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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This isn't my favorite of Kate Morton's books. The interweaving stories I found to be a little harder to follow than some of her other books and the ending a little less satisfying but her beautiful writing keeps the pages turning as usual.
I mostly enjoyed this book by Kate Morton. I love a book that has multiple story lines in different times periods that all tie together in the end. However, it was slow moving in parts, and the ending left me wanting, with a few loose ends I wish had been tied up!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Joanne Froggatt. This was a long but enjoyable listen. Kate Morton does a wonderful job of describing characters and places, and it felt like a whimsical summer holiday kind of story. I liked how the different parts of the narrative wove together to gradually reveal the details, and how easy it was to remember who all the different characters were, despite there being quite a few! I thought it could have been edited down a bit, and some of the strands could have been tied slightly more tightly at the end, but really, it was very enjoyable!
slow-paced
In the vein of Morton's other books, a devastating event occurs at a historic home and the ramifications echo through time. I actually appreciated the many characters and their connection to Birchwood Manor and each other, though the present day narrative with protagonist Elodie's was my least favorite. I also found the title a bit disingenuous - even though Birdie is a significant presence, she is not as much the focus as the Manor is and the fact she was a clockmaker's daughter was very incidental. While not gripping, the story is well-written and would appeal to fans of Morton's style.
3.5 stars rounded up because I fell in love at the end. This book was VERY HARD for me to get into. So many characters, so many timelines. But I kept pushing because I had heard such good things and I’m so glad I did. Took at least 200-250 pages for me to start getting into this book, but once connections begin revealing themselves it became absolutely entrancing and I was amazed by the ending. Worth the read even if it probably could’ve been much shorter as it takes some time to get to the good stuff.
I love Kate Morton, and I love when all the puzzle pieces fall together in the end. The Clockmaker’s Daughter is full of lush details running the gamut of Victorian, Edwardian, WWII, and present day England. The characters are lively, and the story delicious. However, I think Ms. Morton stopped one chapter short of perfect.
I have heard criticism of Morton’s work before that all the ends are tied up a little TOO nicely, so I wonder if she felt like she should leave things explained, but more open to let us readers put it all together. I confess to missing that last moment when all is laid bare, even explicit. I am left needing more about Elodie and Jack and how their piece of the story ends. I am desperate for Elodie’s reaction to finding the contents of the coffin under the maple tree. I need to know what articles are published clearing Birdie’s name and reputation. I need to know for SURE that Alastair is out of the picture for good (is anyone else convinced that he is having an affair in NYC?). Basically WHERE IS MY EPILOGUE, Kate???
Still 4 stars... I mean, I read a 480page book in 2 days. Couldn’t put it down! Just wish there were another 10minutes of ending.
I have heard criticism of Morton’s work before that all the ends are tied up a little TOO nicely, so I wonder if she felt like she should leave things explained, but more open to let us readers put it all together. I confess to missing that last moment when all is laid bare, even explicit. I am left needing more about Elodie and Jack and how their piece of the story ends. I am desperate for Elodie’s reaction to finding the contents of the coffin under the maple tree. I need to know what articles are published clearing Birdie’s name and reputation. I need to know for SURE that Alastair is out of the picture for good (is anyone else convinced that he is having an affair in NYC?). Basically WHERE IS MY EPILOGUE, Kate???
Still 4 stars... I mean, I read a 480page book in 2 days. Couldn’t put it down! Just wish there were another 10minutes of ending.
I really enjoyed this read. I got a little bogged down in the middle as all the storylines wove in and out and together, but it all tied together in a satisfying way.