ripples in our lives and the lives of those around us. The concept of “35,000 choices a day” becomes a powerful motif throughout the narrative.
Identity & Purpose
Ellie’s struggle with her identity beyond being a wife and mother resonates deeply, especially for readers who have faced similar crossroads. The author handles this theme with sensitivity and nuance.
Love & Marriage
The book offers a refreshingly mature take on long-term relationships, avoiding both cynicism and excessive sentimentality. Brown suggests that love is both a choice and a force beyond our control.
Technical Elements
Structure
The novel is divided into four parts, mirroring the stages of air travel: The Departure, The Arrival, Standby, and The Return Flight. This framework works well thematically but occasionally feels forced.
Pacing
The story’s pacing is uneven – the first third moves swiftly, but the middle section drags before picking up again for the finale. Some readers might find the multiple timeline shifts challenging to follow.
Critical Assessment
What Works
Unique blend of domestic fiction and magical realism
Strong emotional core
Well-developed family dynamics
Thoughtful exploration of choice and consequence
What Could Be Better
More development of Jonah’s perspective
Clearer resolution of some subplot threads
Tighter pacing in the middle section
More consistent handling of the time travel elements
Target Audience
This novel will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
Domestic fiction with a supernatural twist
Stories about marriage and family dynamics
Character-driven narratives
Time travel elements that serve emotional rather than scientific purposes
Comparative Analysis
While “Some Other Time” by Angela Brown shares DNA with books like “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and “Maybe in Another Life,” it carves its own niche. Brown’s focus on the mundane aspects of marriage and family life distinguishes it from more fantastical time travel narratives.
Final Verdict
“Some Other Time” is an ambitious sophomore effort by Angela Brown that largely succeeds despite some structural flaws. Brown’s intimate understanding of family dynamics and marriage shines through, even when the plot mechanics occasionally falter.
The Bottom Line
While not perfect, “Some Other Time” by Angela Brown offers a thoughtful exploration of love, choice, and second chances. It’s a novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that blend the extraordinary with the everyday, even as they navigate occasional rough patches in pacing and plot resolution.
Recommendation
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
Literary fiction with magical elements
Stories about marriage and family
Character-driven narratives
Books that make you think about your own choices
Best approached with patience and an openness to both the magical and mundane aspects of love and family life. While some readers might find the pacing challenging, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a moving meditation on the choices that shape our lives and relationships.
Note: Angela Brown’s growth as an author is evident in this sophomore effort, suggesting exciting possibilities for her future works.