Time and Again by Jack Finney is a compelling time-travel narrative praised for its vivid depictions of historical New York and intricate plot. Readers appreciate its attention to detail and immersive experience. However, some criticize its slow pacing and occasional overemphasis on description. Overall, it's a beloved classic for fans of historical fiction and time travel.

A reader who would enjoy Time and Again by Jack Finney often has a keen interest in time travel, historical settings, and mystery. Comparable to fans of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and 11/22/63 by Stephen King, they appreciate richly detailed narratives that intertwine past and present.

Time and Again by Jack Finney follows illustrator Simon “Si” Morley as he is recruited for a secretive government time-travel project. Venturing back to 1882 New York City, Si tries to unravel a conspiracy involving a mysterious letter linked to his girlfriend Kate’s adoptive grandfather, falls in love with a woman named Julia, and faces difficult choices between love and duty, leading to monumental decisions about altering history. This material features characters discussing suicide.

Nostalgic / Mysterious / Fantastical / Romantic / Contemplative

- Time and Again is popularly known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, referred to by some as the "grandfather" of time travel novels for its influential take on the genre.
- Jack Finney made use of actual historical photographs throughout Time and Again, seamlessly integrating them into the narrative to enhance the immersive experience.
- The novel initially inspired plans for a film adaptation with Robert Redford, but despite several attempts, it has never been produced as a movie.

**Simon Morley**  
The narrator and protagonist, Si is an illustrator involved in a time travel project that brings him to 1882 New York, where his artistic skills and curiosity drive the narrative.

**Katherine Mancuso**  
Si's girlfriend who owns an antique store and introduces him to the mystery of a letter from the past, sparking the main conflict of the story.

**Maj. Ruben Prien**  
A catalyst for Si's involvement in the time travel project, Rube is a charming and perceptive military man who supports the project's goals.

**Dr. Oscar Rossoff**  
A doctor and psychologist involved in the time travel project, he initially helps Si use hypnosis to travel to the past.

**Dr. E. E. Danziger**  
The director of the time travel project, he is a brilliant physicist with a strong moral compass, who eventually voices concerns over the project's risks.

**Colonel Esterhazy**  
A military figure who is a secondary antagonist, Esterhazy is involved in the time travel project with motivations centered around power.

**Julia Charbonneau**  
Si's primary love interest, Julia is a young woman working at her aunt's boarding house, characterized by her beauty, intelligence, and emotional depth.

**Jake Pickering**  
The main antagonist, known for his intimidating presence and obsession with wealth and power, he poses a threat to Si through blackmail and rivalry.

**Andrew Carmody**  
Initially introduced through a mystery, Carmody becomes a significant figure as the narrative unfolds, tied to the central conflict through his past actions.

**Residents of the Boarding House**  
The group that includes Aunt Ada and others, providing Si with a sense of community and belonging during his time in 1882.

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