"A Brilliant Blend of History, Art, and Imagination — Tim deserves a place alongside classics like The Invention of Wings and Girl with a Pearl Earring."
Tim by Daniel A. Sheridan is one of those rare debut novels that quietly pulls you into a forgotten time and makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into history. Set in mid-19th century New York, the story follows young Timothy O’Sullivan, an apprentice at Mathew Brady’s legendary daguerreotype studio. What begins as a boy’s coming-of-age journey quickly turns into a vivid exploration of art, ambition, and the birth of modern photography.
Sheridan’s background in photojournalism shines through every page. The descriptions of Brady’s studio, the camera equipment, and the early struggles between photographic processes are incredibly immersive — it’s like watching history develop in a darkroom. But beyond the technical beauty, there’s a deeply human story here: a curious young boy discovering his purpose through art and mentorship.
The relationship between Tim and Brady feels authentic and layered part teacher and student, part artist and dreamer. Their dialogue captures both the tension and tenderness of creative growth, reminding readers how innovation often comes from patience, curiosity, and courage. Sheridan’s writing is clean, visual, and emotionally resonant. You can almost smell the chemicals, hear the shutters, and sense the pulse of a rapidly changing America. Tim doesn’t just tell a story it preserves a piece of photographic history with heart and grace.
A must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, art, or stories about creative discovery. Tim deserves a place alongside classics like The Invention of Wings and Girl with a Pearl Earring. ❏
Regina Kate
There’s something enchanting about reading a book that feels painted rather than written. Tim is that kind of story. Every scene glows with light and shadow, like one of the daguerreotypes Sheridan describes. I could practically see the silver plates reflecting the city’s fog and faces. What stood out most to me was the tenderness with which Sheridan writes about mentorship and creativity. Brady is both genius and tyrant a man obsessed with capturing immortality. And Tim? He’s the perfect lens through which we see the world’s transformation. Beautifully told, meticulously detailed, and full of heart. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Jeffrey Shawn
I think what Sheridan accomplishes here is beyond storytelling, it’s preservation. He’s taken a largely forgotten figure, Timothy O’Sullivan, and given him a voice, a childhood, and a place in our imagination. The research is clear, but it’s never dry. What you feel instead is reverence for art, for craftsmanship, for those who dared to experiment before there were manuals or safety nets. The friendship-mentorship between Brady and Tim reminded me of relationships in my own life: stern guidance mixed with deep, unspoken respect. Every time Tim learned something new about light or time, I felt that same spark of wonder. By the end, I wasn’t just reading about photography I was seeing how passion and persistence shape who we become. A stunning, soulful work.
Margaret
The writing is so rich that I had to slow down just to savor certain passages. Sheridan’s New York is colorful and alive, equal parts wonder and danger. Absolutely engrossing.
Frank
Daniel A. Sheridan has crafted something far more ambitious than a simple historical novel. Tim is a genuine reconstruction of a moment in American history that we rarely see explored the messy, experimental, almost mystical birth of photography as an art form. Sheridan’s attention to detail is staggering. Whether he’s describing the texture of a daguerreotype plate or the feel of walking through pre–Civil War New York, every sensory cue feels authentic. But the true strength of the novel lies in Tim himself. His innocence, curiosity, and occasional fear give the book emotional grounding. Through Tim, we witness the awe of capturing an image for the first time an act that feels simultaneously scientific and magical. Sheridan’s portrayal of Mathew Brady adds another layer of depth, offering a portrait of a complicated artist whose genius borders on obsession. A stellar, meticulously researched, emotionally resonant story.
Elijah William
It’s astonishing that this is Sheridan’s first novel. The confidence, the rhythm, the emotional intelligence it feels like the work of someone who’s been writing for decades. Tim isn’t just a debut; it’s an arrival. It’s the kind of story that honors both history and the human heart.
"Sheridan writes about photography the way poets write about love."
John Peter
Light that’s what this book is really about. How we see it, how we capture it, how it changes us. Sheridan writes about photography the way poets write about love. Each page feels illuminated by admiration for those who first learned to trap light on glass. Absolutely beautiful.
Roselia
This story reminded me why I love creative people — they see the world differently. Sheridan’s writing has that same visionary quality. You can feel his reverence for art, his empathy for Tim, and his fascination with how new technology changes us. It’s rare to find a book that feels both historical and modern in spirit. Tim is about invention, yes, but also about courage, the courage to imagine a world that doesn’t exist yet. Reading this felt like standing in front of an old photograph and realizing the people inside it once breathed, dreamed, and fought for beauty. That’s powerful storytelling.
Alfred
From the first page, it’s clear Sheridan knows what he’s writing about. His background as a photojournalist gives the story incredible depth. I loved how the book showed the clash between old and new ideas daguerreotype versus modern photography through the lens of a young boy’s ambition. Beautifully told.
Rachel Raph
This book completely surprised me. What starts as a simple tale about a boy’s apprenticeship becomes a journey into the soul of art itself. Sheridan paints 1850s New York with such texture the cobblestone streets, the smoky studios, the fragile hope of invention. Tim’s curiosity and courage reminded me how every artist begins: uncertain, but full of wonder. I finished the last page feeling inspired and oddly nostalgic, like I’d just stepped out of a photograph that came to life.
"I didn’t expect to cry at a story about daguerreotypes, but here we are.
Loved it."
Melvin
This book made me feel like I was standing in that old studio, watching a picture form in the light. The mix of wonder and hardship in Tim’s story was just beautiful. Sheridan writes with a kind of quiet power that sneaks up on you. I didn’t expect to cry at a story about daguerreotypes, but here we are. Loved it.
Agnes Adams
What a gem! Sheridan combines adventure, mentorship, art, and history in one smooth narrative. Tim is an endearing protagonist, and his observations offer a unique window into a time period we rarely read about.
Readers Judy
Elegant, atmospheric, and surprisingly funny in moments. The transitions between Tim’s youthful curiosity and the enormous historical weight around him are handled with such grace. I adored this.
Friedrich Claus
There are novels that inform, and then there are novels that illuminate. Tim belongs to the second kind. Sheridan doesn’t just show us the dawn of photography he shows us what it means to chase light when the world around you is still learning to see it. Through young Tim’s eyes, the dusty streets of 1850s New York become a stage for invention and self-discovery. The relationship between Brady and Tim fascinated me; it’s part mentorship, part quiet battle between old vision and new possibility. Sheridan’s writing is patient and rhythmic each scene unfolds like an exposure coming to life. By the end, I felt I understood something about courage, not just art: the courage to look closely, to hold on to what others overlook, and to make something lasting out of it.
Charlotte Adams
This book surprised me. I went in expecting a historical fiction about photography and ended up reading a story about belonging, ambition, and the ache of growing up. Tim’s journey is so real that feeling of being young and tossed into an adult world where everyone already seems to know their place. Brady’s mentorship is tough, sometimes cruel, but it shapes Tim into something more than just an apprentice. The writing is lyrical without being overdone. Sheridan captures emotion the way a photograph captures light with honesty and patience.
Taylor Malon
Reading Tim felt like watching a movie unfold one set in sepia tones and candlelight. The dialogue, especially between Tim and Mathew Brady, feels natural and layered with meaning. It reminded me of Hugo or Newsies, with a touch of melancholy and hope. I’d absolutely love to see this adapted to the screen.
James
As someone who studied photography, this book hit all the right notes for me. Sheridan perfectly captures the magic of early image-making the smell of chemicals, the shimmer of light on metal plates, the wonder of freezing time for the first time. The relationship between Tim and Brady reminded me of my first mentor: tough love, long hours, and lessons that last a lifetime.
It’s more than historical fiction it’s a love letter to the birth of photography. You can feel Sheridan’s passion for the craft in every scene. The language is rich but approachable, the world meticulously built. It’s rare to find a book that blends history, art, and heart this seamlessly.
A must-read for anyone who’s ever held a camera and wondered who first saw the world this way.
Simon Calloway
This book felt like stepping straight into 1850 New York. Sheridan’s attention to historical detail is incredible from the dingy streets of the city to the quiet intimacy of Brady’s studio.
Tim is an endearing protagonist: curious, stubborn, and full of wonder. Watching him grow under Brady’s demanding mentorship was both inspiring and emotional. The writing occasionally meanders, but the payoff is worth it. The story brings forgotten figures like Timothy O’Sullivan to life and gives them the recognition they deserve. If you’re into Civil War history, early technology, or just enjoy slow-burn historical fiction, this is an excellent read.
Abigail Grant
I rarely write reviews, but this book deserves one. It’s not only a great story it’s a history lesson wrapped in emotion. The way Sheridan parallels Tim’s journey with the evolution of photography is genius. The dialogue feels authentic to the time, and the setting is cinematic. If this doesn’t become a film one day, I’ll be shocked.
Becca Cara
As an artist, I connected with Tim’s struggles deeply. The need to create, to see beyond the obvious, to experiment with light and shadow it’s all here. Sheridan paints with words. Every page feels like a photograph in motion, freezing moments of discovery and loss. One of the best historical novels I’ve read in years.
Ayomi Kun
I’ll admit, it took me a few chapters to really get into the rhythm of this story. But once Tim starts learning under Mathew Brady, it becomes absolutely fascinating. The behind-the-scenes look at 19th-century photography, the clash between old and new techniques, and Tim’s personal growth just superb. By the end, I didn’t want it to stop. It’s a quiet, thoughtful read, perfect for those who appreciate history told with care.
Bailey Seaborn
If you enjoy historical fiction that doesn’t just skim the surface, Tim is for you. Sheridan captures 1850s New York in all its rough beauty. The descriptions of early photographic techniques were fascinating, though a bit dense in places. Still, Tim’s curiosity and Brady’s eccentricity kept me hooked. You can feel Sheridan’s respect for the craft on every page.
John
A fascinating book that reads almost like a blend between a biography and a novel. The technical discussions about daguerreotypes and early cameras might be too much for some, but I personally found them interesting. Sheridan’s attention to detail is incredible, and Tim’s perspective gives it warmth. Definitely worth the read if you enjoy art history.
Henry Joshua
Not your typical fast paced historical fiction, but rather something more contemplative and soulful. You follow Tim as he steps into a studio and a whole new world of possibility. Sheridan’s prose is poetic at times, and his respect for history shines through. The pace may be gentle, but the impact is lasting.
Adams
What a beautiful surprise this book turned out to be! Sheridan brings the 1850s photography world to life with such rich detail that I could almost smell the chemicals and hear the clicking of the daguerreotype plates. Young Tim’s curiosity and innocence blend perfectly with Brady’s ambition and genius. The relationship between apprentice and mentor felt genuine and heartfelt. As someone who loves both history and photography, I found this story deeply satisfying educational yet emotional. It’s like stepping into a forgotten era illuminated by the flash of early photography.
Divine
“Willy Wonka meets Gangs of New York” is exactly right. The mix of wonder and grit makes this book so unique. The atmosphere of old New York, the studio scenes, the tension between artistry and commerce all of it rings true. I especially loved how Daniel Sheridan used the language of light and shadow both literally and metaphorically. You can tell he’s a photographer at heart. I finished this book feeling like I’d learned something profound about how we capture the world.
Alvina Adams
Okay, I’ll be real I picked this up thinking it was gonna be like a historical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because of that “Willy Wonka meets Gangs of New York” line. It’s not quite that, but it is an interesting peek into old-school photography. Some parts dragged for me (lots of talk about lenses and processes), but Tim’s journey was compelling, and the teacher-student dynamic had heart. Did I love it? Not totally. Did I appreciate it? Definitely. Worth reading if you like history with grit and detail.
Precious Pearl
What a gem of a book! Sheridan captures not just a slice of history, but the heartbeat of a changing world. Through young Tim’s eyes, we see the wonder, fear, and curiosity of early photography. The relationship between Tim and Brady felt so real a mix of mentorship, tension, and discovery. I learned so much about how photography evolved, but it never felt like a history lesson. It’s storytelling at its best.
Tina
I’ll be honest I was on the fence about this one. The premise intrigued me, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to read 400+ pages about 19th-century photography. That said, it turned out to be a lot more dynamic than I expected. The setting is gritty, alive with noise and smoke, and Tim’s character arc feels genuine. My main gripe is pacing some scenes linger too long on process or historical explanation. Still, the relationship between Brady and Tim has real depth, and I came away with a newfound appreciation for how hard photography once was. Solid read, just not quite my style.
Steven Maculy
This story brings a forgotten piece of New York history to life. Sheridan balances fact and fiction beautifully, giving readers a real sense of what it meant to be a young dreamer in a world of invention. My only complaint: I wish it were longer! I didn’t want to leave Tim’s world behind.
Taylor Malon
Reading Tim felt like watching a movie unfold — one set in sepia tones and candlelight. The dialogue, especially between Tim and Mathew Brady, feels natural and layered with meaning. It reminded me of Hugo or Newsies, with a touch of melancholy and hope. I’d absolutely love to see this adapted to the screen.
Scott 22
This novel made me fall in love with the early days of photography. Tim’s apprenticeship is full of wonder and trial, and you can feel his hunger to learn. Sheridan doesn’t just tell a story; he captures the spirit of an era when images were magic. It’s rare to find a debut this polished and passionate.
George Oscar
As someone who loves both art and historical fiction, this book hit the sweet spot. The descriptions of Brady’s studio are so vivid I could almost smell the chemicals and see the shimmer of a daguerreotype plate catching light. The pacing slows a bit in the middle, but the writing is gorgeous and authentic. Sheridan’s background in photography really shines through.
Sofia Vanderlyn
I picked this up out of curiosity and finished it in one sitting. It’s both educational and deeply emotional a rare combination. The book captures a young boy’s transformation while weaving in the evolution of photography itself. Sheridan’s respect for the subject matter is clear on every page.
Adams
This isn’t a loud or fast-paced story it’s quiet, reflective, and deeply moving. Tim’s journey from a naïve apprentice to an artist finding his own vision mirrors the transformation of photography itself. Every page feels carefully composed, like a photograph frozen in time.
Alexa Phillips
This book completely transported me to 1850s New York! I could almost smell the chemicals from the daguerreotype studio and feel young Tim’s wonder as he learned the art of photography. Sheridan’s attention to historical detail is impeccable, and his writing style makes it all come alive. A must-read for anyone who loves history and art.
Joel Austine
I didn’t expect this book to move me the way it did. On the surface, it’s about a young apprentice in 1850s New York but underneath, it’s about purpose, patience, and finding beauty in imperfection. Sheridan’s prose feels almost musical; it hums with emotion and memory. There’s a line where Brady tells Tim, “Every picture is a prayer against forgetting,” and that line stayed with me long after I finished reading. It reminded me of my own family photographs, the ones fading at the corners but still full of life. Tim made me realize that stories like images can preserve what time tries to erase. This is more than historical fiction; it’s a piece of art, tenderly developed and beautifully framed.
Sandra Sampson Sheridan has written a story that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. What I loved most is how he balances the big historical picture the bustling, gritty streets of 1850s New York with the intimate emotions of one boy trying to find his place. Tim’s apprenticeship is full of mistakes, lessons, and tiny triumphs that add up to something truly moving. There’s a tenderness in how Sheridan writes about discovery not the grand eureka kind, but the slow, patient revelations that come from paying attention. Every paragraph glows with love for light itself. I came away not only knowing more about early photography, but also feeling more connected to the universal experience of growing up and learning to see the world clearly for the first time.
Brad Christenson - Reviewer
Film Content & Creative Specialist | Kew Media
Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio is an exceptional tale that skillfully transports readers back to a pivotal moment in America's history. The author, Daniel A. Sheridan, weaves a stunning narrative of youthful determination and the revolutionary technology of daguerreotypes that would shape the world.
The protagonist, young Tim, finds himself unexpectedly apprenticed to the legendary Mathew Brady, a renowned daguerreotypist with a studio on Broadway. This turn of events marks a dramatic shift from Tim's expected path as a carpenter, and it sets the stage for a captivating coming-of-age story. Through Sheridan's vivid prose, readers are immersed in historical New York, where the buzz of artistic ambition meets the spectacle of P.T. Barnum's American Museum.
Tim's journey unfolds with enthralling twists and turns, as he becomes an invaluable companion to Brady, proving his worth through cleverness and determination. The book's inclusion of photographic lore and technical details of daguerreotypes adds a layer of authenticity, making the story even more immersive. The encounters with iconic figures like P.T. Barnum and the enchanting Miss Jenny Lind add depth and excitement to Tim's exploration of the city's vibrant past.
Sheridan's descriptive prowess shines brightly, painting the scenes with the same depth and vividness as a photograph itself. His ability to breathe life into forgotten details of old New York creates a rich and immersive reading experience.
"This book holds all the ingredients for a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film adaptation. It is a riveting journey that will leave audiences mesmerized and inspired by the enduring power of art and the human spirit."
While the book is largely authentic in its portrayal of the era, a few editorial imperfections can be polished, but they do not detract from the overall brilliance of the story. The engaging plot may take a bit of time to fully take off, but once Tim finds his place at Brady's studio, the pace becomes gripping, carrying readers along on a fascinating adventure.
A remarkable aspect of "Tim" is the seamless blend of fiction and historical authenticity, inspired by the real-life experiences of the photographer Timothy H. O'Sullivan. Sheridan's masterful storytelling allows readers to lose themselves in a fictional history without feeling like they are reading a dry historical account. The result is a brilliant historical portrait that captivates and resonates with readers long after the final page.
In conclusion, "Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio" is an extraordinary work of historical fiction. With its authentic setting, compelling characters, and seamless blending of real history and captivating storytelling, this book holds all the ingredients for a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film adaptation. It is a riveting journey that will leave audiences mesmerized and inspired by the enduring power of art and the human spirit.❏
Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★★
A stunning story of youthful determination and a nascent technology that would change the world.
Sheridan's descriptive passages capture the same immersive beauty and vivacity of a photograph, and he regularly brings forgotten details of the old smoky metropolis to life.
Tim rings with authenticity that readers will relish, inspired as it was by the real Tim O'Sullivan's early experiences. Making readers lose themselves in a fictional history is a masterful skill, which Sheridan demonstrates in spades throughout this brilliant historical portrait.❏
Book Review on Goodreads, ★★★★★
‘I am looking for that indefinable something which conveys my artistic vision’
– History comes alive!
Author Daniel A. Sheridan studied photojournalism and the history of photography at New York University and served as a darkroom technician at The Photography Workshop, as editor and photographer at Low-RANGE magazine, and as a drummer in the band The Immigrants.
TIM is his debut novel – and who better to write this book than Daniel?! For those unfamiliar, Timothy H. O’Sullivan (1840 – 1882) was a photographer widely known for his photographs of the US Civil War and the American West.
Bringing to our attention the special gifts of the often-overlooked Timothy H. O’Sullivan, the apprentice to the famous photographer Matthew Brady, this immensely entertaining novel recreates the mid-nineteenth century and an important overview of the history of photography.
The interaction between Tim and Brady is beautifully rendered, offering insights into the development from daguerreotype to photograph – or in Brady’s advice to Tim, ‘The war over photography... The French process versus the English process. We must choose our allies carefully and know our enemy. You see, we’ve been working with the daguerreotype process for these last ten years…’
By inserting his own progress in photography alongside Tim’s progress, Daniel makes this book ring true and even more accessible in honoring the art and history of photography. This is a fascinating and beautifully written book – one that deserves a very wide audience. Highly recommended. ❏
Step back into the bustling streets of 1850s New York with Tim, a vivid and immersive historical novel that blends the wonder of Willy Wonka with the grit of Gangs of New York. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Timothy O’Sullivan, we experience the magic of early photography, the spectacle of Barnum’s Museum, and the frenzy surrounding Swedish singing sensation Jenny Lind. Sheridan masterfully transports readers to a time when ambition, art, and showmanship collided in fascinating ways.
"This is more than just a coming-of-age story—it’s a tribute to the pioneers of photography and a love letter to 19th-century New York."
As Tim apprentices at Mathew Brady’s renowned daguerreotype studio, he becomes entangled in the city’s vibrant yet cutthroat world. From shadowing Brady in his quest to photograph Jenny Lind to discovering the oddities inside Barnum’s Museum, every moment is filled with historical richness and intrigue. The detailed storytelling captures the textures, smells, and energy of a rapidly evolving New York, making readers feel like they are truly there.
Sheridan’s writing balances the innocence of a young boy’s journey with the stark realities of an era shaped by industrial progress and social change. Tim’s curiosity and resilience make him a compelling protagonist, while real-life figures like Brady and Barnum add depth to the narrative. This is more than just a coming-of-age story—it’s a tribute to the pioneers of photography and a love letter to 19th-century New York.
A must-read for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and lovers of atmospheric storytelling. Tim is a beautifully woven tale where ambition meets artistry, and where a single photograph has the power to change everything. Don’t miss this gem! ❏
Some books tell a story. Others develop a photograph, layer by layer, until an entire world is illuminated. *Tim* by Daniel A. Sheridan is one such novel—a literary daguerreotype that captures not just a moment in time but the spirit of a city, an art form, and a young boy’s awakening to ambition and possibility.
At its core, *Tim* is about vision—not just the vision required to compose a perfect photograph, but the vision to see beyond what is immediately visible. Young Timothy O’Sullivan, an ordinary boy from Staten Island, is thrust into an extraordinary world when he is sent to apprentice under Mathew Brady, the legendary pioneer of American photography. Through Tim’s eyes, we don’t just observe 1850s New York—we step inside it, feeling the hum of Broadway, the allure of Barnum’s Museum, and the raw energy of a city on the verge of modernity.
"Through Tim’s eyes, we don’t just observe 1850s New York—we step inside it, feeling the hum of Broadway, the allure of Barnum’s Museum, and the raw energy of a city on the verge of modernity."
The novel opens on September 11, 1850, as Jenny Lind, the “Swedish Nightingale,” prepares for her historic American debut. The entire city is bewitched by her presence, yet one man—Mathew Brady—cannot capture her likeness. P.T. Barnum, the master showman, guards her image with the same fervor that modern celebrities fight to control their own narratives. This battle over visibility, access, and artistry becomes the novel’s undercurrent, mirroring photography’s own struggle to establish itself as a serious art form.
Sheridan’s writing is almost photographic in its detail—he doesn’t just describe the world, he develops it like an image emerging from a chemical bath. The glow of gas lamps on rain-slicked streets, the metallic scent of the daguerreotype studio, the nervous energy of an apprentice hoping to prove himself—all of it is vivid, tangible, alive.
But what makes *Tim* remarkable is its deeper question: What does it mean to capture a moment? Is a photograph merely a reflection, or is it a form of immortality? Tim’s journey is not just about mastering a craft; it’s about understanding the power of perspective. ❏
"Daniel A. Sheridan masterfully combines historical facts with an engaging, almost cinematic narrative. Tim is a charming protagonist, and through his eyes, we get a front-row seat to the magic and chaos of 19th-century New York."
Witness history through the eyes of a young apprentice in Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O’Sullivan. This book is a fascinating blend of adventure, history, and photography, perfect for anyone who loves a rich historical setting with a touch of wonder.
Tim, a ten-year-old boy from Staten Island, finds himself thrown into the world of Mathew Brady’s famous daguerreotype studio. As he navigates his apprenticeship, the story takes us deep into old New York—where photography, curiosity, and ambition collide. From Barnum’s American Museum to the electric atmosphere surrounding Jenny Lind’s arrival, the book paints a vivid picture of a time when celebrity, innovation, and storytelling were reshaping the world.
Daniel A. Sheridan masterfully combines historical facts with an engaging, almost cinematic narrative. Tim is a charming protagonist, and through his eyes, we get a front-row seat to the magic and chaos of 19th-century New York.
If you love historical fiction that brings the past to life with heart and adventure, Tim is a must-read!❏
From the very first page, Tim by Daniel A. Sheridan transports readers to a world of wonder, ambition, and history. Set in 1850, the story follows young Timothy O’Sullivan as he embarks on an apprenticeship at Mathew Brady’s famous daguerreotype studio. The novel feels like a mix of Willy Wonka, Gangs of New York, and Let the Great World Spin—blending curiosity, grit, and historical intrigue. The backdrop of a bustling New York, filled with Barnum’s American Museum and the excitement surrounding Jenny Lind’s arrival, immediately pulls you in.
Sheridan’s writing is vivid and immersive, bringing the city’s streets and early photography studios to life. The book is more than just a historical tale—it’s a story of perseverance, artistry, and ambition. Through Tim’s eyes, we witness a world where photography is still in its infancy, and where access to fame is carefully guarded, as seen in the subplot involving P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind. The balance between real historical events and fictionalized storytelling makes this book both educational and deeply engaging.
Overall, this book is a must-read for history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a compelling coming-of-age story. The novel captures the magic of discovery—whether it’s through a camera lens or navigating a new world. Tim’s journey is one of growth, observation, and determination, making this book a rewarding and immersive read! ❏
Set in 1850, Tim by Daniel A. Sheridan is the story of how Timothy O'Sullivan, a ten-year-old immigrant Irish boy living on Staten Island, began working for Mathew Brady in his daguerreotype studio in New York City. The daguerreotype was all the rage and was called "The New Art." Brady takes Tim under his wing and gives him odd jobs while teaching him how a daguerreotype portrait is created. Tim gets to know New York City and meets some colorful and famous people there, including P. T. Barnum, famed writers, poets, and others who come to the studio to have their portraits made.
What I loved the most was reading about Tim's day-to-day experiences in nineteenth-century New York City. Sheridan paints a lively picture of the era and the city and explains many of the things that were going on at that time. What might seem quaint now was written with a gritty reality as seen through the eyes of young Tim. Sheridan did a great deal of research not only about the now-famous Brady and O'Sullivan but also about the New York lifestyle in 1850. I have always subscribed to the saying, "I Love New York," and thoroughly appreciated this part of the book.
Reading Tim was a sublime experience. The undercurrent of an emerging art form, the growing inspiration of Timothy O'Sullivan, Mathew Brady, and Daniel Sheridan, and the feeling that I witnessed the emergence of this new era of art satisfied and inspired me. For these reasons, this book deserves 5 out of 5 stars. I should also mention that the book was excellently edited, with no errors that I could find. A small notation on the book cover indicates this is Sheridan's first book about O'Sullivan. If he writes a second one, I'll be eager to read it!
Readers interested in the daguerreotype method, photography, or the work of Mathew Brady and Timothy O'Sullivan will enjoy this book because it is not a dry history; it is history creatively brought to life by a skilled writer who researched his material well. Readers who love New York City and the period just before the Civil War will also like this book. Younger readers will find it inspirational to see how a young boy from a low-income family found a deep interest early in life that later became his passion. ❏
Instagram review of "Tim" ★★★★★
by Naveen Santwani
Daniel A. Sheridan’s Tim immediately captivates with its rich historical setting and an intriguing premise. The story transports us to 1850s New York, a world filled with the early wonders of photography, bustling city streets, and the spectacle of Jenny Lind’s American debut. The first impression is that of stepping into a time machine, where history and fiction blend seamlessly. Author’s meticulous attention to period details makes the setting feel alive, immersing readers in the era’s sights, sounds, and even its ambitions.
"The novel’s themes—curiosity, ambition, and the pursuit of capturing fleeting moments—resonate deeply, reminding us of photography’s power in preserving history."
The story follows young Tim O’Sullivan, who apprentices at Mathew Brady’s daguerreotype studio and finds himself swept up in the high-stakes world of celebrity photography. His encounters with P.T. Barnum, Jenny Lind, and the gritty realities of 19th-century New York make for a compelling coming-of-age story. The writing is immersive and cinematic, evoking a sense of adventure while maintaining historical authenticity. The novel’s themes—curiosity, ambition, and the pursuit of capturing fleeting moments—resonate deeply, reminding us of photography’s power in preserving history.
Author masterfully balances history and storytelling, making Tim both educational and entertaining. The book highlights how determination and keen observation can shape destiny, a message that lingers beyond the last page. As a lover of history and storytelling, I found this journey through old New York fascinating, and Tim’s perspective made it all the more engaging. For readers who enjoy historical fiction with a mix of adventure and artistry, this book is a must-read! ❏
From The Author ~ The Photographs of Timothy H. O'Sullivan
I first learned about Timothy H. O'Sullivan while studying the history of photography at New York University in the spring of 1989. Professor Silver clicked back and forth in a slide show comparing O’Sullivan’s photograph, Ancient Ruins in the Cañon de Chelle, N.M., taken in 1873 with Ansel Adams’ view taken in 1942.
I became curious about this photographer who inspired Ansel Adams with his large-format, view camera. I then went to the Museum of Modern Art to view the photographs of O’Sullivan. At the time, I worked as a darkroom technician restoring old black and white photographs, while studying photojournalism at college.
New York University is an important place in the history of photography. This is where Brady's mentor, Samuel F.S.B. Morse, experimented with the new discovery he recently brought back from Paris — the Daguerreotype. His colleague, Dr. John William Draper, a chemistry professor, took one of the first known portraits with a camera on the rooftop of the university at Washington Square.
Little is known about O’Sullivan. As James D. Horan states in his biography, Timothy O’Sullivan: America’s Forgotten Photographer, “There were few clues, only his name, a four-line obituary...” Though we don’t know much about Tim. What remains are his photographs.
One day after class, I stood on the corner of Broadway and Tenth, the former location of one of Brady’s Studios. Looking at Grace Church, I thought about O'Sullivan and his photographs. Over to the right, down the street, is The Ritz where I saw The Replacements in 1986 perform songs from their album Tim. I then decided to write a book about O'Sullivan as a young apprentice at Mathew Brady's studio, combined with my experience as a darkroom technician, and the title would be Tim.❏
Jeff Anthony
Tim’s journey hit me harder than I expected. Here’s a ten-year-old kid thrust into a world of adults, expectations, and art in its infancy and somehow he finds his way. Sheridan shows us how dreams are built from mistakes, patience, and a bit of light. It’s not just historical fiction; it’s a story about growing up, taking chances, and believing in your craft.
Isabella Aiden
There’s something nostalgic and deeply human about this book. It’s not just the historical setting, it’s the feeling of touching something fragile yet eternal. The way Sheridan describes Tim’s apprenticeship reminded me of my own first job, that mix of fear, wonder, and wanting to make someone proud. You don’t need to love history to love this story. You just need to love people.
Emmanuel Phillip
Few writers can blend science, history, and soul the way Sheridan does here. Every scene glows sometimes literally, as he describes the shimmer of light on polished metal plates. I loved watching young Tim discover the mysteries of photography and, in a way, discover himself. This story reminded me that behind every photograph is a person learning how to see the world.
Evelyn Josh
I learned so much reading this about daguerreotypes, early cameras, exposure times yet it never once felt like a history lesson. Sheridan weaves technical detail into story with elegance. Tim’s excitement becomes your own. By the end, I was googling Civil War photographs with a whole new appreciation.
Lil Mhikel
It’s easy to forget that the great photographers we study once had trembling hands and uncertain hearts. Sheridan reminds us of that truth through Tim’s eyes. Every scene feels researched yet effortless, full of life. If you’ve ever chased a dream or looked up to a mentor, this story will resonate deeply.
Leo Mark
The dynamic between Mathew Brady and Tim is beautifully crafted — stern yet full of affection. Brady isn’t romanticized; he’s complex, brilliant, sometimes difficult. Tim learns not just about photography but about ambition and sacrifice. Their relationship feels timeless a master teaching an apprentice, but both being changed in the process.
Sabine Traeder
What amazed me most about this book is its balance it’s sweeping in historical scope yet intimate in emotion. You see photography being born, but also a young boy learning about responsibility, creativity, and himself. Sheridan manages to make history feel deeply personal. That’s a rare gift.
Andrea
I wasn’t expecting to be so emotionally invested in this story. Tim’s journey from a naive boy to a skilled apprentice was both inspiring and heartwarming. Sheridan’s prose is poetic, and his knowledge of photography gives the story authenticity. I couldn’t put it down.
Ava Bradford
Every word feels etched in silver. Sheridan’s writing is that precise, that luminous. Tim is one of those novels that feels slow in the best possible way it makes you linger, observe, notice light on faces and dust in the air. It reminded me why I fell in love with both photography and storytelling in the first place.
Rose Mark
Before reading this, I knew little about Timothy H. O’Sullivan. Now I feel like I’ve met him. Sheridan doesn’t just give us facts; he gives us a soul. The final chapters, where Tim begins to understand what his craft means, are some of the most poignant I’ve read in years.
Deborah
Few debut novels feel as assured as this one. Sheridan manages to intertwine the meticulous technical world of early photography with the emotional journey of a child forced into adulthood far too soon. The story excels in its layered structure: on the surface, it's about Tim’s apprenticeship; underneath, it’s about the birth of modern visual storytelling how images came to shape our understanding of war, identity, and memory. I found the scenes where Brady explains the “war over photography”French vs. English processes particularly fascinating. Sheridan uses these competing techniques as metaphors for choice, change, and progress. Tim, caught in the middle, becomes a stand-in for all young artists torn between tradition and innovation. Every chapter feels intentional. Every detail serves a purpose. By the end, I felt as if I had watched not only Tim grow, but an entire medium come to life. A rare, thoughtful, brilliantly crafted novel.
Julia
One of the most impressive achievements of this book is its worldbuilding. Sheridan doesn’t just set his story in 1850 he resurrects it. The streets smell of coal and horse sweat, the studio flickers with candlelight, and the social hierarchy of old New York weighs heavily on each interaction. The comparison to Willy Wonka meets Gangs of New York is surprisingly fitting: there’s wonder in the technical experimentation but also raw danger in the city’s underbelly. The sense of place is so vivid that at times the novel feels cinematic. Tim’s relationship with his environment is as important as his relationship with Brady. Every location from the ferry to the bustling studio to the darkroom reflects a stage in his transformation. Sheridan’s prose carries both precision and poetry. This is historical fiction at its finest.
Simpson
Timothy H. O’Sullivan is often overshadowed by Mathew Brady in photographic history, but Sheridan brings him front and center with remarkable compassion and depth. What makes this novel so powerful is that it doesn’t simply “tell history” it reconstructs the inner life of a boy destined to become one of America’s most important visual chroniclers. The psychological details shine: Tim’s fear of disappointing Brady, his longing for home, his awe when witnessing the first successful exposure, and even his frustration with failed attempts. Sheridan understands that artistry begins in both skill and vulnerability. This book made me see early photography not as a craft, but as a calling. A rare, emotionally rich portrayal of an artist in the making.
Anthony
An absolutely captivating novel. Sheridan brings the forgotten world of early photography to life with such clarity that I felt I was standing in Brady’s studio myself. Tim’s perspective is charming, curious, and deeply human. A brilliant blend of history, storytelling, and heart.
Adam Julian
Tim reads like a love letter to the origins of photography. Sheridan clearly knows his craft, and the authenticity shines through every scene. Tim and Brady’s mentor-student dynamic is the emotional core of this beautifully written book.
Agnes
A refreshing take on historical fiction. It’s rare to see the early photography world portrayed with such accuracy and passion. Daniel Sheridan’s background shows every chapter feels like stepping into a darkroom of the past.
Goodreads Reviews
Brazil
There’s a moment in this book a quiet exchange between Tim and Brady over a failed plate that broke me in the best way. Sheridan uses that small failure to show us everything about art, mentorship, and the human need to leave something lasting behind. The writing is tactile and sensory; you can feel the heat of the lamps, the sting of chemicals on skin. But more than that, you feel Tim’s longing to understand the magic in front of him. I’ve read many historical novels that describe the past; this one invites you into it. It’s history with heartbeat and breath. Sheridan’s background as a photographer gives the story a rare authenticity, but it’s his empathy that makes it unforgettable.
Catherine Vickson
Reading Tim felt like stepping into a sepia-toned photograph that suddenly came alive. Daniel Sheridan doesn’t just recreate 1850s New York he resurrects it. The grime, the wonder, the scent of chemicals in Mathew Brady’s studio… it’s all there. Tim’s story is quietly powerful a boy pulled from the comfort of home into the birth of a new art form. What I loved most was how Sheridan captures curiosity itself that spark that drives invention. I turned the last page feeling grateful to both O’Sullivan and the author who brought his early years to life so vividly.
Jenny
What a stunning piece of writing. Sheridan’s prose is so sensory I could almost smell the metal, the smoke, the oil lamps burning late into the night. He paints 19th-century New York in broad, cinematic strokes, yet never loses sight of the small human details that make it all matter a look, a hesitation, a boy’s trembling hands learning to hold a fragile glass plate. This book deserves all its praise and more.
Fabian Briggs
The atmosphere in this book is electric or perhaps chemical, since we’re in a photography studio in 1850. Sheridan’s descriptions of early cameras, exposure times, and developing plates could have been dry in another writer’s hands, but here they feel alive. He makes art out of process. Tim’s growth from nervous apprentice to confident young artist mirrors the evolution of photography itself. Truly unforgettable.
Juliette Gabriel
I expected a dry historical novel, but this one surprised me. It’s full of warmth and humor, and the characters feel like real people rather than figures in a textbook. Tim’s apprenticeship under Brady is written with such care you can feel both the awe and the frustration of learning something revolutionary. Sheridan’s own love of photography shines through every page, making the technical moments feel almost poetic. I learned, I laughed, I even teared up. This book is a rare find.
Kessy Smith
You can hear this book — the clatter of hooves on cobblestones, the hiss of chemicals, the creak of wood floors in Brady’s studio. Sheridan has recreated a lost world in sound and motion. I didn’t just read Tim; I lived inside it for a while. I wish more historical fiction were written with this much life.
Luiz Owen
This book spoke directly to the artist in me. Sheridan writes about the pursuit of art, the frustration, the fleeting moments of beauty with honesty and grace. Tim’s journey mirrors the creative process itself: messy, surprising, and transformative. I highlighted so many passages just for their sheer truth.
Kelly Thomas
There’s a touch of magic in this story not fantasy magic, but the kind that lives in discovery. Tim’s curiosity feels contagious, and I found myself smiling through chapters just because of his wonder at how light can be captured forever. Sheridan manages to make the birth of photography feel as miraculous as it must have felt in 1850. It’s a joy to read.
of a rapidly changing America. Tim doesn’t just tell a story it preserves a piece of photographic history with heart and grace.
