Audrey Niffenegger, the acclaimed author behind the global phenomenon The Time Traveler's Wife, is set to release a highly anticipated sequel this autumn. Titled Life Out of Order, the novel marks a return to the beloved world of her 2003 bestseller, which has sold over nine million copies worldwide and inspired a major film adaptation starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana, as well as an HBO series and a musical.
A Thirteen-Year Journey to Publication
Niffenegger dedicated thirteen years to crafting this follow-up, which will be published in the UK on 27 October by Jonathan Cape, an imprint of Penguin. The author initially had no plans for a sequel after completing the original novel between 1997 and 2002. However, in November 2012, she conceived an idea focusing on Alba DeTamble, the daughter of the central characters Henry and Clare, and began writing what would become Life Out of Order.
Exploring Alba's Complex World
The sequel delves into the life of Alba, who inherits her father's Chrono-Displacement Disorder, a condition causing involuntary time travel. In the original story, Henry dies when Alba is just five years old, leaving her to navigate her unique abilities alone. Life Out of Order centres on themes of love and connection, with Alba managing two marriages to Zach and Oliver across different time periods, creating a narrative rich with emotional depth and temporal complexity.
Niffenegger's writing process evolved significantly as the world changed around her. Starting during Barack Obama's re-election, the book gradually incorporated political and dystopian elements, reflecting global shifts. Alba was born six days before the 9/11 attacks, prompting Niffenegger to speculate on future scenarios, particularly around climate change and societal upheaval. She noted that real-world events, such as those in 2016, began to mirror the dystopian aspects of her fiction, making the story eerily relevant.
Art, Politics, and Personal Agency
As a violinist and composer, Alba's journey raises poignant questions about the role of art in a troubled world. Niffenegger addresses this by emphasising the importance of creativity and activism. We make things to connect, to document our thinking, and sometimes to change our own minds, she explains, hoping the book inspires readers to engage more actively in art, politics, and their personal lives.
The publisher's description outlines Alba's adventures, from Chicago's riotous streets to the digital Museum of Lost Souls, a virtual sanctuary for forgotten memories. A key setting is the Yellow House, a Victorian property in Ravenswood, Chicago, which serves as a secluded refuge for Alba during her time travels—akin to the meadow in the original novel.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Hannah Westland, publisher at Jonathan Cape, hailed The Time Traveler's Wife as one of history's most significant literary works and described Life Out of Order as uncannily of this moment and a profoundly moving celebration of love. To coincide with the sequel's release, Vintage will issue new paperback and hardback editions of the original novel, reintroducing it to a new generation of readers.
Niffenegger reflected on the immersive experience of writing the sequel, calling it all-consuming yet expressing nostalgia for the world she created. With its blend of romance, science fiction, and social commentary, Life Out of Order promises to captivate fans and newcomers alike, offering a timely exploration of love, loss, and resilience in an unpredictable era.
