A review by quillcg
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley

challenging emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I bought The Watchmaker of Filigree Street because I thought the sequel, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, looked interesting. I’m a sucker for steampunk/gaslamp fantasy. I read the blurb for The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and decided it was right up my alley. 

 

 

 

Plot:

The plot of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street is set up and executed wonderfully. Just like clockwork, a lot of small and seemingly independent pieces combine to create a beautifully complex yet simple story. My jaw dropped multiple times while reading this; it is unlike anything I’ve read before. 

 

Characters:

This book is full of delightful, fascinating characters. The three main characters are Thaniel, Mori, and Grace. Thaniel’s perspective dominates the first half of the book, and he is relatable and kind. Mori, the watchmaker, is alternatively sweet, mysterious, and sinister. Grace’s perspective comes up more towards the end of the book.

 

Spoiler

My favorite part of her character is that although she acts as the antagonist to Thaniel and Mori, all of her actions make perfect sense. While Thaniel is completely smitten with Mori, she does not trust him at all—and rightfully so. She fears for her life and Thaniel’s autonomy. Thaniel and Grace represent two opposing reactions to clairvoyance and its power to alter human lives. Meanwhile, as the reader, I enjoyed flipping between their perspectives because it provided food for thought on the nature of fate and human agency.

Spoiler

 

Setting:

This book takes place in 1880s England with some flashbacks to 1870s Japan. Pulley captures the setting well, although it is not the main focus of the book. It seems to be largely historically accurate with a few errors—for example, a cake display is said to be designed like a Ferris wheel, but the Ferris wheel was not invented until the early 1890s for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. 

 

Themes:

Pulley uses her story to spark discussion on human autonomy, trust, and morality. She explores these themes sensitively and with nuance, which I enjoyed immensely. 

 

Writing Style:

The writing in The Watchmaker of Filigree Street is brilliant. Every sentence seems to be structured with care. It does not flow easily, nor is it always easy to comprehend. This is not a book to breeze through. However, the extra effort it takes to read is worth it. The writing is utterly delightful. I think my favorite line in literature of all time is about Katsu, the mechanical octopus: “… Katsu stole his other sock and flopped on to the floor with an unbiological bang, whereupon it octopused out of the open door and slid down the banister.” 

 

Conclusion:

 

I expected to like The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. It’s a new favorite, and I have already started the sequel, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow.

 

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