Jake Epping is an English teacher going through a difficult time in his life. He is recently divorced and teaching a night class to those looking to obtain their GED. His friend, Al, confides in Jake that he had discovered a portal that will take him back to a specific time in 1958, and years could pass there with only minutes passing in the present. Jake decides that the world would be a better place had JFK not been assassinated, so he decides to spend the years leading up to 11/22/63 stalking Lee Harvey Oswald and planning to save the President. What Jake discovers is that his actions in the past, while noble, have major unforeseen consequences personally and historically. He falls in love with a woman from the past, and his cause results in steering her life in a dangerous direction. Ultimately, Jake's once-simple plan leads to him making decisions that could forever affect humanity.
This story has many twists & turns and upon reflection, many levels. King heavily researched the time period, which is evident in the writing. He concludes that Oswald was the lone gunman, despite numerous other (conspiracy) theories. At times the novel is verbose, but excellent in its explanation.
Anyone who appreciates a beautifully written tale woven with magic, history, heartbreak, and the effects of time will enjoy this novel.
Publication Date: November 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781451627282
Page count: 849
Fantastic Kirkus Review! Your opening and closing lines are solid and succinct, and your summary in the middle is eloquent and full of description. Full points!
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