Book review: Life Out of Order by Audrey Niffenegger

Genre: Historical fiction

Release date: October 6, 2026

Goodreads rating: 3.64

My rating: 3

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Because of the popularity of The Time Traveler’s Wife, I think many people will be excited to jump into this sequel, but it’s important to go into it expecting a different experience. Life Out of Order focuses more on a large ensemble cast, bigger ideas, and a future with a dystopian feel rather than a romance.

The story follows Alba, Henry and Clare’s daughter, as she navigates her own time travel challenges. She is caught between relationships, must navigate the burden of knowing upcoming events (and figuring out what and how much to disclose to non-time travelers), and is living in a rapidly changing world where artificial intelligence, climate change, and growing unrest are a reality.

What I missed most from the first book was the emotional attachment I developed with the characters. In this second book, the relationships are more complex and sometimes conflicting, which makes it more challenging to connect on an emotional level. But I continue to find it fascinating to see how Niffenegger creates a world where time travel (or chrono displacement, as they call it in the story), is accepted and regulated by society.

At over 500 pages, Life Out of Order is an ambitious and detailed novel that asks readers to be patient as it builds its future world and unravels its plot. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction will definitely enjoy this newest novel by Niffenegger.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

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