‘Landline’ calls on time travel for fun plot

Writers have pondered the possibility of time travel - its benefits and possible repercussions - for years. In Omaha-based author Rainbow Rowell's new book, 'Landline,” she takes the argument in a new direction: What if instead of a machine that would transport you back in time, you had a phone that allowed you to call the past? Whom would you call?

Georgie McCool married her college sweetheart, Neal, and after two kids and fifteen years of marriage, there isn't anything 'wrong” with their marriage - but they just aren't as good as they used to be. When Georgie cancels on Christmas plans in Omaha due to a looming deadline at her L.A. studio, Neal and the kids go without her. Alone, she worries that Neal has actually left her for good – and that maybe they were never a good match in the first place.

But a magic landline phone at her mother's house connect Georgie to college-age Neal, and through a series of long, heartfelt conversations, Georgie remembers what their relationship used to be – and what she needs to do to save her marriage.

Told in a charming, deadpan style, 'Landline” is paced like a romp sitcom, with plenty of silly scenes with side characters to balance out the heartfelt moments. That isn't to say it's a popcorn book: Rowell has a pitch-perfect ear for dialogue, and despite some initial setbacks at the very beginning, the majority of Landline is as finely-tuned as the sharpest comedy script, with careful pacing, placement, and - of course - comic timing.

While Georgie is the successful scriptwriter in this book, author Rowell just might consider trying it out herself.