Time is a Killer...indeed

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑  If you are looking for engaging novels more complex and intricately byzantine than they may seem, you can do no better than Michel Bussi, as I have come to find reading Time is a Killer. I first became aware of this French writer's ferocious talent with Black Water Lilies and haven't been the same since. That book set the mark high for me and I am thrilled to report that Time is a Killer is just as touching, gripping and surprising yet thoroughly different. A great find!

Time is a Killer takes place in Corsica when Clotilde returns to the island of her childhood summers after a 27 year absence. She stays away so long because her parents and brother died in a terrible car accident on her last trip, the fateful summer of 1989. During her current stay, with husband and daughter in tow, we recount through the journal of her 15-year-old self the events that took place that summer. A number of odd occurrences take place that lead Clo to the conclusion that the story she grew up believing may not be the full truth.

I loved everything about this book. Clotilde is a sympathetic yet strong character. Her persona at the age of 15 is utterly delightful! I felt her youthful enthusiasm for life and the conviction of her beliefs in a tangible way. I adored her and loved seeing events play out through her rose tinted glasses. The adult Clo is just as authentic but in an "I'm an adult who has lived a real adult's life" sort of way. Just as charming but more grounded. The location of Corsica plays a key role and makes me want desperately to go there. It feels magical and serves as the perfect backdrop to this rich multi-generational drama. The story plot is dealt out on a pitch perfect need-to-know basis that is so well timed. Lots of twists and turns to go around but revealed at the exact right moment. Five stars just doesn't do this novel justice. It is richer and more intense than that. I feel pleased to have read it, having already gifted a copy to a friend. Is there a better endorsement than that?!