Most reviewers were impressed with the premise of the novel , but critical of its melodramatic style . While Griffin praised the plot and concept as " clever " , she argued that Niffenegger 's writing is usually " pedestrian " and the story at times contrived . Heidi Darroch of the '' National Post '' agreed , contending that the story has an excess of overwrought emotional moments " which never quite add up to a fully developed plot " . Writing in '' The Chicago Tribune '' , Carey Harrison praised the originality of the novel , specifically the intersection of child-bearing and time travel . Despite appreciating the novel 's premise , Amidon complained that the implications of Henry 's time-traveling were poorly thought out . For example , Henry has foreknowledge of the September 11 attacks but does nothing to try to prevent them . Instead , on 11 September 2001 , he gets up early " to listen to the world being normal for a little while longer " . Amidon also criticized the novel 's " overall clumsiness " , writing that Niffenegger is " a ham-fisted stylist , long-winded and given to sudden eruptions of cliche " . Miriam Shaviv agreed to an extent , writing in '' The Jerusalem Post '' , " There are no original or even non-cliched messages here . True love , Niffenegger seems to be telling us , is timeless , and can survive even the worst yet , the book is a page-turner , delicately crafted and psychologically sound . " The '' Library Journal '' described the novel as " skillfully written with a blend of distinct characters and heartfelt emotions " ; it recommended that public libraries purchase multiple copies of the book
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
The Time Traveler's Wife