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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I love historic fiction told by multiple narrators across time. I was really excited about this book, but it fell flat for me.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book. It was my second official pick as a member of the Book of The Month Club and I chose it for its genre, and because none of the other options looked appealing. As happens quite often, though, I was pleasantly surprised.
I think this is one of those brilliant books that’s difficult to advertise because the various descriptions can’t ever do it justice. The sprawling, nuanced, and wonderfully complex storyline simply can’t be summarized to fit on the flap of the dust cover, or in a few sentences on the back of the book. Which is a shame; those who dismiss it based on description alone (which would have included myself had it not been for BOTM club) are really missing out on something special.
And so I’m faced with the same problem in my attempts to review it… There is no effective synopsis of this book. You just have to read it.
In the name of review, I will say that the three things I adored most about this book were 1) the way in which Morton methodically laid the groundwork for intricate and clever connections between characters and circumstances, 2) her eloquent and descriptive writing style, and 3) the deeper and more profound commentary about time that serves as the foundation of the entire story.
I don’t think I can put it any better than Morton herself as she noted in the author’s note: “The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a book about time and timelessness, truth and beauty, maps and mapmaking, photography, natural history, the restorative properties of walking, brotherhood, houses and the notion of home, rivers and the power of place, among other things.”
It’s a very impressive piece of writing and although it’s definitely not a traditionally easy read, I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a good ‘slow burn’ kind of story.
I think this is one of those brilliant books that’s difficult to advertise because the various descriptions can’t ever do it justice. The sprawling, nuanced, and wonderfully complex storyline simply can’t be summarized to fit on the flap of the dust cover, or in a few sentences on the back of the book. Which is a shame; those who dismiss it based on description alone (which would have included myself had it not been for BOTM club) are really missing out on something special.
And so I’m faced with the same problem in my attempts to review it… There is no effective synopsis of this book. You just have to read it.
In the name of review, I will say that the three things I adored most about this book were 1) the way in which Morton methodically laid the groundwork for intricate and clever connections between characters and circumstances, 2) her eloquent and descriptive writing style, and 3) the deeper and more profound commentary about time that serves as the foundation of the entire story.
I don’t think I can put it any better than Morton herself as she noted in the author’s note: “The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a book about time and timelessness, truth and beauty, maps and mapmaking, photography, natural history, the restorative properties of walking, brotherhood, houses and the notion of home, rivers and the power of place, among other things.”
It’s a very impressive piece of writing and although it’s definitely not a traditionally easy read, I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a good ‘slow burn’ kind of story.
Reviewed at The Book Wheel.
If there’s one word that comes to mind when I read a Kate Morton book, it’s cozy. It’s so easy to curl up and let her stories wrap around you and provide shelter from what’s going on in the world. They’re always so intricate, precariously balancing past and present until they collide in the most unexpected ways.
The Clockmaker’s Daughter was no different, but this one took more time than usual to get into. It took, to be precise, just over 100 pages, which is a rarity for me with a Morton novel. Perhaps this is because I didn’t bother to read the synopsis (she has never disappointed me), and so I was unprepared for the shift in writing formula that I had become accustomed to. Even so, there was never a time when I wanted to put it down because I knew in my heart that I would come to love it.
It’s hard to summarize a novel as complex as this one, particularly because some characters, such as Elodie from present day, are mostly vehicles for the larger story, which comprised of Lily and Edward, so I’ll share this snippet from the book instead:
"The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a book about time and timelessness, truth and beauty, maps and mapmaking, photography, natural history, the restorative properties of walking, brotherhood (having three sons shot that one to the top of the list), houses and the notion of home, rivers and the power of place, among other things."
As I said, there’s a lot going on. And as always, Morton’s descriptions are rich and tactile: I could hear the rustle of the leaves and feel the crisp summer air just as she described it. Even so, the story fell flatter than expected. I don’t have anything negative to say, but rather the author took a stylistic leap that didn’t resonate with me. I have no doubt others will disagree, for the book is still a lyrical and literary work to be reckoned with, but it left me feeling underwhelmed.
As for the stylistic leap I’m referring to, The Clockmaker’s Daughter is different in that, rather than bridging past and present with a tangible object or specific person, it is done through multiple layers and characters – some of this planet, others not so much. This, in itself, was a bit challenging to get used to, for the delineations between storylines weren’t as obvious as I would have expected. The characters themselves were strong, but the threads weaving together the generations were weak. This weakness didn’t unravel the story, but it did make it more difficult for me to connect with the characters.
With all that said, I’m looking forward to Morton’s next book. I have never finished one of her books wishing I hadn’t read it, and even though this one left me underwhelmed, it still shines brighter than many other books I’ve read. If you’re a Kate Morton fan, I recommend reading it, but if you’re new to her, I’d recommend starting elsewhere.
Recommended for: Kate Morton fans and those who are intrigued by a leap of faith into a new style.
If there’s one word that comes to mind when I read a Kate Morton book, it’s cozy. It’s so easy to curl up and let her stories wrap around you and provide shelter from what’s going on in the world. They’re always so intricate, precariously balancing past and present until they collide in the most unexpected ways.
The Clockmaker’s Daughter was no different, but this one took more time than usual to get into. It took, to be precise, just over 100 pages, which is a rarity for me with a Morton novel. Perhaps this is because I didn’t bother to read the synopsis (she has never disappointed me), and so I was unprepared for the shift in writing formula that I had become accustomed to. Even so, there was never a time when I wanted to put it down because I knew in my heart that I would come to love it.
It’s hard to summarize a novel as complex as this one, particularly because some characters, such as Elodie from present day, are mostly vehicles for the larger story, which comprised of Lily and Edward, so I’ll share this snippet from the book instead:
"The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a book about time and timelessness, truth and beauty, maps and mapmaking, photography, natural history, the restorative properties of walking, brotherhood (having three sons shot that one to the top of the list), houses and the notion of home, rivers and the power of place, among other things."
As I said, there’s a lot going on. And as always, Morton’s descriptions are rich and tactile: I could hear the rustle of the leaves and feel the crisp summer air just as she described it. Even so, the story fell flatter than expected. I don’t have anything negative to say, but rather the author took a stylistic leap that didn’t resonate with me. I have no doubt others will disagree, for the book is still a lyrical and literary work to be reckoned with, but it left me feeling underwhelmed.
As for the stylistic leap I’m referring to, The Clockmaker’s Daughter is different in that, rather than bridging past and present with a tangible object or specific person, it is done through multiple layers and characters – some of this planet, others not so much. This, in itself, was a bit challenging to get used to, for the delineations between storylines weren’t as obvious as I would have expected. The characters themselves were strong, but the threads weaving together the generations were weak. This weakness didn’t unravel the story, but it did make it more difficult for me to connect with the characters.
With all that said, I’m looking forward to Morton’s next book. I have never finished one of her books wishing I hadn’t read it, and even though this one left me underwhelmed, it still shines brighter than many other books I’ve read. If you’re a Kate Morton fan, I recommend reading it, but if you’re new to her, I’d recommend starting elsewhere.
Recommended for: Kate Morton fans and those who are intrigued by a leap of faith into a new style.
So many perspectives that it was somewhat frustrating to read and made it difficult to care about any of them.
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book blew me away. I was thoroughly impressed by the intricate narrative the author carefully and masterfully wove together. Though the pacing plodded at a steady pace, I was so intrigued by learning more about the characters that I didn't want to put this book down.
Birdie was by far my favorite character in this book, but with a lush cast of characters it's hard not to love them all, but I loved her unique perspective throughout the novel. She loved, she lost loved ones, she triumphed through the world she was thrown into, and she witnessed so much. The mysteries surrounding her story carry you through the whole book and leave you wanting more.
With all the characters, it was amazing to see how they were all connected through time. The jump from one perspective to another always gave just enough to make them endearing but also make you beg to know more of their stories. Piece by piece, they reveal another layer to the story that was thicker than I ever imagined when first picking up this book.
Thought the pacing could be thought to be slow at some times, I felt the book was well worth the read. I'll definitely be reading more books from this author.
Birdie was by far my favorite character in this book, but with a lush cast of characters it's hard not to love them all, but I loved her unique perspective throughout the novel. She loved, she lost loved ones, she triumphed through the world she was thrown into, and she witnessed so much. The mysteries surrounding her story carry you through the whole book and leave you wanting more.
With all the characters, it was amazing to see how they were all connected through time. The jump from one perspective to another always gave just enough to make them endearing but also make you beg to know more of their stories. Piece by piece, they reveal another layer to the story that was thicker than I ever imagined when first picking up this book.
Thought the pacing could be thought to be slow at some times, I felt the book was well worth the read. I'll definitely be reading more books from this author.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No