This Is How You Lose the Time War
Tags: #fiction #science fiction #romance #time travel #philosophy #language #identity
Authors: Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone
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Overview
This book is a love story about two women, Red and Blue, who are agents on opposing sides of a time war. They begin by leaving each other coded messages in the wreckage and aftermath of their battles, then move to physical letters. As their correspondence intensifies, so do their feelings for each other. What begins as a game of cat and mouse becomes a desperate, dangerous dance across timelines. They are forced to question their loyalties, their understanding of self, and ultimately, what it means to win a war that has consumed their lives. I explore themes of love, loss, free will, and the nature of time. I challenge the reader to consider the power of connection, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. My target audience is readers of speculative fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories that blend romance, action, and philosophical exploration. The book’s exploration of the complexities of identity, agency, and love in a world shaped by technology resonates with contemporary concerns about artificial intelligence, surveillance, and the impact of technology on human relationships. This book pushes the boundaries of the epistolary novel, using the unique format of letters exchanged across time to create a sense of intimacy and urgency. The fragmented, non-linear narrative reflects the fractured nature of time itself and challenges the reader to piece together the story’s chronology and unravel the complexities of Red and Blue’s relationship. My hope is that the reader will experience the story’s emotional core - the ache of longing, the joy of connection, and the transformative power of love - even as they are challenged by the book’s unconventional structure and its mind-bending exploration of time travel.
Book Outline
1. Chapter 1
Red, a skilled operative from a futuristic agency focused on controlling timelines, has just won a decisive battle. However, she detects subtle anomalies in the battle that suggest the presence of another time traveler, an enemy agent named Blue.
Key concept: Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.
2. Chapter 2
Blue reveals her presence to Red by leaving a letter behind, igniting a war of correspondence between the two time-traveling agents. Blue’s letter reveals her admiration for Red’s skills and hints at the strategic importance of the battle Red has just won.
Key concept: “This is how we’ll win.”
3. Chapter 3
Blue, tasked with manipulating a doctor for strategic purposes, finds her plans disrupted by Red’s actions. She demonstrates her own cunning and resourcefulness by outmaneuvering Red and adapting to the changing circumstances. Blue then deciphers Red’s letter using data from an MRI machine and replies with her own, starting a game of cat and mouse across time.
Key concept: “‘Lo! the spell now works around thee, / And the clankless chain hath bound thee; / O’er thy heart and brain together / Hath the word been pass’d—now wither!’”
4. Chapter 4
Red, operating undercover within a Mongol horde, discovers a hidden letter in a tree trunk. The letter, written by Blue, reveals Blue’s knowledge of Red’s actions and her ability to manipulate events subtly, highlighting the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated events across time.
Key concept: “It’s so easy to crush a planet that you may overlook the value of a whisper to a snowbank.”
5. Chapter 5
Blue acknowledges Red’s skill and subtlety, then recounts a story of her own past—a time when she isolated herself from her collective consciousness and experienced a profound loneliness that shaped her understanding of self and connection. She questions whether Red has ever experienced such a hunger.
Key concept: “(I know, I know: Cherenkov radiation’s . . . well . . . blue. Never let facts break a good joke.)”
6. Chapter 6
Red, embedded with a Mongol horde tasked with procuring lumber for war machines, reflects on the changes in the horde’s tactics and strategies over time. She discovers a letter from Blue carved into a tree trunk, revealing Blue’s growing fascination with Red and her desire for understanding and connection.
Key concept: “But those engines need lumber, so off the warriors are sent, to steal from ghosts.”
7. Chapter 7
Blue reveals her enjoyment of eating and the sensory experiences it offers, contrasting it with the more sterile methods of sustenance available in her technologically advanced world. She questions Red about her own motivations and desires, probing for deeper truths and vulnerabilities.
Key concept: “But which egg preceded what platypus? The ends don’t always resemble our means.”
8. Chapter 8
Red is tasked with ensuring the destruction of Atlantis, a recurring civilization across multiple timelines. She reflects on her frustration with the task, the futility of repeatedly destroying a civilization destined to rise and fall, and the small but significant advancements that could ripple through time if Atlantis were allowed to survive.
Key concept: “Serves it right.”
9. Chapter 9
Blue reflects on the use of physical letters as a form of time travel, the layers of meaning they can carry, and the vulnerabilities they expose. She expresses her longing for connection and questions Red about her experiences of loneliness and friendship.
Key concept: “We make so much of lettercraft literal, don’t we? Whacked seals aside. Letters as time travel, time-traveling letters. Hidden meanings.”
10. Chapter 10
Blue reveals her disdain for Atlantis and her preference for the chaos and change brought about by its destruction. She reflects on Red’s letter and the insights it provides into Red’s character and motivations, particularly Red’s apparent ignorance of certain aspects of Garden’s way of life.
Key concept: “That’s what we treasure. That’s us, always: the volcano and the wave.”
11. Chapter 11
Blue, operating undercover as a hunter in Newfoundland, reflects on the importance of seemingly small events in shaping the future and her own role in influencing those events. She discovers a message from Red hidden in the fur of a slain animal, a message that jolts her with its unexpected intimacy.
Key concept: “Seven strands tangle on the collapse or survival of this fishery—insignificant to some eyes, everything to others. Some days Blue wonders why anyone ever bothered making numbers so small; other days she supposes even infinity needs to start somewhere.”
12. Chapter 12
Red, reflecting on Blue’s recent actions, acknowledges her own amusement at Blue’s attempts to communicate through physical letters. She expresses her own preference for the immediacy of telepathic communication but admits to finding the limitations of letters fascinating. Red then discusses the nature of their respective agencies, the challenges of maintaining operational security, and the different ways in which they approach the manipulation of time.
Key concept: “I imagine you groaning; I imagine you throwing my words away. Do I address empty air and the flies that will eat this carcass?”
13. Chapter 13
Blue describes the interconnectedness of Garden’s agents, their collective consciousness, and their relationship to time. She contrasts this with Red’s apparent isolation and questions whether Red has ever experienced the kind of belonging she finds within Garden.
Key concept: “In Garden we belong to one another in a way that obliterates the term. We sink and swell and bud and bloom together; we infuse Garden; Garden spreads through us.”
14. Chapter 14
Red responds to Blue’s description of Garden’s interconnectedness with a story of her own experience of isolation and loneliness, a time when she deliberately separated herself from others and discovered a different kind of hunger—a longing for connection. She reflects on the nature of friendship and the challenges of finding those who truly understand and reciprocate her desires.
Key concept: “There’s a kind of time travel in letters, isn’t there?”
15. Chapter 15
Red, working undercover as a shipbuilder in the Tawantinsuyu Empire, describes the confluence of events that led to the empire’s decision to build ships capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean. She reflects on the potential consequences of this decision, the tangled web of cause and effect that she manipulates, and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
Key concept: As the prophet says: Everybody’s building them big ships and boats.
16. Chapter 16
Red responds to Blue’s question about her experiences of hunger, admitting to finding pleasure and satisfaction in writing to Blue. She reveals her own vulnerability, acknowledging that she is taking a significant risk by communicating with an enemy agent, and expresses her desire for connection and understanding.
Key concept: “I can trigger any combination of chemical ups and downs with a carefully worded phrase; a factory within me will smelt any drug I seek. But there’s a rush in reading and sending against which no drug compares.”
17. Chapter 17
Red, operating in multiple historical periods, finds herself increasingly drawn to Blue, finding solace and challenge in their correspondence. She grapples with the conflicting demands of her mission and her growing feelings for Blue, her desire for victory clashing with her longing for connection.
Key concept: “But perhaps someday they’ll assign us side by side, in some small village far upthread, deep cover, each watching each, and we can make tea together, trade books, report home sanitized accounts of each other’s doings. I think I’d still write letters, even then.”
18. Chapter 18
Blue, embedded in a peaceful timeline, reflects on Garden’s philosophy of time manipulation and the importance of patience and long-term planning. However, she finds herself increasingly distracted by thoughts of Red, her focus shifting from the slow, deliberate work of her mission to the unpredictable and exhilarating dance of their correspondence.
Key concept: “You must dwell, says Garden, within time to shift it in lasting ways; play a slow game, but win.”
19. Chapter 19
Red, having completed a major mission, finds herself longing for Blue’s presence. She grapples with her growing feelings, her desire to be both challenged and cherished by Blue. She expresses her love for Blue, acknowledging the complexity and intensity of their connection.
Key concept: “Do you laugh, sea foam? Do you smile, ice, and observe your triumph with an angel’s remove? Sapphire-flamed phoenix, risen, do you command me once again to look upon your works and despair?”
20. Chapter 20
Blue acknowledges the depth of her connection with Red, expressing her love in a raw and vulnerable way. She reflects on her own past experiences of loneliness and her desire for a deeper connection with Red, beyond the confines of their respective agencies and the war they are fighting.
Key concept: “I love you. If you’ve come this far, that’s all I can say. I love you and I love you and I love you, on battlefields, in shadows, in fading ink, on cold ice splashed with the blood of seals.”
21. Chapter 21
Red, realizing the danger Blue is in, embarks on a desperate plan to save her. She defies orders, embraces risk, and uses her knowledge of time travel to retrace her and Blue’s steps, gathering fragments of Blue’s essence scattered through history.
Key concept: Red’s no fool: She starts the whole desperate play with autosurgery. She pierces herself with a thin blade bought in thirteenth-century Toledo, breaks the obvious tracking systems.
22. Chapter 22
Red’s pursuit of Blue leads her into increasingly dangerous situations, as she faces both Garden and the Agency’s agents. She gathers clues from Blue’s letters, deciphering hidden meanings and using them to guide her path. She transforms herself, both physically and mentally, into a version of Blue, driven by love and a desperate hope.
Key concept: Red may be mad, but to die for madness is to die for something.
23. Chapter 23
Red, having absorbed elements of Blue’s essence, crosses the boundary into Garden’s territory, facing unknown dangers and a hostile environment. She is driven by the hope that she can reach Blue before it’s too late, even if it means sacrificing herself.
Key concept: She enters as a letter, sealed in Blue.
24. Chapter 24
Red navigates the treacherous landscape of Garden, facing challenges that test her resilience and determination. She is haunted by the possibility of failure, the fear that she might not find Blue, but her love for Blue keeps her going.
Key concept: She thinks of Blue and does not break.
25. Chapter 25
Red, guided by clues left by Blue, infiltrates a protected Garden crèche, a place where young agents are nurtured and trained. She encounters a young Blue, still innocent and vulnerable, and uses her knowledge of the future to infect her with a hidden message, a seed of rebellion.
Key concept: Seeds planted, roots combing through time.
26. Chapter 26
Red’s actions trigger a violent reaction from Garden, as the organization realizes the threat she poses. She fights her way out of the crèche, pursued by Garden’s agents. Wounded and exhausted, she finds herself captured by Commandant’s forces.
Key concept: Red is swift, clever, mighty, and in pain.
27. Chapter 27
Imprisoned by Commandant, Red endures torture and interrogation, refusing to reveal her knowledge or her motivations. She faces the prospect of death and dismemberment, but her love for Blue remains her guiding light.
Key concept: “Tell us,” she says. “This is the last time I ask. Tomorrow, we’ll take you apart and sift the pieces for what we want to know.”
28. Chapter 28
Blue, having received Red’s final letter, reveals her understanding of the risks Red has taken and the depth of her love. She outlines a plan for their future, a strategy for escaping the control of both their agencies and creating a world of their own.
Key concept: My dear Hyper Extremely Red Object—
29. Chapter 29
Blue’s letter provides instructions for Red’s escape and a blueprint for their future together, a vision of a world beyond the constraints of the Time War, where they can be free to love and create.
Key concept: “This is how we win.”
30. Chapter 30
Red races against time to reach Blue, only to find her dead. Heartbroken and enraged, she escapes with Blue’s final letter, a letter filled with love and a defiant challenge to the forces that have sought to control them.
Key concept: Red arrives too late.
31. Chapter 31
Blue’s final letter reveals her understanding of Red’s plan and her acceptance of her fate. She expresses her love for Red and her admiration for her skills, finding beauty and meaning in the shared experience of their rebellion.
Key concept: Oh, Red.
32. Chapter 32
Red, devastated by Blue’s death, lashes out at the world, losing herself in violence and destruction. She is haunted by Blue’s memory, her love for Blue transforming into a consuming grief.
Key concept: Red kills time.
33. Chapter 33
Red, seeking solace in the past, finds herself drawn back to Blue’s favorite places and times. She encounters a mural depicting a scene eerily similar to Blue’s death, a scene that ignites a spark of hope within her.
Key concept: She remembers sun. She remembers sky.
34. Chapter 34
Red, clinging to a desperate hope, devises a plan to reunite with Blue, a plan that involves sacrificing herself and trusting in Blue’s cunning and resourcefulness. She embraces the risk, knowing that it’s her only chance to find Blue again.
Key concept: There is a chance.
Essential Questions
1. How does the relationship between Red and Blue challenge the nature of the Time War?
The central theme revolves around the transformative power of love and connection, even in the midst of a conflict that spans millennia. Red and Blue, initially adversaries, discover a shared humanity and a profound longing for each other through their correspondence. Their love transcends their opposing ideologies and the rigid structures of their respective agencies, ultimately leading them to challenge the very foundations of the Time War. The story highlights the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and the willingness to break free from ingrained patterns of thought and action. The implication is that even in a world defined by conflict and control, the human need for connection and love can be a powerful force for change.
2. What are the contrasting philosophies of time manipulation represented by Red and Blue’s agencies?
Both Red and Blue are deeply embedded within their respective organizations, representing opposing forces in the manipulation of time. Red, trained for precision and efficiency, embodies the Agency’s focus on control and dominance. Blue, connected to a collective consciousness, reflects Garden’s philosophy of nurturing and growth within the flow of time. Their correspondence reveals the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, highlighting the dangers of rigid adherence to ideology and the potential for unintended consequences in manipulating the past and the future. The story suggests that a more nuanced understanding of time, one that embraces complexity and change, might offer a path beyond the destructive cycle of the Time War.
3. How does the book’s epistolary format reflect the nature of time and the complexities of Red and Blue’s relationship?
The epistolary format, with its fragmented and non-linear structure, mirrors the fractured nature of time itself. Red and Blue’s letters, scattered across timelines, create a mosaic of their experiences, their evolving relationship, and their growing understanding of themselves and each other. The reader must piece together the story’s chronology, deciphering hidden meanings and appreciating the nuances of language and context. The format emphasizes the power of words to transcend time and space, forging connections that defy the constraints of linear causality. The implication is that our understanding of time is shaped by the stories we tell and the connections we make, even across vast temporal distances.
Key Takeaways
1. Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives are crucial for bridging divides and fostering meaningful connections.
The story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives. As Red and Blue correspond, they begin to see the world through each other’s eyes, challenging their preconceived notions about their enemy and discovering a shared humanity. This empathy allows them to connect on a deeper level, ultimately leading them to question the foundations of the war they are fighting.
Practical Application:
In product design, empathy for the user and understanding their needs and motivations is crucial. Just as Red and Blue learn to see the world from each other’s perspectives, product designers must understand the user’s context and goals to create products that are truly useful and engaging.
2. Manipulation of complex systems, such as time or technology, requires caution, foresight, and a deep understanding of potential consequences.
The book explores the dangers of manipulating complex systems without fully understanding the potential consequences. Red and Blue’s agencies, in their attempts to control time, create ripples and paradoxes that can have devastating effects on entire timelines. This highlights the need for caution, foresight, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of events when making decisions that can have far-reaching impacts.
Practical Application:
In technology development, considering the long-term consequences of our actions is essential. Just as Red and Blue’s agencies manipulate time for their own perceived benefit, technological advancements can have unintended and far-reaching impacts on society and the environment. Ethical considerations and a holistic view of potential consequences are crucial in navigating the complex landscape of technological innovation.
3. Effective communication requires clarity, precision, and an understanding of the recipient’s context and perspective, particularly in situations where trust and understanding are paramount.
The epistolary format of the book emphasizes the power of language and the complexities of communication. Red and Blue use coded messages, hidden meanings, and layers of subtext to convey their thoughts and feelings, navigating the challenges of expressing themselves across vast distances and through the constraints of written words. The story underscores the importance of clear and effective communication, especially in situations where trust and understanding are crucial.
Practical Application:
In any collaborative effort, clear and effective communication is essential. Just as Red and Blue’s coded messages and layered letters carry hidden meanings and subtle nuances, effective communication requires clarity, precision, and an understanding of the recipient’s context and perspective. Misunderstandings can lead to unintended consequences, highlighting the need for thoughtful and deliberate communication, especially in high-stakes situations.
Suggested Deep Dive
Chapter: Chapter 3
This chapter introduces the concept of “steganography” which is central to the novel’s plot and serves as a metaphor for the layers of meaning and hidden communication embedded within Red and Blue’s relationship. It also showcases Blue’s cunning and resourcefulness, as she uses an MRI machine to decipher Red’s message and cleverly subverts Red’s attempts to disrupt her plans.
Memorable Quotes
Chapter 1. 7
Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.
Chapter 2. 11
“This is how we’ll win.”
Chapter 3. 23
“‘Lo! the spell now works around thee, / And the clankless chain hath bound thee; / O’er thy heart and brain together / Hath the word been pass’d—now wither!’”
Chapter 31. 115
“Strange how being erased can bring one in line with a greater narrative.”
Chapter 28. 132
“But maybe this is how we win, Red. You and me.”
Comparative Analysis
“This Is How You Lose the Time War” stands out in the crowded field of time travel narratives with its focus on the personal and the poetic rather than the paradoxes and mechanics of temporal manipulation. Unlike classic time travel novels like Audrey Niffenegger’s “The Time Traveler’s Wife” or Robert Heinlein’s “By His Bootstraps,” which delve into the scientific and philosophical implications of time travel, my book centers on the emotional journey of two individuals caught in a conflict that transcends timelines. While sharing similarities with works like Ted Chiang’s “Stories of Your Life and Others” in its exploration of language and communication across vast distances, my book distinguishes itself through its lyrical prose and its focus on the transformative power of love. Unlike more dystopian visions of the future found in books like Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” I offer a glimpse of a future where hope and agency can still exist, even amidst the chaos of a time war.
Reflection
While the novel’s central premise of a time war hinges on speculative concepts, it raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of free will and the implications of manipulating time. The deterministic worldview presented by both the Agency and Garden, where individuals are essentially tools in a larger conflict, can feel somewhat limiting. It begs the question: If the future is predetermined, can genuine love and agency truly exist? Despite this potential philosophical impasse, the novel’s strength lies in its lyrical prose and the deeply personal journey of its protagonists. Red and Blue’s evolving relationship, their yearning for connection amidst a chaotic war, and their ultimate defiance of the forces that seek to control them, resonate deeply. The book’s epistolary format, while unconventional, creates a powerful sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the heart of their unconventional love story. Though a work of fiction, “This Is How You Lose the Time War” leaves a lasting impression with its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring human need for connection, even in the face of unimaginable odds.
Flashcards
Which organization favors a more forceful, direct approach to manipulating time, prioritizing control and dominance?
The Agency
Which organization favors a more subtle, long-term approach, emphasizing nurturing and growth within the flow of time?
Garden
Which character is initially associated with a preference for isolation and a reliance on logic and efficiency?
Red
Which character is initially associated with a collective consciousness and a more fluid, adaptable approach to time?
Blue
What is the term for the practice of hiding messages within other forms of communication, such as letters or works of art?
Steganography
What are some of the key factors that draw Red and Blue together despite their opposing allegiances?
A desire for connection and understanding, a shared experience of loneliness, and a mutual admiration for each other’s skills.
What is the pivotal action Red takes to try and ensure a future with Blue?
Red infects a younger version of Blue with a virus that carries a hidden message, a seed of rebellion against Garden.