Love and Other Paradoxes

In 2005, dabbling poet Joe Greene is in a rut studying at Cambridge. His parents in Scotland are quite supportive, but Joe feels like he is just treading water, wondering if he will ever make an impact on the world. He begins to notice a few odd things around town, including small groups of people who appear to be tourists, with their attention trained on him. After getting coffee and having a bizarre encounter with a barista named Esi, Joe learns that he will become a noted poet in the future whose love affair with a famous actress will inspire critically acclaimed work. Esi is actually part of that tourist group that is following Joe, on a time-travel trip to observe him in his own era. She is there for her own reasons, though, and falling for Joe throws an unexpected wrench in her plans. Joe, overwhelmed and relieved at his future success, scrambles to ensure that it actually comes to pass. Silvey’s (Meet Me in Another Life) novel has an interesting premise but offers an underwhelming resolution.