Both Sides of Time

 

Both Sides of Time

 

Cooney, C. (1995). Both sides of time. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.

 

Interest Level:  6^th -8^th Grade

Reading Level: 5.7 (Fifth Grade-Seventh Month)

Theme: Romance/Time Travel/Mystery/Suspense  

Genre: Modern Fantasy

 Summary:

This is a rousing novel about a young girl named Annie Lockwood who dreams of true love and gentlemanly courtship. To Annie’s disappointment, her boyfriend, Sean, is far from romantic and seems more interested in restoring old cars than spending time with her.  Annie feels displaced; she senses that she has been born in the wrong century; the 1800’s seems more suitable to her, more filled with etiquette and romance. One day while Annie was visiting Sean, she wondered in to the old Stratton Mansion. The mansion, which was now rundown and virtually forgotten about, seemed to speak to Annie. As she walked through the rooms of the neglected mansion, she imagined the elegant parties and the sophistication that must have existed there. Suddenly, almost magically, Annie is transported back to the year 1895, where she meets the handsome and chivalrous Hiram Stratton. Here she embarks on a journey of love, mystery and murder.

 Reflection:

I chose this book from the recommended list given to me by my professor. I am not much of a fantasy reader; however, with that being said, I did enjoy this novel. Told in the third person omniscient point of view, the reader is catapulted into the passion, turmoil, and sometimes cruelty that the characters experience. For example, Cooney writes, Harriet’s heart hurt. It was if she had laced her stays inside her chest, crushing her own heart. Please jump up, Strat. Please cry, No, No, No! Tell me you love me and you don’t want to do this.

 
The ever-pressing plot combines, romance, history, time travel, and murder to create a storyline that keeps the reader captivated. I enjoyed being taken back to a time of chivalry and propriety. On the other hand, the novel was also a reminder of the manner in which many women were regarded during the 1800’s. The desperation of these women is thoughtfully, sensitively, and dramatically conveyed by author, Caroline Cooney. I found myself sympathizing and wanting to defend the female characters. The entitlement of several of the male characters was absolutely appalling. 
 

Although there were no illustrations, Cooney’s use of vivid and descriptive language created images that propelled the story. Her words not only allowed me to see the ornate décor, the beautiful ball gowns, and the finery, but also the staunch attitudes and sometimes crippling privilege of the characters.

 Classroom Questions:

1.       If you could travel to another time period, what time period would you choose? Using specific characteristics and features from that time period provide details as to why this time period appeals to you.