This Time [NOOK Book]

The Search for Historical Truth!

Five hundred years have passed. Just as Richard III is struck down at the infamous Battle of Bosworth, a time machine invented by scientists in the 20th Century transports Richard to Portland, Oregon in August of 2004. Hosgrove, the man who wants academic renown displays such an aggressive attitude to Richard that Richard is overwhelmed by the need to defend himself, a stress he certainly doesn't need as he attempts to adapt to a world that seems magical, perhaps even one step above evil. Katarina, a scholarly linguist, is the compassionate one who manages to gently nurture Richard in this startling new environment. They want information from Richard, proof of the "two missing Princes" being alive and more, evidence Richard is unclear about no matter the time or place.

The more Richard ponders the past and the present, the more he is riddled with guilt over his part in attempting to hide the Princes and his responsibility for the death of so many peers and soldiers at that final battle whose outcome he has managed to escape.

Joan Szechtman has written a novel that immediately draws the reader into Richard's adjustments to technology, clothing, food, and more. After an astonishing act of Hosgrove, Richard disappears until it is safe to return to work together with a team that is actually going to try to restore the life of a family member in Richard's original world. At the same time, the reader is thrilled to see a romance develop in his life, one that is full of formidable challenges but one that is all the more endearing for the way it evolves.

While parts of this story are obviously contrived, those events don't detract from a finely imagined story that will interest Ricardian fans and other readers who love a good historical novel.

Quite a different take, a redeeming look at King Richard III, "Dick," or "Dickon," a man and leader who continues to intrigue old and new readers! Nicely done, indeed, Joan Szechtman!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

"This Time" by Joan Szechtman

This is the end of one of the most adventurous, exciting week-ends of my life. That is why it is hard for me to believe I never leven left my own livingroom.

"This Time" written by Joan Szechtman transported me, not only to different places, but also throughout different centuries.

Szechtman's writing is crisp and straightforward. She pulls the reader into the plot and into the hearts and minds of the characters. She also assumes the reader is an intelligent being who does not have to be led by the hand from line to line.

I cannot give higher praises to "This Time". Would that I could transport myself back through time and read it for the first time again.

- Judy Gruenfeld,
Internationally published writer of poetry,
articles and short stories.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

High recommended!

This fascinating book is a must read for Ricardians and anyone else interested in a more balanced view of King Richard III that deviates from the monstrous portrayal by Shakespeare to please his Tudor audience. The concept of time travel, while contrived, provides some humorous moments as Richard adjusts to the 21st century.

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