A Child of Time

A Review by Devina

A book based on human society in the mid-21st century, as well as facets from 40,000 years before that. Technology has progressed in leaps and bounds, now even enabling time travel. However, the only use of this technology is to being objects from the past for their deeper study to enable a better understanding of the past. After bringing rocks, water, minerals and even a dinosaur, it is now the turn of a Neanderthal boy from 40,000 years ago. Edith Fellowes, his nurse, develops a bond with him. What is the fate of the boy who is doomed to stay in a virtual cage?

One of the most fascinating reads based on time travel that I have ever read. The bonds of human emotion, the common concepts between a homo sapien and a Neanderthal gives a lot more thought than ever previously imagined. The book is detailed, fast-paced and vivid. A person with imagination can literally see the areas of living of the nomadic Neanderthals, feel what they felt, understand their life…It's marvelous. An excellent read for history buffs, sci-fi buffs and those who just love to read.

I generally think that people's tastes differ enormously. However, this book appealed to me, in a way that very few have. I can't praise a book to the skies unless I know it's worth a read. I may love many books, but there are some that are wonderful.
As a student of sociology and psychology, it was so surprising to read about the societal and the mental similarities, by way of thinking, between 2 different peoples separated by millennia. It's just another example of how people from every part of the world, even 20 million years ago, are not as different as you think. Another thing is, it stirred up emotions in me…which is hard unless I feel some sort of empathy for the characters, which I did in this case.

This book was first published in 1958, as a short story called "The Ugly Little Boy. In 1991, the book Child of Time/The Ugly Little Boy was published due to collaboration between the Asimov and Robert Silverberg. An interesting read of 342 pages…I advise you not to miss this one.

Author: Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg
Number of Pages: 342
Rating: 4/5
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