There is no definitive evidence to suggest that Albert Einstein read H.G. Wells' novel "The Time Machine." Einstein was a voracious reader with a wide range of interests, and he certainly engaged with various works of literature and science fiction. However, there is no specific record or documented correspondence indicating that he read Wells' novel.
It's worth noting that Einstein's groundbreaking theories of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity, had significant implications for the concept of time travel. Although Einstein's work on relativity was published after Wells' novel, it is uncertain whether Einstein was directly influenced by it or if he developed his ideas independently.
Einstein's theories of relativity and the concept of time travel explored in "The Time Machine" share some thematic similarities, such as the notion of time being relative and the possibility of moving through time. However, it is challenging to determine the extent of any direct influence, if any, as Einstein's work was based on rigorous scientific research and mathematical formulations rather than fictional narratives.
In summary, while Albert Einstein was a prominent figure in science and his theories of relativity intersect with concepts of time, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that he specifically read H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine."