Einstein's Dreams

Tim Paradis

Creative Writing

Book Review

Einstein’s Dreams

Have you ever really stopped to think about the theory of time? Times unchangeable principles and its onward motion forever for the rest of eternity? Time is a challenging concept; not one to be taken lightly. In this novel by Alan Lightman, the author tries to paint a picture of the beginning of the 20^th century Germany. However his writing technique is rather unique. Rather than the normal order of chapters he uses a prelude, three interludes, an epilogue, and 25 other dates in history, all during 1905. Opposed to the fluid style of writing that is more common in literature, Lightman uses a sort of start-stop technique. An example for instance: A vegetable cart rolls slowly down the street. A man and a woman walk together holding hands. An alley rat slips by.

His writing isn’t wrong per se; it’s simple. I believe he tries to write this way only because he wants people to understand some of the abstract metaphors brought out in the book. Each chapter is a different metaphor of time and the effects it would have on everyday life if time were to work that way in that chapter. Each approach is a very non-traditional way to think of time. All of this culminates around the time when Einstein was trying to publish his work on the theory of relativity.

I think this book is a great eye opener for those who want to get right abstract. It tests your personal bounds of creativity. If you can perceive each chapter’s message than you are a very worldly person. If not, this book is great to try to open the annals of your mind. I would defiantly recommend it for two reasons. One it was recommended to me and I loved it. Secondly, it gives you a chance to think not how you can change time, but how you can better yourself. To quote David Bowie, “I said that time may change me, but I can’t change time”.