In her sophomore novel, Some Other Time, Angela Brown weaves an intricate tapestry of love, loss, and the weight of our daily choices. Following the success of her debut “Olivia Strauss Is Running Out of Time,” Brown demonstrates her growing prowess in crafting emotionally resonant stories that blur the lines between reality and the fantastical.
The narrative centers on Ellie Baker, a woman in her late forties who finds herself at a crossroads when her twenty-year marriage to Jonah begins to unravel. What starts as a seemingly straightforward tale of divorce transforms into a profound meditation on the nature of love, commitment, and the butterfly effect of our decisions.
Plot and Narrative Structure
Brown skillfully divides the story into four distinct parts: The Departure, The Arrival, Standby, and The Return Flight. This aviation-themed structure cleverly mirrors both the literal journey to Florida and the metaphorical journey Ellie undertakes through an alternate timeline.
The story begins with what appears to be a typical family drama—Ellie and Jonah traveling to Florida to announce their divorce to her parents. However, Brown deftly subverts expectations when Ellie awakens to find herself in a reality where she never married Jonah. This premise could easily become gimmicky in less capable hands, but Brown handles it with remarkable restraint and emotional authenticity.
Character Development and Relationships
The Central Characters
- Ellie Baker/Adams: A complex protagonist whose journey of self-discovery forms the heart of the novel. Her character arc is beautifully rendered, though at times her indecisiveness can be frustrating.
- Jonah Baker: Brown presents a nuanced portrait of a husband who feels both familiar and unknowable. His character works best when revealing subtle layers rather than during more dramatic moments.
- Maggie: The college-aged daughter serves as a mirror reflecting both her parents’ hopes and fears. Her storyline about finding her own path adds depth to the larger themes.
- Bunny and Frank: Ellie’s parents represent an older generation’s view of marriage, though their characterization occasionally veers toward stereotype.
Writing Style and Prose
Brown’s prose is clean and accessible, with moments of genuine poetry in her observations about family life and the passage of time. She excels at capturing the small details that make relationships feel authentic – the way a couple navigates a crowded airport, the unspoken language of long-term partnerships, the complex dance between mothers and daughters.
However, there are instances where the writing becomes repetitive, particularly in Ellie’s internal monologues about her choices. Some metaphors, especially those involving flight and travel, feel overworked.
Themes and Symbolism
Major Themes Explored
- The nature of choice and consequence
- The evolution of love over time
- Mother-daughter relationships
- The tension between personal fulfillment and family obligations
- The role of fate versus free will
Brown weaves these themes throughout the narrative with varying degrees of success. The exploration of maternal love and sacrifice is particularly well-handled, while the fate versus free will dichotomy sometimes feels heavy-handed.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Emotionally resonant portrayal of marriage and family dynamics
- Skillful integration of magical realism elements
- Strong sense of place, particularly in the Florida settings
- Authentic dialogue and relationship dynamics
- Compelling exploration of “what-if” scenarios
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing issues, particularly in the middle section
- Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped
- Occasional reliance on convenient plot devices
- Resolution feels slightly rushed
- Some thematic elements could be more subtly handled
Comparative Context
While the novel bears some similarity to other time-slip narratives like “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and “Life After Life,” Brown brings her own unique perspective to the genre. Angela Brown’s focus on the ordinary magic of daily life and the ripple effects of seemingly small choices sets “Some Other Time” apart from more dramatic takes on alternative timelines.
Impact and Resonance
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to make readers reflect on their own choices and relationships. Brown poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of commitment and the ways we navigate life’s crossroads, without offering easy answers.
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary women’s fiction with elements of magical realism
- Stories exploring marriage and family dynamics
- Character-driven narratives
- Thoughtful explorations of choice and consequence
- Books like “Maybe in Another Life” by Taylor Jenkins Reid or “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
Final Verdict
“Some Other Time” showcases both Angela Brown’s strengths as a writer and areas for growth. While the novel occasionally struggles with pacing and could benefit from tighter editing, its emotional core remains strong throughout. The book’s exploration of love, choice, and second chances resonates long after the final page.
Recommendation
Despite its flaws, “Some Other Time” by Angela Brown is recommended for readers who appreciate thoughtful contemporary fiction that blends realistic family dynamics with elements of magical realism. The novel’s insights into marriage, motherhood, and the weight of our choices make it a worthwhile read, even when the execution isn’t perfect.
Brown has crafted a story that reminds us how the simplest lives can indeed change the world, even if those changes are only visible in the quiet moments between departure and arrival.
