Bookshelf: The Ministry of Time


Last month I read The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.

It’s a rare genre-bending novel that effortlessly blends literary fiction, science fiction, history, and sharp social commentary.

From the very first page, I was hooked by Bradley’s witty, insightful voice. The book is, filled with lines like, ‘He looked oddly formal, as if he was the sole person in serif font,’ and ‘An underrated symptom of inherited trauma is how socially awkward it is to live with.’

Unlike many fast-paced sci-fi novels with short, snappy chapters, The Ministry of Time unfolds in ten long, immersive chapters. The unnamed protagonist—a British Cambodian woman —works as a“bridge” for the Ministry of Time, tasked with helping a 19th-century naval officer, Lieutenant Graham Gore, adjust to modern London.

From the ill-fated HMS Terror, Gore, a real historical figure, is thrust into modern London. The story is full of humor, culture clashes, and a great romance. Warmth and wit beautifully characterize the well-written relationship between the two leads. Some of my favourite lines:

‘If you ever fall in love, you’ll be a person who was in love for the rest of your life.’

‘Forgiveness, which takes you back to the person you were and lets you reset them. Hope, which exists in a future in which you are new. Forgiveness and hope are miracles. They let you change your life. They are time-travel.’

Bradley’s writing is lyrical and precise, and it’s no surprise to learn she’s …

Published: 14.06.2025

Full blog post: https://substack.com/home/post/p-164195208