Owing to a rare and perhaps unenviable condition, Tom Hazard has lived for centuries, performing with Shakespeare and drinking with F. Scott Fitzgerald. He's trying to lead a normal life as a high school teacher in London, but he's falling for the French teacher, a move opposed by the Albatross Society, guardians of people like Tom. Benedict Cumberbatch will star in the film. From the author of the best-selling memoir Reasons To Stay Alive.

Haig (Reasons To Stay Alive; The Dead Father's Club) uses the concept of time to show that a long life can be either a blessing or a burden. Witnessing history through the ages might be fascinating, yet hiding your condition ultimately leaves the time-altered character lonely and alienated from society. Such is the fate of Tom Smith. Born in 1581, he was in his teens when his aging process slowed down to one year for every 15 that passed. Eventually the Albatross Society, formed by others like Tom, indoctrinated him into their guarded organization. Now at the age of 271 (looking like he is in his early 40s) and renamed Henry, he is still looking for his daughter. Marion was born when he was young and in love—before he discovered the dangers of forming attachments to humans who aged normally. Finding his daughter becomes an all-consuming and dangerous quest. VERDICT Aficionados of time-travel fiction like F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife, or Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series will be drawn to this haunting tale. Haig adds depth to the genre with his rich depiction of one man's reaction as he learns to cope, flourish, and accept his lot in life. [See Prepub Alert, 8/20/17.]—Susan Carr, Edwardsville P.L., IL