Review: The Time In Between by Maria Dueñas

Title: The Time In Between

Original Title: El Tiempo Entre Costuras

Author: Maria Dueñas

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Atria Books

Release Date (Spanish): 

August 10, 2010

Expected Publication: 

November 8th 2011

Source: Publisher

Pre-order the Book: Amazon

The Time In Between is a word-of-mouth phenomenon that catapulted María Dueñas, a debut author, to the top of Spain’s bestseller lists. 

This sweeping novel, which combines the storytelling power of The Shadow of the Wind with the irresistible romance of Casablanca, moves at an unstoppable pace. Suddenly left abandoned and penniless in Algiers by her lover, Sira Quiroga forges a new identity. Against all odds she becomes the most sought-after couture designer for the socialite wives of German Nazi officers. But she is soon embroiled in a dangerous political conspiracy as she passes information to the British Secret Service through a code stitched into the hems of her dresses. 

“Destined to become a literary classic."" - Javier Sierra, New York Times bestselling author 

“A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue.” - Juan Gómez-Jurado, author of The Moses Expedition.

I just have one word to describe this book. Amazing.

At first sight The Time in Between by Maria Dueñas can be a normal novel that talks about a young seamstress and her misadventures, her romantic relationships, and how her life changes dramatically after she is left abandoned and penniless in Morocco, and how she needs to work really hard and try to move forward. But this book is more than that.

Spanish Cover

This is a story that at the first time seemed simple but as I read it the plot became more and more complex; spies, espionage, politics, war, romance and glamour, everything mixed… all together. This is a novel that can transport the reader to a completely different world. 

Spain and Morocco, 1930. 

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions, the characters, the plot and the history you can find in those pages… Everything was perfect! So vivid and credible. It was difficult for me to stop reading and I couldn't put it down until I finished, even though sometimes the descriptions were too much for me, and that I didn't enjoy too much some topics about Spain's politics and their situation in that moment… but I think they were necessary to make clear the story and to make the reader understand what was going on. 

I also loved the ending. Although it's not so clear as I would have liked, (I wanted to know more about Sira and Marcus!) I enjoyed the way the author managed it and write it. 

So, what can I say? This is a marvelous book, and I'm one hundred percent sure historical fiction books lovers are going to enjoy it a lot, specially if they like espionage books. But if you're a reader who prefer less detailed stories, or you don't like too much political themes, or too long books (609 pages)... maybe you should skip this one. 

Happy Reading! 

I really like it! 

Maria Dueñas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural, and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel.