YA Book Review: Your Time My Time by Ann Walsh
Your Time My Time is Ann Walsh’s debut novel from 1984. Walsh, a Canadian author, has written numerous young adult novels, often set in the Cariboo region of British Columbia. This area, known for its rich history of 19th-century gold rushes and fluctuating fortunes, serves as the backdrop for many of her stories, including this one.
Stuck in Nowhereville
Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Connell is not thrilled to find herself in the small, remote town of Wells, B.C. Her parents have separated, and now she is living with her mother who works as a cook in a local hotel. Elizabeth misses her father, her little brother, and her life in Vancouver. Bored and lonely during the summer, she decides to explore Barkerville, a nearby ghost town turned open-air museum. The history of Barkerville captures her imagination, and she spends her days there.
A Golden Ring in a Graveyard
Elizabeth discovers an old cemetery at Barkerville and finds a peaceful spot to read and daydream. One day, she stumbles upon a small gold ring with mysterious powers. When she twists the ring, she is transported back to the 19th century during the gold rush. Here, she meets Steve, a boy with a curious nature and a loving heart, who quickly wins hers. They meet frequently in the cemetery—Elizabeth always traveling back to his time. As their relationship deepens, it becomes harder for Elizabeth to manage the two timelines. She lies to her mother to see Steve, causing tension at home. They also discover that she can only travel to the past within the cemetery’s boundaries and cannot bring anyone with her.
What will happen to this love that bridges time and is confined to a small graveyard in the Canadian wilderness? Read the book to find out.
Revisiting a Childhood Favorite
I’m not just a reader; I grew up in the Cariboo region, so this book’s setting is very familiar to me. When I first read Your Time My Time in elementary school in the mid-1980s, it was thrilling to see my hometown and its history portrayed in a book. Revisiting the book as an adult, I wondered if it would still hold the same magic.
The answer is both yes and no. The book shows signs of being a debut novel and could benefit from deeper character development and more detailed emotional descriptions. However, reading it now, there’s something refreshingly realistic about the diary entries of a typical 15-year-old from the early ’80s.
The story still moved me. Whether it was nostalgia or homesickness, I’m not sure. However, the tale of time-crossed love continues to evoke emotions, making the ending still touching and worth a read.
Adaptation Recommendation
Seeing this story adapted for the screen, especially filmed on location in Barkerville, would be exciting. The historical setting is still preserved today and would make for a visually stunning backdrop.
Have you ever revisited a favorite book from your childhood? Did it hold up to your memories, or did it fall short?
Overall Rating: A heartfelt, nostalgic journey worth exploring.
