The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
2/27/24; 304 pages
Atria Books
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard is a literary speculative fiction novel which puts a new spin on time travel. It is highly recommended.
Sixteen-year-old Odile Ozanne knows her current reality is life in the
town in the valley where she lives. She also knows that beyond the
mountains to the west is the same town 20 years in the past, while to
the east is the same town 20 years in the future and as far as she knows
this pattern repeats ad infinitum. The border between the towns are well-fenced, carefully patrolled, and heavily guarded. In each town, the governing body
called the Conseil are the only ones who can approve a visit to the past or the future.
When Odile recognizes two visitors from the future that she wasn't to
see, she realizes the implications for her friend Edme. After Odile is
accepted to compete for a
apprentice position for a
coveted seat on the Conseil, she is also talked to about her
observations of the visitors and it is made clear that she must preserve
the timeline and not intervene.
The Other Valley is a literary novel in a unique setting. It is a beautifully written examination of the substance of fate versus
free will, grief and love, within a coming-of-age story that turns into a larger exploration
of ethics and power. It does feel slow moving, however, and the lack of
quotation marks is likely is the culprit for the lack of smooth reading
progression as readers have to sort out the conversations for
themselves.
The novel is divided into two sections, Odile at sixteen and at
thirty-six, and Odile is the narrator. She is a sympathetic character
who is always introspective. The tone of the first part of the story is
more promising while the second part is rather morose. This could be an
excellent choice for thoughtful book clubs.
Science fiction aficionados may find some time travel continuity problems in The Other Valley. Concentrating on Odile's story and simply going along with the plot will allow you to overcome any questions. The final denouement is very satisfying. Thanks to Aria Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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