Available instantly

Audiobook
$0.99
with membership

Hardcover
$17.43

Paperback
$17.66

$13.99 with 26 percent savings

Print List Price: $18.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

Sold by Simon and Schuster Digital Sales LLC. Price set by seller.

Add audiobook to your purchase for just $12.99

Audiobook Price: $17.05

Save: $4.06 (24%)

Read with our free app

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.

Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

There was an error. We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleySimon & Schuster

Image Unavailable

Image not available for
Color:

To view this video download Flash Player

3 VIDEOS

Follow the author

Kaliane Bradley

Follow

The Ministry of Time: A Novel Kindle Edition

by Kaliane Bradley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

14,926 ratings

in Time Travel Romances

See all formats and editions

ONE OF BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF SUMMER 2024 • A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • HUGO AWARD FINALIST FOR BEST NOVEL • WINNER OF THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD FOR SCIENCE FICTION • A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, VANITY FAIR, ESQUIRE, VOX, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, THE INDEPENDENT, PARADE, KIRKUS REVIEWS, AND MORE…

“This summer’s hottest debut.” —Cosmopolitan • “Witty, sexy escapist fiction [that] packs a substantial punch...Fresh and thrilling.” —Los Angeles Times • “Electric...I loved every second.” —Emily Henry

“Utterly winning...Imagine if The Time Traveler’s Wife had an affair with A Gentleman in Moscow...Readers, I envy you: There’s a smart, witty novel in your future.” —Ron Charles, The Washington Post

A time travel romance, a spy thriller, a workplace comedy, and an ingenious exploration of the nature of power and the potential for love to change it all: Welcome to The Ministry of Time, the exhilarating debut novel by Kaliane Bradley.

In the near future, a civil servant is offered the salary of her dreams and is, shortly afterward, told what project she’ll be working on. A recently established government ministry is gathering “expats” from across history to establish whether time travel is feasible—for the body, but also for the fabric of space-time.

She is tasked with working as a “bridge”: living with, assisting, and monitoring the expat known as “1847” or Commander Graham Gore. As far as history is concerned, Commander Gore died on Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 expedition to the Arctic, so he’s a little disoriented to be living with an unmarried woman who regularly shows her calves, surrounded by outlandish concepts such as “washing machines,” “Spotify,” and “the collapse of the British Empire.” But with an appetite for discovery, a seven-a-day cigarette habit, and the support of a charming and chaotic cast of fellow expats, he soon adjusts.

Over the next year, what the bridge initially thought would be, at best, a horrifically uncomfortable roommate dynamic, evolves into something much deeper. By the time the true shape of the Ministry’s project comes to light, the bridge has fallen haphazardly, fervently in love, with consequences she never could have imagined. Forced to confront the choices that brought them together, the bridge must finally reckon with how—and whether she believes—what she does next can change the future.

An exquisitely original and feverishly fun fusion of genres and ideas, The Ministry of Time asks: What does it mean to defy history, when history is living in your house? Kaliane Bradley’s answer is a blazing, unforgettable testament to what we owe each other in a changing world.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kaliane Bradley is a British-Cambodian writer and editor based in London. Her short fiction has appeared in Somesuch Stories, The Willowherb Review, Electric Literature, Catapult, and Extra Teeth, among others. She was the winner of the 2022 Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Prize and the 2022 V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prize.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter I I
Perhaps he’ll die this time.

He finds this doesn’t worry him. Maybe because he’s so cold he has a drunkard’s grip on his mind. When thoughts come, they’re translucent, free-swimming medusae. As the Arctic wind bites at his hands and feet, his thoughts slop against his skull. They’ll be the last thing to freeze over.

He knows he is walking, though he can no longer feel it. The ice in front of him bounces and retreats, so he must be moving forward. He has a gun across his back, a bag across his front. Their weight is both meaningless and Sisyphean.

He is in a good mood. If his lips were not beyond sensation, he would whistle.

In the distance, he hears the boom of cannon fire. Three in a row, like a sneeze. The ship is signaling.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CL5FT5C3
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster (May 7, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #3,296 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1 in Time Travel Romances
- #3 in Time Travel Fiction
- #8 in Time Travel Science Fiction (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
14,926 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Kaliane Bradley

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

I am a writer and editor based in London. I've written short stories and essays, which have appeared in places like Catapult, Electric Literature, The Tangerine and Extra Teeth, among others. I was the winner of the 2022 Harper's Bazaar Short Story Prize and the 2022 V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prize. The Ministry of Time is my debut novel.

I started writing The Ministry of Time after getting very invested in historical polar exploration, especially the 1845 Franklin Expedition and one of the officers on it, Graham Gore. The book grew out of a sort of literary parlour game I was writing for my friends: what would it be like if your favourite polar explorer lived in your house? It turns out that living with a Victorian man would probably force you to confront the legacy of British imperialism, the state of 21st century Britain - from climate crisis to Deliveroo - and the effect of the sexual revolution on flirting with a disorientated naval officer. It also forced me to confront, as a writer, the governmental apparatus that got this poor man into the 21st century in the first place... the course of sinister government project never did run smooth...

Customer reviews

14,926 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Review this product

Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this time travel novel engaging with its plot twists and turns through centuries, praising its sparkling prose and wonderfully realized characters. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its intellectual content, with one customer noting its extensive commentary on themes of immigration. However, the pacing receives mixed reviews, with some praising the mastery of language and description while others find it hard to follow. Additionally, customers disagree on the emotional content, with some finding it emotionally resonant while others criticize the forced romantic relationships.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Thought provoking Readability Writing quality Character development Intelligence Pacing Emotional content Boredom

178 customers mention "Thought provoking"150 positive28 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, praising its interesting time travel premise and plot twists and turns through centuries.

"...narrative brings characters to vivid life, yet maintains the breadth to touch on history, politics, imperialism, climate change, personal integrity,..." Read more

"...The inclusion of time travel, fated Arctic expeditions, and an 18th-century naval commander who plays disco music on his flute adds a unique and..." Read more

"...The premise seemed so intriguing: a secret government agency tasked with overseeing time travel to protect history from changes and disruptions...." Read more

"...story itself can’t be pinned to a singular genre; it’s got romance, mystery, and sci-fi vibes. And the kind of ending that lingers with you for days...." Read more

114 customers mention "Readability"114 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a magnificent debut novel and a fun read.

"...A delightful rollercoaster ride with profound implications, it left me longing to see what Ms. Bradley will come up with next." Read more

"...Despite these shortcomings, The Ministry of Time is an engaging read that creatively blends sci-fi themes with modern commentary, making it worth..." Read more

"...sounded like exactly the kind of book I would enjoy, with the potential for adventure, complex characters, and a lot of thought-provoking moments...." Read more

"...combined with intriguing story-telling made this such an enjoyable read!..." Read more

86 customers mention "Writing quality"66 positive20 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its sparkling prose and talented authorship, with one customer highlighting the unique voices of the readers.

"...The text sparkles with metaphors, allusions, and similes so inventive and surprising, you may wonder at the author’s creative fecundity...." Read more

"...Bradley has created deeply drawn and wonderfully realized characters, particularly Graham Gore from a doomed 1840's Arctic expedition...." Read more

"...This intricate account has it all. Well written and engaging. The Ministry of Time was a wild ride!" Read more

"...with Ministry of Time was the fanfic bit: it really reads like Wattpad in some places, which was the final straw for me and almost a three-star..." Read more

55 customers mention "Character development"42 positive13 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the wonderfully realized characters and the fascinating narrator, with one customer highlighting how heroes are fetched from the past.

"...The specificity of its first person narrative brings characters to vivid life, yet maintains the breadth to touch on history, politics, imperialism,..." Read more

"...Bradley has created deeply drawn and wonderfully realized characters, particularly Graham Gore from a doomed 1840's Arctic expedition...." Read more

"Adding this book to my list of favorites of all time. The characters were endearing and real...." Read more

"...The lack of character development really took away from the potential drama and excitement that time travel stories can offer...." Read more

14 customers mention "Intelligence"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's intelligence, finding it thought-provoking and brilliant, with one customer noting its insightful exploration of current world issues and another highlighting its extensive commentary on themes of immigration.

"...While the novel offers extensive commentary on themes of immigration and cultural assimilation, it can sometimes feel dense and pedantic...." Read more

"Excellent story about the potential interpersonal dynamics involved in time travel...." Read more

"...just about the mechanics of time travel but the profound cultural shock and adaptability of humans...." Read more

"Debut novelist Bradley is not just funny, but insightful about current world issues as she is about the past. What if interesting people from..." Read more

84 customers mention "Pacing"39 positive45 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some praising its mastery of language and description, while others find it hard to follow.

"...To me, the novel is trying too many notes, and the narrative can be a bit opaque, especially during key events...." Read more

"...The characters were endearing and real. The author’s expansive vocabulary combined with intriguing story-telling made this such an enjoyable read!..." Read more

"...However, with The Ministry of Time, I felt like the execution fell flat...." Read more

"History, politics, humor , passion. This intricate account has it all. Well written and engaging. The Ministry of Time was a wild ride!" Read more

17 customers mention "Emotional content"6 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the emotional content of the book, with some finding it emotionally engaging while others criticize the forced romantic relationships and hasty ending.

"...There was no emotional pull, no real stakes for me to care about what was happening to them, and that made the entire reading experience feel more..." Read more

"...It's entertaining - very very funny in places, heartbreaking in others...." Read more

"...of Time, but reading it has left me deeply thoughtful—troubled and unsettled, but also oddly hopeful." Read more

"This is a love story but not a romance book. This is science fantasy but it's the characters and not the actual time travel that make the story...." Read more

28 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive28 negative

Customers find the book boring and unsatisfying, describing it as a waste of effort.

"...that emotional connection or gripping plot, the story felt flat and uninspiring...." Read more

"...the author uses tons of metaphors that seem unnecessary and sometimes nonsensical. I do hope there is a second book continuing the story though...." Read more

"...The book at times made me feel dumb (see the questions I looked up, above) and it was hard to follow in places...." Read more

"...The first half of this book is so slow and boring I almost DNF. The second half is what you wanted from the whole book...." Read more

Reviews with images

See all photos

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

Robby Merkin
The Fertility of Language
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
Verified Purchase

Ministry Of Time is ambitious, expansive, thought provoking, and entertaining. The specificity of its first person narrative brings characters to vivid life, yet maintains the breadth to touch on history, politics, imperialism, climate change, personal integrity, and the cultural relativity of ethics. The text sparkles with metaphors, allusions, and similes so inventive and surprising, you may wonder at the author’s creative fecundity. At the surface, it is witty, romantic, exciting, erotically charged, with a full quota of heroes, villains, and quirky in-betweens. It twists and turns like a thriller, skitters at the edges of sci-fi, and puts down roots in an authentic 19th century Arctic expedition. A delightful rollercoaster ride with profound implications, it left me longing to see what Ms. Bradley will come up with next.

Read more

7 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
James
Witty and Thought-Provoking!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024
Verified Purchase
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley is a compelling and fascinating read that had me hooked from the start! This stellar debut novel blends sci-fi elements with contemporary issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The premise of a new government agency that pulls people from the past into the present day is intriguing, and the book deftly explores the resulting complexities. The inclusion of time travel, fated Arctic expeditions, and an 18th-century naval commander who plays disco music on his flute adds a unique and engaging twist!

The strength of this novel lies in its superb character development. Bradley has created deeply drawn and wonderfully realized characters, particularly Graham Gore from a doomed 1840's Arctic expedition. Gore's intelligence, wisdom, innocence, and vulnerability are vividly portrayed, making his character profoundly compelling. Other characters are equally unique and three-dimensional, each bringing their own distinctive flavor to the story. This rich cast ensures that readers genuinely care about the fates of these individuals.

The novel also includes refreshing LGBT representation, with characters expressing their identities authentically. The story alternates between the modern-day plot and Gore's final days on the HMS Erebus in the Arctic, building suspense towards the novel's climax. The romance that develops between the protagonist and Gore is carefully developed, though it is unevenly paced. The protagonist's experiences as a Cambodian immigrant in the UK provide additional depth, drawing parallels with how the Ministry treats the time expats. The protagonist's desire for power in the arena of cultural identity adds another layer of complexity.

While the novel offers extensive commentary on themes of immigration and cultural assimilation, it can sometimes feel dense and pedantic. To me, the novel is trying too many notes, and the narrative can be a bit opaque, especially during key events. Despite these shortcomings, The Ministry of Time is an engaging read that creatively blends sci-fi themes with modern commentary, making it worth your TIME!

Read more

31 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Kayla
A Disappointing Time Travel Experience
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2025
Verified Purchase
As a huge fan of time travel books, I was really excited to dive into The Ministry of Time. The premise seemed so intriguing: a secret government agency tasked with overseeing time travel to protect history from changes and disruptions. It sounded like exactly the kind of book I would enjoy, with the potential for adventure, complex characters, and a lot of thought-provoking moments. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations, and I found myself feeling somewhat disappointed throughout.

Let me start by saying that I do generally enjoy time travel stories. The concept of bending time, exploring different historical periods, and dealing with the consequences of altering the past is something I find fascinating. However, with The Ministry of Time, I felt like the execution fell flat. The premise had so much potential, but the characters and the way the story unfolded left me feeling indifferent.

The biggest issue for me was the characters. I just couldn’t connect with any of them. They felt incredibly flat and one-dimensional. I never got the sense that any of them had much depth or development. Instead of feeling invested in their journey through time, I was more often than not just going through the motions with them. There was no emotional pull, no real stakes for me to care about what was happening to them, and that made the entire reading experience feel more like a chore than an adventure. The lack of character development really took away from the potential drama and excitement that time travel stories can offer.

I also didn’t find the plot very engaging. The story, while centered around an interesting concept, lacked the intrigue I was hoping for. There were moments where the narrative felt like it dragged on without much happening, and I found myself losing interest more than once. I had to force myself to keep reading, not because I was eager to see how the story would unfold, but because I was determined to finish the book. I guess I was hoping that the story would pick up or that something would happen to draw me back in, but that didn’t really happen.

That being said, I did manage to finish the book, but it felt more like a task to get through than a rewarding journey. There were a few parts where I could see glimpses of what the book could have been with a stronger plot or more engaging characters, but those moments were few and far between. Overall, I just didn’t feel any real excitement or tension, which is pretty essential for a time travel book. Without that emotional connection or gripping plot, the story felt flat and uninspiring.

I’m not saying that the book didn’t have potential, but for me, it didn’t hit the mark. I think time travel books rely heavily on their characters and how they navigate the complexities of time, but in this case, the characters just weren’t interesting enough to carry the story. The idea of a time-traveling agency was great, but it didn’t feel like the book fully explored its possibilities or used the concept to its fullest potential. In the end, I didn’t feel any real emotional payoff or satisfaction from the book, which is always a letdown, especially when you start a book with high hopes.

If you’re someone who’s really into time travel books, you might still find some enjoyment in The Ministry of Time, but for me, it just didn’t deliver. It wasn’t bad enough for me to put down, but it certainly didn’t make me want to pick up any future books in the series or recommend it to others. For a book that centers around such a fascinating concept, it just didn’t live up to the excitement I had hoped for.

Read more

11 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Arielle
One of those really good books that you only come across once in the blue
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2025
Verified Purchase
Adding this book to my list of favorites of all time. The characters were endearing and real. The author’s expansive vocabulary combined with intriguing story-telling made this such an enjoyable read! The story itself can’t be pinned to a singular genre; it’s got romance, mystery, and sci-fi vibes. And the kind of ending that lingers with you for days. Loved it.

Read more

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report

Top reviews from other countries

Grace McDougall
Ministry of Time
Reviewed in Canada on January 25, 2025
Verified Purchase

This was a great book, she is a very talented writer

Read more
Report
Ines
When Past Meets Present
Reviewed in France on January 30, 2025
Verified Purchase
Some books grip you with their premise; others linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. The Ministry of Time does both. It’s a time-travel story unlike any I’ve read before—brimming with secrets, unexpected twists, and a love story that feels both grand and deeply intimate.

At the heart of the novel is an unnamed protagonist who becomes a “bridge” for 19th-century naval officer Graham Gore (yes, that Graham Gore, from the Franklin expedition) as he tries to navigate 21st-century life. Watching Gore experience contemporary life through fresh eyes was both fascinating and surprisingly tender. The novel’s quieter moments—mundane routines, shared meals, hesitant conversations—are where Bradley’s writing truly shines.

Beyond the intrigue, The Ministry of Time also delves into compelling discussions on race and perception. And then there’s the romance: slow-burning, bittersweet, and utterly consuming. The dual perspectives (especially Gore’s chapters) add depth, highlighting the contrast between past and present in a way that feels immersive rather than jarring.

By the end, I was left with that rare, aching feeling—a mix of satisfaction and longing. This is a book that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel it. Highly, highly recommend.

Read more
Report
A K Forteseven
Really rather good.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2025
Verified Purchase
A great read. Unusual in conception and a fluid writing style make this too easy to finish...I had to slow down to savour it. Some profound moments that made me genuinely emotional. I'll be seeking out the author's other works.

Read more
Report
Cliente Kindle
Interesting story
Reviewed in Brazil on December 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
But confusing and with a quite abrupt end.

Read more
Report
tony grist
the Ministry of Time - hope springs eternal
Reviewed in Australia on April 18, 2025
Verified Purchase
Such a fresh take on time travel and the optimism that fate is not set in stone. At a time when humanity needs it most, and it’s not too late to act, Ms Bradley gives us a roadmap for those of us who believe both that the glass is half full, and our actions have consequences.

Her command of language and use of metaphor feels utterly original. Entertaining, intriguing, romantic without cliche, but visceral and authentic.

Please give me more.

Read more
Report

Follow the author

The Ministry of Time: A Novel Kindle Edition

Customers who bought this item also bought

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Product details

Videos

Videos for this product

Videos for this product

Videos for this product

About the author

Kaliane Bradley

Customer reviews

Review this product

Customers say

Select to learn more

Images in this review

Reviews with images

Time travel mystery

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fertility of Language

4.0 out of 5 stars Witty and Thought-Provoking!

3.0 out of 5 stars A Disappointing Time Travel Experience

5.0 out of 5 stars One of those really good books that you only come across once in the blue

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Ministry of Time

5.0 out of 5 stars When Past Meets Present

5.0 out of 5 stars Really rather good.

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story

5.0 out of 5 stars the Ministry of Time - hope springs eternal

Report an issue

The Fertility of Language

Witty and Thought-Provoking!

A Disappointing Time Travel Experience

One of those really good books that you only come across once in the blue

Ministry of Time

When Past Meets Present

Really rather good.

Interesting story

the Ministry of Time - hope springs eternal