Synopsis of the Novel "There is Always Time for Regret"
The story takes place in the year 2051, in a world divided between two opposing alliances. Since
a potential war would mean the end of humanity, battles are fought in industry and science,
leaving spies overwhelmed with tasks to acquire the best inventions from the rival camp.
No means are off-limits.
Ivan Maksimović, whose life is dedicated to science and inventions for the common good, finds
himself ostracized from society after a sex scandal with a colleague and a staged espionage
affair. However, this very situation makes him intriguing to CIA agents, as he possesses
knowledge of major projects while living without any security in a retirement home in a small
town on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Even though society has become wealthier and people enjoy better living conditions, some are
never satisfied. Certain powerful figures within secret services lose touch with normal life,
fabricating scandals based on half-truths to elevate their own status. Ivan once again finds
himself at the center of a secret operation - not because of what he knows, but because of what
others want to hear from him.
In this battle between “good and evil,” Ivan will receive unexpected help from those around him
-Stacey, a resident of the retirement home who is in love with him; her granddaughter Sarah, a
doctor; Sarah’s friend and police officer Singh and Ayra, the home’s cleaning lady. Ivan will
greatly benefit from their support, but it will soon become clear that some of them harbor dark
sides that will cost others their lives.
In addition, amidst the internal struggle between light and dark, a striking sentence will be
spoken, earning its place as the novel’s title: “There is Always Time for Regret.”
Throughout his life, Ivan has had many interests, but two things have defined him. The first is
inventing - he is the author of numerous original ideas, most of which have an ecological focus.
To promote ecological concepts, these ideas are detailed as footnotes within the text. The second
is women - so it’s no surprise that his circle includes Saraj, a masseuse, as well as Ivan’s femme
fatale, an American scientist named Lindsay. And when you bring straw close to fire, don’t be
surprised if it ignites.
In defending himself from the relentless attacks of CIA agents, Ivan will also receive official
help from Darsan, the retirement home’s doorman; Inspector Brahma; and Victor, an officer of
the Joint Secret Service. However, he will also face corrupt individuals who, driven by their
personal interests, work to his detriment.
With dynamic action supported by cutting-edge technology of the time and passionate love
scenes, Ivan will express his disdain for certain corrupt government institutions - especially the
judiciary - because his ideal is a fair and equal society that cares for the environment.
Since the story is set in the future, some elements are fictional. However, the author has made an
effort to ensure everything appears realistic and scientifically plausible. Scientific terminology is
occasionally mentioned to spark readers’ interest in “changing the world.” As for the setting, all
the locations are real - you may even visit them one day to see if they match the story.