Audrey Niffenegger’s novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife, chronicles the unique, non-linear relationship between Henry, a man with involuntary Chrono-Impairment, and his wife, Clare, who experiences their life chronologically. Henry’s displacements are random and often dangerous, leaving him naked and in need of scavenging resources to survive his temporal jumps. Clare must contend with the emotional weight of constant uncertainty and profound solitude, having known Henry since she was a child while dealing with his appearances at various ages. Their efforts to build a family are fraught with tragedy, including multiple failed pregnancies, leading Henry to consult a geneticist who attempts to cure the condition using time-traveling mice. Ultimately, the narrative focuses on Clare’s fierce resilience and the enduring love that anchors their lives, culminating in the birth of their daughter, Alba, who also demonstrates temporal fluidity.
