Andrew Cable’s debut novel fearlessly crosses a number of genres with a great deal of success. The book is aimed at young adults but has enough depth to appeal to mature reader. There are clever references to the age-old tradition of SF time travel along with the characteristic “chappiness” of the England that Americans still believe exists and that bears no resemblance to the Disunited Chavdom of the 21st Century.
The writing style evokes Enid Blyton, with a dash of G.K. Chesterton and the narrative voice of a David Niven or Terry Thomas. Belying the current obsession with “show don’t tell” which is reducing writing to cinematography, Cable is not afraid of narrative summary and ruminative asides. This all adds to the enjoyability of the book and reminds us of why we choose to read and not simply soak up televisual images.
The book is thoughtful and multi-layered but always light, charming and utterly engaging. It tells the tale of Elias Maccobi, a Jewish religion school teacher who prepares his students for their rites of passage by taking them back in time to key moments in their history. Maccobi also works as a time agent, ensuring the integrity of the time line. Before long, the school outings clash with the machinations of some rather unpleasant time travellers…
Cable writes with wit and charm. His vast knowledge of the history of religions and the ancient unobtrusively enriches the story, rewarding the reader with knowledge as well as pleasure.
The strongest passages in the book are at the very beginning and towards the end when the writing picks up pace and flows seamlessly. The chief strength, for me, is in the distinctive narrative voice which manages to remove the book from the ranks of tedious formulaic and immitative works that enjoy popular acclaim. Cable’s imagination is also a big plus point. Ideas as common as time travel are given a new and ingenious slant and there is a depth to the SF concepts that is effective in cementing the mise en scene.
I read the first edition, first printing which lacks a strong cover design and could benefit from type-setting and a tweak or two in the editorial department. Nevertheless this is a strong debut and one worthy of attention.
CFR rating: ***
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