The Clockmakers Daughter novel written by Kate Morton is romantic, mysterious, scandalous and intriguing. You follow along the journey of discovering how intertwined many different lives throughout decades can all be connected. There is a common voice throughout the story of Birdie Bell who is the Clockmakers Daughter. This book keeps you guessing and wanting to know more.
The plot revolves around Birchwood Manor which was initially owned by Edward Radcliffe and how his life is ruined after one eventful summer. It leads into more recent times of Elodie Winslow who is a young archivist. She uncovers a leather satchel which contains two unrelated items; a sepia photograph of a beautiful woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist's sketchbook.
As Elodie is pursuing clues about her discovery, you begin to unravel the lives that have passed through Birchwood Manor. This includes Radcliffe, whose love affair with his model and muse keeps him spellbound; his sister Lucy, who opens a school for young ladies; Leonard Gilbert, a soldier and scholar that is healing from the war and writing a biography of Radcliffe, Juliet, a young widow who takes refuge at the manor with her three small children and in present day Jack Rolands who is tasked at finding the long lost treasure.
The next portion will be my thoughts and opinions on the book.. please be aware it may contain spoilers so don't go further unless you've read the book or can't wait to find out.
Initially this book was difficult to be interested in. I had started it about three times before getting really into. At time's it was difficult to maintain what era of the story you were in however as you get further along I did find it started to clear the questions I had about the characters.
Elodie - at the start of the novel I saw that quiet, always pleasing, type of person. As the plot was unfolding, I began to wonder if she'd become this confident and powerful character however, I was disappointed at the end. She may have gone ahead and done 1 thing out of character but that was it. Not much else came besides she got peace of mind about her mother.
Edward Radcliffe - a determined soul who had this powerful and creative mind, it was hard not to enjoy reading about him. You could feel his pain speak to you over the most heart-wrenching loss he endured. He had the kind of love for Birdie that most would never discover in their lifetime.
Lucy Radcliffe - she was the typical kid sister to have tag along in the story however it was moving to see her acknowledge her past mistake (which was unbeknown to her till her return) and just how intelligent she was. I thought the school for young ladies was very fitting for Lucy, especially when she showed Ada Lovegrove such compassion
Ada Lovegrove - Ada's character is one I could read all day. She brought me laughs, tears, compassion and empathy. Your heart goes out to Ada and how she was placed in the school but the way she handled it with such fierce, fiery persistence to be herself was pleasing to see. It's definitely admiring to see one not conform.
Leonard Gilbert - Leonard was someone you can't help but have sympathy for. A soldier in the war trying to recover is always difficult to see. He was someone you just wanted to see come to peace and live as happily as he could
Juliet - Juliet is admiring to read about. Going forward in her life to raise her 3 children and to have your heart weep for her once you discover her truth. She was a character you loved instantly.
Jack - all I can conclude about Jack was that he was working at bettering his life.. but at the same time trying to find the lost treasure.. he wasn't someone I looked forward to reading about
Birdie Bell - she was a strong, intelligent and capable woman. It was a heartbreaking moment to realize the fate she met considering she was approaching a life that was well suited for her. Unfortunately, Birdie is the character who had all the odds stacked against her and didn't end up winning. Her love for Edward was fierce and touching to see.
The ending of the story was alright. I personally prefer novels that don't have loose ends which I would have wanted to know if Elodie ended her relationship with her fiancé because it would have gave me the insight to her character that I was seeking. Jack too just kind of went sideways. Did he get his girls back in his life?
I did think that the closure about the heirloom was well written as well as what happened to Birdie and how Lucy took on the tasking job of laying Birdie to rest.
Send me a message if you felt differently about the book or any of the characters.
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