For a first novel, The Time Traveler's Wife received tremendous accolades. In its review of an audio version, Publisher's Weekly called it a "clever and inventive tale which works on three levels: as an intriguing science fiction concept, a realistic character study and a touching love story." Library Journal deemed the novel "skillfully written with a blend of distinct characters and heartfelt emotions that hopscotch through time, begging interpretation on many levels." Elsa Gaztambide of BookList called it a "hip and urban love story." Liz Fraser of New Zealand's book-club.com praised it as "an unashamed sentimental tear jerker," admitting, "If I was more cynical I could suggest that the book is overly sentimental."

While most critics enjoyed the overall effort, some found fault with the author's debut novel. In the Boston Globe, Judith Mass noted, "Apart from their time-travel difficulties, Henry and Clare are not...