kerrykerryboberry's review
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jenn_reads's review
It was hard to follow the different perspectives and I couldn't get into it
jhinsonwilliams's review against another edition
5.0
The Clockmaker's Daughter has definitely earned its place among my Top Five Books of 2018. As an archivist, I am a bit biased toward any book that accurately portrays our profession, but I'm of the opinion that history buffs and lovers of historical fiction will both love this novel. The narration weaves through time, slowly revealing the links between families and generations, lovers and enemies. With each chapter, another link was made in the story, and the reader learns more about characters she has encountered earlier in the book. I am always a fan of a ghost story and an old mansion, but I especially loved how this book accurately conveyed the humanity of so many characters, despite their conflicts and differences. This book will be getting my vote in the annual GoodReads polls, and I'd recommend it to anyone who appreciates good historical fiction!
hannaww's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful but tragic story that centers around time, the act of remembering and the concept of home. The story is inter generational and takes place between 1844 and 2017 in The UK. It follows a handful of different characters and the people around them while telling the life stories of these people. The one thing that all the characters have in common and that ties them together is a single place, Birchwood manor. This place is one that has changed them profoundly and the story becomes the story of the house in a sense. It is a place of freedom, a place of security, a place of creativity and a place of grief and a feeling of being trapped. The story that unwraps is the memory of a never-known girl and her tragic fate. It is the story of an archivist searching for answers, a former soldier searching for purpose, a widow searching for a safe place for her children, a young girl searching for her place away from home, a woman searching for forgiveness and a soul finding peace. It's a story of loss and love of art and mythology. How the past, the present and the future can be found in one single place where they all intertwine, in this case at Birchwood manor.
I loved this book because of the beautiful writing, the layers of the story and the thought of how history and future can come together in a single place. Historical fiction stories are always interesting to me since it reminds me of how one day a life will just be measured between two years. Eloquently put by Kate Morton: "Under Radcliffes namn på stenen stod med mindre bokstäver: Här vilar en man som sökte efter sanning och ljus och såg det sköna i alla skapade ting, 1840-1880. Som så ofta tänkte Leonard på strecket mellan årtalen. Det mossövervuxna skiljetecknet inrymde en människas hela liv, hennes barndom, hennes förälskelser, allt hon förlorat, allt hon varit rädd för - det hela reducerat till ett streck på en sten på en liten fridfull lantkyrkogård."(s.229). (“On Radcliffe's headstone, in smaller text beneath his name, was written, Here lieth one who sought truth and light and saw beauty in all things, 1842-1882. Leonard [Gilbert] found himself staring as he often did at the dash between the dates. Within that lichen-laced mark there lay the entire life of a man: his childhood, his loves, his losses and fears, all reduced to a single chiseled line on a piece of stone in a quiet churchyard at the end of a country lane. Leonard wasn't sure whether the thought was comforting or distressing; his opinion changed, depending on the day.”) The lives of people are just part of a bigger picture, a small part of the story of humanity. There are so many life stories in the world, both in the past and the present, and not nearly everyone are remembered by grand statues or immortalized in history books. Most people just live their lives and stay alive in stories passed down orally through the family. Small pieces of that person disappearing with every generation until there is nothing left to remember.
I loved this book because of the beautiful writing, the layers of the story and the thought of how history and future can come together in a single place. Historical fiction stories are always interesting to me since it reminds me of how one day a life will just be measured between two years. Eloquently put by Kate Morton: "Under Radcliffes namn på stenen stod med mindre bokstäver: Här vilar en man som sökte efter sanning och ljus och såg det sköna i alla skapade ting, 1840-1880. Som så ofta tänkte Leonard på strecket mellan årtalen. Det mossövervuxna skiljetecknet inrymde en människas hela liv, hennes barndom, hennes förälskelser, allt hon förlorat, allt hon varit rädd för - det hela reducerat till ett streck på en sten på en liten fridfull lantkyrkogård."(s.229). (“On Radcliffe's headstone, in smaller text beneath his name, was written, Here lieth one who sought truth and light and saw beauty in all things, 1842-1882. Leonard [Gilbert] found himself staring as he often did at the dash between the dates. Within that lichen-laced mark there lay the entire life of a man: his childhood, his loves, his losses and fears, all reduced to a single chiseled line on a piece of stone in a quiet churchyard at the end of a country lane. Leonard wasn't sure whether the thought was comforting or distressing; his opinion changed, depending on the day.”) The lives of people are just part of a bigger picture, a small part of the story of humanity. There are so many life stories in the world, both in the past and the present, and not nearly everyone are remembered by grand statues or immortalized in history books. Most people just live their lives and stay alive in stories passed down orally through the family. Small pieces of that person disappearing with every generation until there is nothing left to remember.
thelexingtonbookie's review against another edition
3.0
The Clockmaker's Daughter has been near the top of my TBR pile since the day it was published. I was fortunate to meet the author, Kate Morton, on the her book's birthday, and just her alone was enough to make me a fan... which is why I'm a little sad to write this review. Let me explain.
While sorting through new items to catalogue for the James Stratton's estate, Elodie found a intriguing item from the past- a satchel from the 1860s that includes a small portrait of a beautiful, unidentified woman, and a small collection of sketches that curiously illustrate the bedtime stories of her childhood. After a little research, she finds that the satchel belonged to James Stratton, but the items inside belonged to an artist named Edward Radcliffe. From there, Elodie sets out to connect how these men knew each other, how the images in the sketchbook relate to her mother's stories, and just who the woman in the portrait is.
Meanwhile, the ghost of Birchwood Manor keeps watch over the homestead. Though she is only often visited by the living who are interested in the work of Edward Radcliffe, occasionally fellow spirits find their way to her, in search of someone who can help them move on. Though her real name isn't spoken, her father the clockmaker used to call her Birdie. Birdie has seen many things throughout the years, and the secrets still stay with her- including the truth that Elodie desires to find.
Morton's concept of this novel is fantastic. A lost item found, and old house with a ghost, hidden secrets that can reveal the past... it's a historical fiction picture perfect recipe. However, I felt that something didn't quite mix, and it left me disappointed in actuality. I thought that a lot of Birdie's past got very convoluted within the larger scheme of things, and overshadowed much of Elodie's story and how it connected to Birdie's. I also thought the novel was INCREDIBLY slow. There were sections where I thought, "oh, now we are getting somewhere", and then the pace would slow right down again. Though the writing was beautifully articulated and atmospheric, I struggled to maintain interest throughout the book and did end up speed-reading through a few chapters.
In the end, The Clockmaker's Daughter just wasn't for me. I think anyone who can relish the details and the slow-burn pace will really enjoy it though, so I'd still recommend the read. I'm anxious to read a few other novels I've picked up by Morton, as I've heard so many great comments and recommendations from her fans. I'll keep you all posted when I do, as always!
While sorting through new items to catalogue for the James Stratton's estate, Elodie found a intriguing item from the past- a satchel from the 1860s that includes a small portrait of a beautiful, unidentified woman, and a small collection of sketches that curiously illustrate the bedtime stories of her childhood. After a little research, she finds that the satchel belonged to James Stratton, but the items inside belonged to an artist named Edward Radcliffe. From there, Elodie sets out to connect how these men knew each other, how the images in the sketchbook relate to her mother's stories, and just who the woman in the portrait is.
Meanwhile, the ghost of Birchwood Manor keeps watch over the homestead. Though she is only often visited by the living who are interested in the work of Edward Radcliffe, occasionally fellow spirits find their way to her, in search of someone who can help them move on. Though her real name isn't spoken, her father the clockmaker used to call her Birdie. Birdie has seen many things throughout the years, and the secrets still stay with her- including the truth that Elodie desires to find.
Morton's concept of this novel is fantastic. A lost item found, and old house with a ghost, hidden secrets that can reveal the past... it's a historical fiction picture perfect recipe. However, I felt that something didn't quite mix, and it left me disappointed in actuality. I thought that a lot of Birdie's past got very convoluted within the larger scheme of things, and overshadowed much of Elodie's story and how it connected to Birdie's. I also thought the novel was INCREDIBLY slow. There were sections where I thought, "oh, now we are getting somewhere", and then the pace would slow right down again. Though the writing was beautifully articulated and atmospheric, I struggled to maintain interest throughout the book and did end up speed-reading through a few chapters.
In the end, The Clockmaker's Daughter just wasn't for me. I think anyone who can relish the details and the slow-burn pace will really enjoy it though, so I'd still recommend the read. I'm anxious to read a few other novels I've picked up by Morton, as I've heard so many great comments and recommendations from her fans. I'll keep you all posted when I do, as always!
drb5232's review against another edition
5.0
As soon as I finished the last page, spellbound by the brilliant storytelling, I went back to reread certain passages again. Don't rush this one - trust the intricate puzzle comes together beautifully and enjoy being swept away.
inkstainedthumb's review against another edition
2.0
Really difficult to follow. I really struggled with this book. It was also very long winded and Kate really took ages to build up to the climax. There were several times I nearly gave up all together.
lgwhite's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
climbingprofessor31's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I almost put this one down because I kept getting lost in the storylines. I listened to it so it is partly due to doing things while listening. The flow is a bit slow at first and I didn’t fall in love with the characters. But I am glad I stuck with it because wow! I was surprised at some of the twists that happened and did end up liking the main character. This one isn’t a happy love story for anyone so that’s a bit depressing. Lol