Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Some Other Time by Angela Brown

A Complex Tale of Love, Time, and Second Chances

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"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.

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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

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.

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"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.Some Other Time by Angela Brown