The Time Keepers : A Novel

An unforgettable novel that captures the power of longing, loss, and love, The Time Keepers transports us from 1979 suburban New York to war-torn Vietnam, revealing that sometimes the most unexpected friendships can save us.

Two women from different worlds, Grace and Anh, are indelibly changed when a runaway boy is found on a street in their small Long Island town. Brought together by the love of this child displaced by war, the women find friendship and healing from their own painful pasts when their lives intersect with a mysterious wounded Vietnam vet. The vet, Jack, works at the Golden Hours, a watch store that mends timepieces—and might even mend damaged souls. 

Richman interweaves the journeys of these wonderfully diverse characters who will grip, fill, and break your heart—only to bring them together with the care and precision of an expert watchmaker, one piece at a time. Inspired by the true story of a Vietnamese refugee who entrusted the dramatic account of her escape from Vietnam to the author, and also that of a wounded veteran, Richman sheds light on those whose lives were forever impacted by the devastation of that war.

Fans of Kristin Hannah books will be captivated by this powerful work of historical fiction that explores the fates of three unforgettable characters whose lives have been shaped by war, loss, and the eternal human capacity for hope. Perfect for anyone looking for books based on true stories, The Time Keepers distinguishes itself from other Vietnam War books by weaving together multiple perspectives—refugee, veteran, and civilian—to create a tapestry of understanding that illuminates how the war's impact extended far beyond the battlefield and into the quiet streets of suburban America.