Imagine a crisp morning, the kind where the coffee steam dances in the air, and I’m sitting across from Kaliane Bradley, the brilliant mind behind The Ministry of Time. Released in May 2024, this genre-bending novel—a mash-up of sci-fi, romance, and thriller—has taken the literary world by storm. It’s the kind of book that hooks you with its premise (time travel! Victorian explorers! modern dating apps!) and keeps you with its wit and heart. So, with lattes in hand, I dive into a cozy, caffeine-fueled chat with Kaliane, digging into the quirks and charms of her debut masterpiece.
Kaliane, What’s the Story Behind This Time-Travel Twist?
Me: Kaliane, this coffee is almost as good as your book—almost. The Ministry of Time feels like a wild ride through history and the future. What sparked this idea? Were you secretly wishing for a time machine, or did Commander Gore just pop into your head one day?
Kaliane: [laughs] Thanks—I’ll take that as a high compliment! Honestly, it started with a fascination for those lost-to-time figures, like Commander Graham Gore from the Franklin Expedition. I thought, “What if we could pluck someone like him out of the 1840s and drop him into our chaotic present?” The sci-fi angle grew from there—time travel as a government experiment gone delightfully awry. No time machine for me, though; I’d probably mess up the timeline ordering the wrong coffee!
Me: I can see it now: “One latte, please—oh, and don’t invade that country.” It’s such a fresh take on the genre. I love how it’s not just about the tech but the human messiness of it all.
Who’s Your Favorite Time-Traveling Trouble Maker?
Me: Your characters are so vivid—Gore, the unnamed narrator, the whole expat crew. If you could grab a coffee with one of them, who’s sitting here with us, and why?
Kaliane: Oh, it’d be Gore, hands down. He’s this stoic, 19th-century naval officer trying to wrap his head around iPhones and Tinder—it’s comedy gold. I’d ask him what he thinks of oat milk lattes versus whatever grog he drank back in the day. But really, his outsider’s view on our world is what makes him special. He’s bewildered but earnest, and that’s where the romance sneaks in.
Me: He’d probably call oat milk “a curious concoction.” I adore how you balance his fish-out-of-water vibe with the narrator’s modern snark. Did you ever worry they’d steal the show from each other?
Kaliane: A little! But their chemistry—awkward, funny, tender—kept them in check. They’re like two sides of a very weird coin.
Romance, Thriller, Sci-Fi—How Do You Juggle It All?
Me: Okay, let’s get bold: The Ministry of Time is a sci-fi romantic comedy with thriller vibes. That’s a lot of hats to wear! Were you ever tempted to just pick one lane, or was the chaos part of the fun?
Kaliane: [grins] The chaos is the fun! I love stories that don’t sit still—life doesn’t, so why should fiction? I wanted readers to feel the thrill of a government conspiracy, laugh at Gore’s dating app disasters, and swoon a little, all in one go. It’s like a good coffee blend—bitter, sweet, and a kick to keep you awake.
Me: That’s the perfect analogy. It’s so seamless, too—no whiplash. Did you have a secret recipe for weaving those threads together?
Kaliane: Lots of coffee and even more revisions! I leaned on the narrator’s voice—dry, observant—to tie it all up. She’s the glue, really.
What’s the Weirdest Thing You Learned Writing This?
Me: Time travel’s a rabbit hole—historically and conceptually. What’s the strangest tidbit you stumbled across that shaped the book?
Kaliane: Oh, the Franklin Expedition itself is a treasure trove of weird. Did you know they packed tinned food that might’ve given them lead poisoning? I didn’t use that directly, but it fed into the idea of these explorers being tough yet vulnerable. Also, researching Victorian slang was a hoot—“nanty narking” means having a great time. Gore doesn’t say it, but I bet he’d approve of our coffee date!
Me: [laughs] I’m stealing “nanty narking” for my next night out. It’s those little details that make the historical bits pop without feeling like a textbook.
What Do You Hope Readers Sip from This Story?
Me: Last question before we refill our mugs: what’s the one thing you hope readers take away from The Ministry of Time?
Kaliane: I’d love for them to feel that mix of wonder and connection—like, “Wow, humans are messy and amazing, no matter the century.” It’s about finding humor and heart in the absurd. If they close the book smiling, maybe even rethinking time a little, I’m happy.
Me: Mission accomplished, I’d say. I’m still grinning—and slightly jealous I can’t date a time-traveling Victorian. Thanks for the chat, Kaliane—this was a blast!
Kaliane: Anytime—next round’s on me!
Conclusion: A Timeless Brew Worth Savoring
Chatting with Kaliane Bradley about The Ministry of Time was like sipping a perfectly brewed cup—warm, surprising, and layered with flavor. Published in 2024, this debut novel blends sci-fi adventure, romantic sparks, and thriller tension into a story that’s as addictive as caffeine. Kaliane’s playful yet poignant style shines through, making it a standout for fans of genre fiction and literary twists alike. Whether you’re into time travel tales or just crave a fresh narrative, this book’s a must-read that lingers long after the last page.
