Fabulous reads – Time consuming novel is aimed at die-hard fans

The Clockmaker’s Daughter, Kate Morton, Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781451649390

THE wish to travel in time is something I love engaging in when reading. I see books as magical boxes, like the Doctor’s T.A.R.D.I.S, bigger on the inside, and able to travel through time and space.

Because of my proclivity for journeying through a variety of ages, I was excited to read Kate Morton’s latest story, The Clockmaker’s Daughter.

On one hand, this latest story did not disappoint. The unique ability Morton has for weaving a narrative through a variety of times, was as apparent in this tome, as it has been in her previous stories.

However, this book was not as easy going as her previous novels have been. I found it long-winded at times and confusing at others. I eventually resorted to scouring forums frequented by readers to see if I was alone in my take on this, the sixth novel she has penned.

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Opinion seems to be divided, even among those who count themselves as fans of her work. Some heralded it as brilliant, while more than a few seemed to be expressing a similar disquiet to my own.

For whatever reason in this particular story, I found the abrupt changes in time rather off-putting, especially with the multiple voices written in first person, causing the narrative to feel at times stilted and choppy in a book by a storyteller who usually has the capacity to take me away with her into a world where the rules of time don’t apply.

I am well aware though, that this might be due to my own projections, or even the heat in Durban at the moment, which is makes it difficult for me to focus on reading when I would rather just stand under a cold hosepipe.

However, the love of her subject is, as always, apparent in the latest novel. If you enjoyed her previous stories, I’d recommend giving this one a chance, even if you do find it heavy going at times. Morton’s storytelling craft sees her weave seemingly disparate threads together to create a tapestry that culminates in a complete picture that is well worth your time and energy.

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