How To Stop Time: Summary

How To Stop Time is a novel about the extraordinary life of Tom Hazard, a man who has lived for centuries. Tom's secret is that he ages very slowly, and he has managed to keep it a secret from everyone around him throughout his life. The book follows Tom as he navigates the intricacies of living a long life while trying to protect his secret. The main theme that the book explores is identity: how can one maintain an identity when they have experienced centuries of different events and eras? The book also looks at the idea of loneliness and alienation, as Tom struggles to find a place in society with his unique condition. The concept of time is explored as well; How To Stop Time examines how time can be both a blessing and a curse, and how it affects our perception of reality. Finally, the book explores themes of memory and loss, as Tom reflects on his past and tries to figure out what really matters in life.

1. How did you feel when reading the novel?
2. What are some of the key themes explored in the book?
3. What do you think is the significance of the title, 'How To Stop Time'?
4. Why do you think Matt has chosen to live for so long and not settle down?
5. What aspects of the story resonated with you personally?
6. What was your opinion of the ending?
7. How did Matt's relationship with Anne change over time?
8. In what ways does How To Stop Time explore the idea of identity and belonging?
9. Do you think there were any moral implications to Matt's choices throughout the book?
10. Do you think immortality has its pros and cons, as explored in this novel?

• How To Stop Time is an imaginative exploration of what life could be like if we were able to control the passage of time.
• Matt Haig has created a fascinating world and populated it with equally captivating characters.
• The novel offers an intriguing combination of fantasy and realism, as it examines timeless questions of love and mortality.
• The narrative structure of How To Stop Time is cleverly designed to draw the reader further into the story.
• Haig's poignant writing style allows readers to connect with his characters on a deep emotional level.
• How To Stop Time effectively balances moments of humour with more serious moral reflections on life.
• The philosophical musings within the text offer an insightful commentary on the human experience.
• I was particularly impressed by the way in which Haig examines how age impacts our sense of identity and self-perception.
• How To Stop Time is a thought-provoking read that will linger in the mind long after it has ended.
• I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys exploring complex ideas through a captivating story.

1. "The devil's best trick is to persuade you that he does not exist."
2. "It is not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
3. "You cannot resist what you do not see. That’s why we must be vigilant, so that we can spot the danger before it arrives."
4. "Love is the only thing that can take us out of time and into eternity."
5. "Be true to yourself and you will never age."

1. How to Stop Time (2020) – Feature Film starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Eva Hanska. 2. How to Stop Time (2021) – Audio Drama produced by Audible Originals. 3. How to Stop Time (2021) – Animated TV Series produced by DreamWorks Animation for Netflix. 4. How To Stop Time (2022) – Stage Musical produced by The National Theatre, London.

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