Finn's Clock

by Dean Whitlock

's 1853, Boston, Massachusetts, and young Finn O'Neill is learning the trade of a boatman on the harbor. He and his father row for a young clock mender, Peter Jenkins, ferrying him out though the ship channels every day to offer inbound shipmasters his services for their chronometers. One morning, a sea-going Chinese junk appears out of a thick fog and sets Finn's life on its ear. The junk carries Matthew Lawson, a Boston merchant who disappeared in China over 50 years ago but looks hardly a day older. And his half-Chinese daughter, An-Ming - smart, commanding, and headstrong as a Malay pirate. Mr. Lawson hires Peter to repair his fantastic Chinese clock and to build a new one as precise and sturdy as a chronometer. Through Peter, Finn learns that the clock is the key to Mr. Lawson's apparently endless life.

But Finn's own life isn't so easy. He's Irish, poor, and the son of Da O'Neill, a moody man with a fondness for drink, a penchant for brawling, and a worsening cough that rattles deeper in his chest every day. An-Ming becomes Finn's friend and confidant, only to become the focus of several violent attempts at abduction. In the final incident - played out within the city-wide excitement surrounding the launch of the world's largest clipper ship - Da O'Neill and Peter are shanghaied. Finn himself barely escapes with the unconscious An-Ming. Using his knowledge of the channels and tides in the harbor, he is able to save Peter from a long trip to Africa. Rescuing his father proves much more difficult, then Finn must face losing him again to disease. Desperate, he steals the amazing new clock Peter has just finished, hoping he can figure out how to make it work for his father, and keep himself free from the thugs chasing An-Ming.

324 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2017

About the author

Vermont author Dean Whitlock writes fantasy and science fiction for young and not-so-young adults. His stories have appeared in Asimov’s, Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Aboriginal SF, as well as in anthologies in the US and abroad. His two YA fantasy novels were published by Clarion Books, but now he publishes independently under the Boatman Press imprint. An Air Force brat, Dean has lived in a dozen states and three foreign countries, a life of travel that gave him plenty of time to read in the car and now enriches his writing.

Reviews

[Christopher Duston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale, well-paced and engaging. I am no expert in the time period this book is set in (1850s Boston), but the details were rich enough for me to fall right into the setting without burdening the story. Also standing out are the wide variety of themes running through the pages, from light-hearted to darkly serious. Probably a testament to the realistic presentation of the poor, Irish, immigrant family; their life is naturally full of joy and tragedy, which the author faithfully reproduces.

The story itself is full of life and adventure, naturally spun out by the character's actions in response to the mysterious newcomers in Boston harbor. The book is fun all the way through, with a satisfying climax and several unexpected twists along the way. I thought I had the title figured out until the very last pages, when I realized the author had tricked me into taking it at face value.

Overall a very satisfying read. Although clearly written for young adults, as an engaging story naturally interwoven with a variety of thematic material, it can be enjoyed by all.

[Craig Hipkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Vermont Ren Faire after meeting the author. Mr. Whitlock has published a number of YA books. This one deserves a high grade. It is well written and kept me interested throughout the narrative. It is told by the hero of the story, Finn O'Neill who, shuttles people across Boston Harbor in his small boat, assisting his father who is not well. One day a Chinese junk sails into the harbor and Finn and his customer, Peter, (who fixes chronometers) become friends of the crew. Finn quickly realizes that there is a mystery regarding the clocks and finds out what it is. The character of An-Ming, a young lady of mixed parentage is especially well drawn and even the villains in the book shine. This is the kind of novel that is remembered well after it is read, and I recommend it for anyone that likes to read a historical novel with a magical twist. A well-deserved 5 stars for Finn's Clock. I can see this book being on a school's summer reading list.

[Lisa Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young adult book has much to offer with its Boston history, immigrant tensions and the fascinating story of the boatmen of the harbor. Adding the Chinese elements and a magic clock make this a unique tale worth reading.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story, well paced and engaging characters. Honestly not usually the kind of book I read but I’m very glad I did.