Matt Haig's How to Stop Time offers a poignant exploration of immortality, blending historical fiction with a contemporary love story. Readers appreciate its imaginative premise and Haig's engaging prose. However, some critics find the plot predictable and the protagonist underdeveloped. Overall, it resonates well for its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.

Readers who enjoy Matt Haig's How to Stop Time are often fans of historical fiction with a twist of magical realism. This book appeals to those intrigued by time travel and emotional, philosophical narratives, much like readers of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

In Matt Haig’s novel, How to Stop Time, Tom Hazard, who ages extraordinarily slowly and has lived for centuries, navigates a contemporary existence in London while reflecting on his storied past, which includes encounters with historical figures and a tragic separation from his family. He seeks to reunite with his daughter, Marion, and contemplates the inevitability of change and the pursuit of happiness amidst constant danger.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Emotional / Mysterious

- How to Stop Time has been optioned for a film adaptation, with Benedict Cumberbatch set to star and produce. 
- Matt Haig, the author of How to Stop Time, has been praised for his ability to blend historical fiction with contemporary themes, adding a unique twist to the genre. 
- The book creatively explores famous historical periods and figures, reflecting Matt Haig's keen interest in history as seen through the protagonist's long life span.

**Tom Hazard**  
A man with a rare slow-aging condition, living for over 400 years, who continuously changes identities in his quest for self-discovery, guided by promises made to his mother and wife.

**Hendrich Pietersen**  
The head of the Albatross Society, who provides Tom with new identities and missions but also manipulates and controls him for selfish reasons.

**Rose Claybrook**  
Tom's first love, whose relationship with him provides a deep sense of purpose and whose memory continues to influence him throughout his life.

**Marion Hazard**  
Tom and Rose's daughter, who shares Tom's slow-aging condition and is a significant motive for Tom's actions, affecting his choices and survival.

**Omai**  
A friend of Tom with the same condition, who offers a perspective of living without fear and finding happiness through love and acceptance. 

**Camille Guerin**  
Tom's second love interest, who symbolizes the potential for new beginnings and acceptance, offering Tom a renewed chance at happiness and family.

Matt Haig

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read How to Stop Time | SuperSummary

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Overview

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How to Stop Time Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Life Among the Mayflies”

Part 1, Introduction-Chapter 4

How to Stop Time Part 1, Introduction-Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

How to Stop Time Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-14

How to Stop Time Part 1, Chapters 9-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Man Who Was America”

Part 2, Chapters 1-5

How to Stop Time Part 2, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Rose”

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

How to Stop Time Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-5

How to Stop Time Part 3, Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 6-10

How to Stop Time Part 3, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 11-13

How to Stop Time Part 3, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Pianist”

Part 4, Chapters 1-2

How to Stop Time Part 4, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 3-4

How to Stop Time Part 4, Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 5-7

How to Stop Time Part 4, Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 8-10

How to Stop Time Part 4, Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Return”

Part 5, Chapters 1-3

How to Stop Time Part 5, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 4-8

How to Stop Time Part 5, Chapters 4-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 9-10

How to Stop Time Part 5, Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 11-13

How to Stop Time Part 5, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

How to Stop Time Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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How to Stop Time

Before You Read

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