A Journey through Time, Loneliness, and Love

Historical fiction meets romance meets mystery meets philosophy. 

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig follows Tom Hazard, a man who looks 40 but is actually over 400 years old due to a rare condition that slows his aging. As he lives through centuries of history, Tom struggles with loneliness and the need to remain hidden. The novel explores his journey as he seeks to balance his desire for a normal life with the challenge of confronting his past and finding happiness.

The book creates an exciting adventure all while making you reflect on some major questions and concerns about death and life. 

If given the choice, would you choose to age 15 times slower than everyone else? Would the pain of loss be worth seeing the evolution of society and the world? I imagine it would be different for everyone and dependent on life circumstances. 

There may be opportunities to meet extremely well known and successful people. Would it be as exciting if they weren’t yet famous or recognized as successful? 

Matt Haig challenges our world view all while taking us on a journey with a character who is easy to relate to and empathize with. 

Prior to reading the book, I was unaware that it is slated to be a mini-series with Benedict Cumberbatch. I always have mixed feelings with books that become movies/shows but I am really looking forward to this particular story going to be on screen.

“And, just as it only takes a moment to die, it only takes a moment to live. You just close you eyes and let every futile fear slip away. And then, in this new state, free from fear, you ask yourself: Who am I?”