My real name, no one remembers.
The truth about that summer, no one else knows.
In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing, and Edward Radcliffe’s life is in ruins.
Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist’s sketchbook containing a drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river.
Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets?
Told by multiple voices across time, The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a story of murder, mystery, and thievery, of art, love, and loss. And flowing through its pages like a river is the voice of a woman who stands outside time, whose name has been forgotten by history, but who has watched it all unfold: Birdie Bell, the clockmaker’s daughter
Hardcover, 496 pages
Expected publication:
October 9th 2018
by Atria Books
Terri's Thoughts
**I received an advanced copy of this book by the publisher Atria via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
It is no secret that Kate Morton is one of my favorite authors. From the time I accidentally stumbled across The Forgotten Garden while browsing through the bookstore with latte in hand, I have been hooked. I have read all of her works up until now and I am always anxiously awaiting her next work. I was so excited to be approved an advanced copy.
This book took me while to read. Not because of the content but because life got in the way and I could only devote a few minutes a day to get through it. Normally I would devour it in a day, maybe two. I think this may have impacted my enjoyment a little bit because I didn't get to enjoy that indescribable feeling I get when I get lost in her words. I wish I could explain that feeling, others may know what I am referring to, perhaps the haunting feeling you get when a story sticks with you long after the last word is read?
This story stayed true to form following a story between the present and the past as it slowly weaves its way to its conclusion. In this case the story was told through multiple perspectives, not just through two characters. While adding extra layers of depth, I have to admit that I did have a hard time keeping all of the characters straight. I think it would have been easier for me if the chapters were titled with the characters name of whose perspective was being told. While the year was labeled, the name wasn't and I just think it would have been easier to identify (particularly when new characters were introduced) if this was the case. This is really my only constructive criticism. As it was an advanced copy I had, perhaps this has already been done in the final published copy.
That aside, the story was still wonderfully devastating as all of her other work has been to date. While it may have been confusing at times as new characters were introduced, it was genius in how Morton managed to make all of the individual stories weave together in to the greater story. I have no clue how she managed to keep the link between them all and make such a compelling story. I also appreciated how the loose ends were tied up on all of the stories. Talk about completely random people all being connected to one place!
Although I knew what was going to happen as soon as I read Lucy's story, instead of spoiling it for me, it gave me that sense of foreboding as I anticipated how it would play out. I have a love/hate relationship with this feeling but it is part of the reason I keep coming back for more.
As mentioned previously, I love Kate Morton's stories. Everytime I read one of her works I feel like she has written a story that was custom made just for my ideal read. While this did not end up being my favorite work of hers, it still delivered what I expect from her. All fans of historical fiction should read this book as well as all of her others. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
About the author
"I fell deeply in love with books as a child and believe that reading is freedom; that to read is to live a thousand lives in one; that fiction is a magical conversation between two people - you and me - in which our minds meet across time and space. I love books that conjure a world around me, bringing their characters and settings to life, so that the real world disappears and all that matters, from beginning to end, is turning one more page."
Kate Morton's five novels - The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden, The Distant Hours, The Secret Keeper and The Lake House - have all been New York Times bestsellers, Sunday Times bestsellers and international number 1 bestsellers; they are published in 34 languages, across 42 countries.
Kate's sixth novel, The Clockmaker's Daughter, will be published in September/October 2018.
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