New Scientist Book Club’s verdict on The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: A thumbs up

Last updated: June 27, 2025 7:10 am

Overall, it seems that The Ministry of Time was a hit with the New Scientist Book Club, despite some differing opinions on its genre classification and focus. The blend of romance, time travel, and social commentary seemed to resonate with many readers, with the majority appreciating Bradley’s approach to time travel as a plot device rather than a scientific explanation.

While some readers found the science fiction aspect of the novel to be secondary to the romance and other thematic elements, others appreciated the depth and complexity of the story beyond just the time travel plot. The exploration of identity, empire, and fitting in resonated with many, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.

Bradley’s humor and light touch were also highlights for many readers, adding a sense of fun and whimsy to the time travel premise. The interactions between characters, particularly Commander Gore navigating the modern world, provided moments of levity and entertainment throughout the novel.

Overall, The Ministry of Time seems to have sparked lively discussions and engaged readers with its blend of genres and themes. Whether you were drawn in by the romance, the historical intrigue, or the musings on identity and belonging, Bradley’s novel offered a rich tapestry of storytelling that left a lasting impression on the New Scientist Book Club.

If you’re looking for a unique and thought-provoking read that blends genres and explores complex themes, The Ministry of Time may be a perfect choice for your next book club selection.

There seems to be a consensus among readers that Margaret Kemble and Graham Gore from 1665 have captured the hearts of many in the book The Ministry. The humor in the book received mixed reviews, with some finding it funny initially but feeling that it became jarring as the tone shifted. Gosia gives a cautious thumbs up to the humor, mentioning that it lost its initial charm as the story progressed.

However, it’s the ending of The Ministry that left many readers divided. The unexpected twist revealing Adela as a future version of the narrator took many by surprise. While some enjoyed the twist and found it clever, others felt that the conclusion was rushed and left them wanting more resolution, especially concerning Bradley’s romance. David Jones expresses feeling let down by the ending, wishing for a better resolution for the main characters.

Alan raises an interesting point about the ending, questioning whether it was a natural progression of the story or if it felt forced by an editor. The feeling of the ending being tacked on and not aligning with the author’s initial viewpoint is a sentiment shared by some readers. George Aranda mentions feeling that the story’s direction was unclear until the end, leading to a payoff that was not satisfying enough for him.

Looking ahead, Phil expresses a desire for the New Scientist book club to delve back into true science fiction. The upcoming read for July, Adam Roberts’s hard sci-fi novel Lake of Darkness, promises to deliver on that front. With a storyline involving a spaceship investigating a black hole and a utopian future setting, readers can expect an intelligent and gripping narrative filled with astonishing ideas.

As we transition to our next read, it’s clear that the allure of Margaret Kemble and Graham Gore from 1665 has left a lasting impression on readers. While opinions on the humor and ending may vary, the anticipation for the next sci-fi adventure in Lake of Darkness is palpable among members of the book club.

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