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The Clockmaker’s Wife
The world is at war. And time is running out…
London, 1940. Britain is gripped by the terror of the Blitz, forcing Nell Spelman to flee the capital with her young daughter – leaving behind her husband, Arthur, the clockmaker who keeps Big Ben chiming.
When Arthur disappears, Nell is desperate to find him. But her search will lead her into far darker places than she ever imagined…
New York, Present Day. When Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that had once belonged to a grandmother she never knew, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her. But as she pieces together the fragments of her grandmother’s life, she begins to wonder if the past is better left forgotten…
A powerful and unforgettable tale of fierce love, impossible choices and a moment that changes the world forever.
London, 1940. Britain is gripped by the terror of the Blitz, forcing Nell Spelman to flee the capital with her young daughter – leaving behind her husband, Arthur, the clockmaker who keeps Big Ben chiming.
When Arthur disappears, Nell is desperate to find him. But her search will lead her into far darker places than she ever imagined…
New York, Present Day. When Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that had once belonged to a grandmother she never knew, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her. But as she pieces together the fragments of her grandmother’s life, she begins to wonder if the past is better left forgotten…
A powerful and unforgettable tale of fierce love, impossible choices and a moment that changes the world forever.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2021
1443 people are currently reading
9439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 569 reviews
July 28, 2021
3.5
First off I just have to say how much I LOVE that cover! As I read a lot of Historical Fiction based around World War 2, I appreciate that this story was unique and interesting.
It's a dual timeline story. The first one is in 1939/1940 and Arthur and Eleanor "Nell" are newlyweds who live in London and have a very young baby named Alice. Their house is bombed out and Arthur sends Nell and baby Alice to live in the country with Nell's family for their safety. Arthur cannot go with them as he is a clockmaker by trade and keeps the bells chiming for Big Ben. The present day storyline begins in New York, USA. Ellie (Alice's daughter) finds a treasure that once belonged to her Grandmother. She decides to fly to England to find out more about her Grandmother Nell and her family overseas. Ellie will discover the true story of her Grandmother's death.
The book started off pretty strong and was intriguing. For me things turned the wrong way when Nell received the mysterious call from Arthur and promptly left for London. I admit the story went a little south at that point. Some of Nell's actions were a bit far fetched. I also wanted to know more about Arthur. The present storyline with Ellie was interesting but things seemed a little rushed especially with her love interest, Dan.
Overall it was a good story that kept me entertained. The author did a lot of research on Big Ben and the running of the clock. London and the surrounding landmarks were superbly described. Past and present. The descriptions really set the mood and tone. This was the author's first ever adult novel and I think Daisy Wood shows promise in this type of category.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
First off I just have to say how much I LOVE that cover! As I read a lot of Historical Fiction based around World War 2, I appreciate that this story was unique and interesting.
It's a dual timeline story. The first one is in 1939/1940 and Arthur and Eleanor "Nell" are newlyweds who live in London and have a very young baby named Alice. Their house is bombed out and Arthur sends Nell and baby Alice to live in the country with Nell's family for their safety. Arthur cannot go with them as he is a clockmaker by trade and keeps the bells chiming for Big Ben. The present day storyline begins in New York, USA. Ellie (Alice's daughter) finds a treasure that once belonged to her Grandmother. She decides to fly to England to find out more about her Grandmother Nell and her family overseas. Ellie will discover the true story of her Grandmother's death.
The book started off pretty strong and was intriguing. For me things turned the wrong way when Nell received the mysterious call from Arthur and promptly left for London. I admit the story went a little south at that point. Some of Nell's actions were a bit far fetched. I also wanted to know more about Arthur. The present storyline with Ellie was interesting but things seemed a little rushed especially with her love interest, Dan.
Overall it was a good story that kept me entertained. The author did a lot of research on Big Ben and the running of the clock. London and the surrounding landmarks were superbly described. Past and present. The descriptions really set the mood and tone. This was the author's first ever adult novel and I think Daisy Wood shows promise in this type of category.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
July 7, 2021
When Nell and Arthur Spelman’s house was bombed in the Blitz in London, it was fortunate that they and their baby, Alice were in a nearby shelter. But it also highlighted the immense danger so, reluctantly, Nell left her husband of not much more than a year, taking Alice to the country and her parent’s place, while Arthur stayed in London, doing his important job of keeping Big Ben operational 24 hours a day. When Nell received a panicked call from Arthur a few days before Christmas, she made a rushed visit to London to find out what was happening.
It was New York 2021 when Ellie was visiting her mother in the nursing home, after she’d had a fall and broken her hip. Alice was in her eighties, and her memory was slowly failing her, but she remembered a lot of her past. She just didn’t want to talk about it. But when Ellie discovered a beautiful watch which had belonged to her grandmother, Ellie decided to go to London to search for the answers to a past she had no idea about. She also had an aunt she’d never met, Gillian, Alice’s half-sister, and wanted to meet her, hoping she could tell her more about Nell Spelman…
The Clockmaker’s Wife is a breathtaking historical tale by Daisy Wood which I loved. The period set in 1939/1940 was heartbreaking and intense, with some incredibly brave people operating during the Blitz. The love and devotion; the heart-rending choices that were made in a split second; the gutsy courage of everyone affected – The Clockmaker’s Wife was exceptional. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Ellie Pilcher, Avon UK via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
It was New York 2021 when Ellie was visiting her mother in the nursing home, after she’d had a fall and broken her hip. Alice was in her eighties, and her memory was slowly failing her, but she remembered a lot of her past. She just didn’t want to talk about it. But when Ellie discovered a beautiful watch which had belonged to her grandmother, Ellie decided to go to London to search for the answers to a past she had no idea about. She also had an aunt she’d never met, Gillian, Alice’s half-sister, and wanted to meet her, hoping she could tell her more about Nell Spelman…
The Clockmaker’s Wife is a breathtaking historical tale by Daisy Wood which I loved. The period set in 1939/1940 was heartbreaking and intense, with some incredibly brave people operating during the Blitz. The love and devotion; the heart-rending choices that were made in a split second; the gutsy courage of everyone affected – The Clockmaker’s Wife was exceptional. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Ellie Pilcher, Avon UK via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2021
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I’ve just started to get back into historical fiction after a long time of taking a break from it. Not intentionally, just veered more towards thrillers.
I’m glad I received an email asking if I’d like to take a look at this one because although it’s based around 1940’s and the Spelman family live in London, hectic bombings going on from the Germans, this really featured on the fact that Author (Nells husband) has gone missing.
Before that though, Arthur needs for Nell to be safe.
Arthur looks after the clocks in Westminster Palace so he cannot go. He’s needed there.
When Nell receives a frantic call from Arthur saying he’s been arrested, Nell becomes so desperate, what is happening, why has he been arrested.
Returning to London Nell finds herself uncovering dark things.
This is a two timeline story that is easy to follow.
I learnt some things about the clocks in various areas that are known landmarks.
The past to present day elements in this was so good.
I listened to this on audio and found it so easy to follow. The voice of the narrator had great power, pitch and pace. The characters voices so well done.
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Blog |
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I’ve just started to get back into historical fiction after a long time of taking a break from it. Not intentionally, just veered more towards thrillers.
I’m glad I received an email asking if I’d like to take a look at this one because although it’s based around 1940’s and the Spelman family live in London, hectic bombings going on from the Germans, this really featured on the fact that Author (Nells husband) has gone missing.
Before that though, Arthur needs for Nell to be safe.
Arthur looks after the clocks in Westminster Palace so he cannot go. He’s needed there.
When Nell receives a frantic call from Arthur saying he’s been arrested, Nell becomes so desperate, what is happening, why has he been arrested.
Returning to London Nell finds herself uncovering dark things.
This is a two timeline story that is easy to follow.
I learnt some things about the clocks in various areas that are known landmarks.
The past to present day elements in this was so good.
I listened to this on audio and found it so easy to follow. The voice of the narrator had great power, pitch and pace. The characters voices so well done.
June 24, 2021
Newlyweds Arthur and Nell Spelman live in London and during the Blitz. Arthur comes from a long line of clock makers, his parents are from Germany and he was born in England. He wants Nell and baby Alice to go stay with her parents in the country and she’s rather stubborn and won’t leave her husband. One night in 1940 the German bombers are relentless, the Spelman’s house has taken a direct hit, Nell catches the first train to Oxfordshire to stay with her family and leaves Arthur behind in London. He assures her he will be fine, he can find somewhere safe to sleep and he’s needed at work. Arthur works at the Palace of Westminster, he helps maintain the clocks and keeps Big Ben chiming.
One night Nell receives an odd call from Arthur, something is wrong and he’s been arrested? Desperate to find out what has happened to her law abiding husband, she travels to London, Nell uncovers a sinister plot and it involves a major attack on a London landmark.
The Clockmaker’s Wife has a dual timeline, it seamless goes between WW II and the present day. The story is really interesting, it has many twists and turns, and uncovers eighty year old secrets.
Alice is staying in a nursing home in Westchester County, she fell, broke her hip and she's starting the lose her memory. Ellie’s mother has always been very vague about her life in England as a child, she didn’t get on with her father's second wife, when she met American Jeff they married, moved to the states and she didn't stay in contact with her English relatives. Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that belonged to her grandmother Nell, she died during WW II and she wants to find out what happened to her? Arriving in England she meets her Aunt Gillian, she’s her mother Alice's younger half-sister and she doesn’t know what happened to Nell.
Ellie begins to delve into the past and what she discovers is absolutely intriguing, The Clockmaker’s Wife is a very unique historical fiction story, it’s different and in an exceptional way. I really enjoyed reading about the clocks, famous London landmarks, Nell moving to Oxfordshire, her relationship with the Pott’s children and how determined she was to help Arthur and what she did for her country in its time of need. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, absolutely brilliant and five big stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
One night Nell receives an odd call from Arthur, something is wrong and he’s been arrested? Desperate to find out what has happened to her law abiding husband, she travels to London, Nell uncovers a sinister plot and it involves a major attack on a London landmark.
The Clockmaker’s Wife has a dual timeline, it seamless goes between WW II and the present day. The story is really interesting, it has many twists and turns, and uncovers eighty year old secrets.
Alice is staying in a nursing home in Westchester County, she fell, broke her hip and she's starting the lose her memory. Ellie’s mother has always been very vague about her life in England as a child, she didn’t get on with her father's second wife, when she met American Jeff they married, moved to the states and she didn't stay in contact with her English relatives. Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that belonged to her grandmother Nell, she died during WW II and she wants to find out what happened to her? Arriving in England she meets her Aunt Gillian, she’s her mother Alice's younger half-sister and she doesn’t know what happened to Nell.
Ellie begins to delve into the past and what she discovers is absolutely intriguing, The Clockmaker’s Wife is a very unique historical fiction story, it’s different and in an exceptional way. I really enjoyed reading about the clocks, famous London landmarks, Nell moving to Oxfordshire, her relationship with the Pott’s children and how determined she was to help Arthur and what she did for her country in its time of need. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, absolutely brilliant and five big stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 12, 2021
As historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, my expectations from such books is always high. That’s one main reason this one fizzled out for me. It doesn’t match up to the standard set by other books in the WWII fiction category.
Story:
“The Clockmaker’s Wife” is a dual timeline narrative written in third person.
The dual storyline is a pretty common trope nowadays in WWII historical fiction so it loses its edge unless the timelines are used to full advantage. Doesn’t happen in this book. Everything is as predictable as a weather forecast going wrong.
This is primarily a character-oriented book, so when the characters themselves fail to impress you, there’s not much left to salvage. I couldn’t connect to any character. Both the female leads begin as short-sighted and selfish. Nell redeems herself towards the last quarter of her narrative. Ellie remains almost the same throughout. There is also the mandatory superfluous romance in Ellie’s narrative, not essential to the plot at all.
The most irritating thing for me was the ample amount of data thrown into the narrative. You know how students sometimes end up copy-pasting every single bit of information they find on their project topic in the hopes of impressing their teacher? It felt just like that. There is a lot of information overload, and worse… the data is told, not shown. Really amateur writing, there.
The historical storyline is much more interesting than the contemporary one. But not necessarily better. The second half of the book is much better than the first half, but it doesn’t help save the book, only helps you to marginally improve your rating.
Overall, the concept might have been good at first. But it lost its essence amid the unlikeable characters and humdrum storyline. This is a book that works in bits and pieces but doesn’t come together to form a cohesive whole. Of course, this is just my opinion, and an unpopular one at that! The other ratings show that a majority of readers have enjoyed reading it. So give it a try. You never know. As they say, not every reader reads the same book.
Narrator Sophie Bentinck does a good job of bringing the characters alive. Her voice makes the 11.5 hrs audiobook go by smoothly.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
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Story:
“The Clockmaker’s Wife” is a dual timeline narrative written in third person.
1940 – London – Nell
The Blitz has just begun, forcing Nell Spellman to leave her husband Arthur behind in London while she escapes with her baby to a safer place. But when her husband mysteriously disappears, she is forced to return to the capital in the hope of discovering what happened. Will she be able to save Arthur and reunite her family?
2021 – New York – Ellie
When she discovers a watch belong to her long-deceased grandmother, Ellie starts researching more into her life. But she discovers a dark secret and regrets her decision to go digging into the past. Should she let things lie or try to find out the truth?
The dual storyline is a pretty common trope nowadays in WWII historical fiction so it loses its edge unless the timelines are used to full advantage. Doesn’t happen in this book. Everything is as predictable as a weather forecast going wrong.
This is primarily a character-oriented book, so when the characters themselves fail to impress you, there’s not much left to salvage. I couldn’t connect to any character. Both the female leads begin as short-sighted and selfish. Nell redeems herself towards the last quarter of her narrative. Ellie remains almost the same throughout. There is also the mandatory superfluous romance in Ellie’s narrative, not essential to the plot at all.
The most irritating thing for me was the ample amount of data thrown into the narrative. You know how students sometimes end up copy-pasting every single bit of information they find on their project topic in the hopes of impressing their teacher? It felt just like that. There is a lot of information overload, and worse… the data is told, not shown. Really amateur writing, there.
The historical storyline is much more interesting than the contemporary one. But not necessarily better. The second half of the book is much better than the first half, but it doesn’t help save the book, only helps you to marginally improve your rating.
Overall, the concept might have been good at first. But it lost its essence amid the unlikeable characters and humdrum storyline. This is a book that works in bits and pieces but doesn’t come together to form a cohesive whole. Of course, this is just my opinion, and an unpopular one at that! The other ratings show that a majority of readers have enjoyed reading it. So give it a try. You never know. As they say, not every reader reads the same book.
Narrator Sophie Bentinck does a good job of bringing the characters alive. Her voice makes the 11.5 hrs audiobook go by smoothly.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
July 1, 2021
London, 1940: Britain is gripped by the terror of the Blitz, forcing Nell Spelman to flee the capital with her young daughter- leaving behind her husband, Arthur, the clockmaker who keeps Big Ben chiming. When Arthur disappears, Nell is desperate to find him. But her search will land her into far darker places than she ever imagined.
New York, Present Day: When Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that had belonged to a grandmother she never knew, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her. but as she pieces together the fragments of her grandmothers life, she begins to wonder if the past is better left forgotten.
Arthur was of German/Jewish descent and he sends his wife Nell and daughter Alice to live with his parents in Oxford to escape the Blitz. He remains working in Big Ben's Clock Tower but he is arrested and thrown into jail. In the present Ellie finds her grandmothers watch and and she's determined to find out more about her.
The dual timeline were seamlessly woven together. I did prefer the 940's timeline better than the present day but they were both good stories. The characters were well developed and believable. The story is descriptively written and true to the era. This is an intriguing insight into how ordinary peoples daily struggles during the war.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #DaisyWood for my ARC of #TheClockmakersWife in exchange for an honest review.
New York, Present Day: When Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that had belonged to a grandmother she never knew, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her. but as she pieces together the fragments of her grandmothers life, she begins to wonder if the past is better left forgotten.
Arthur was of German/Jewish descent and he sends his wife Nell and daughter Alice to live with his parents in Oxford to escape the Blitz. He remains working in Big Ben's Clock Tower but he is arrested and thrown into jail. In the present Ellie finds her grandmothers watch and and she's determined to find out more about her.
The dual timeline were seamlessly woven together. I did prefer the 940's timeline better than the present day but they were both good stories. The characters were well developed and believable. The story is descriptively written and true to the era. This is an intriguing insight into how ordinary peoples daily struggles during the war.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #DaisyWood for my ARC of #TheClockmakersWife in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2024
A 4.75/ 5 shiny stars rating from me!! ✨✨✨✨✨
" The Clockmakers Wife is a work of fiction, the plot and setting of my novel is placed in historical reality." -----Daisy Wood
This is a duel timeline story, which I really enjoyed!! I liked that it gave equal time to both timelines! I really enjoyed the past better than the present. Both were well written!
London 1940: We have Arthur, his Wife, Nell and their baby, Alice. Arthur works at Big Ben and is one of the people responsible for hand winding the Clock!! I never knew that it had to be wound by hand!! I also enjoyed learning the history of Big Ben and what the " Silent Minute" was!! Unbeknownst to the Germans, this was the signal for all Londoners to pray for peace 🕊️! " The Silent Minute" was promptly at 9 pm. Nell presents herself as a doting wife and mother to Alice. Somethings just don't add up. Is she really innocent? Is she a Fascist or a double agent?? Why, during the height of The Blitz, does she leave Alice with her parents and run off to London?
Present Day: We have Ellie, Alice's daughter and she found a beautiful watch that belonged to her Grandmother, Nell. Ellie goes to London to find out about her Grandmother. As she meets people who knew Nell and Alice, she is told things about Nell that she never knew. During her search for answers to tell her Mom, who's memory is fading away, Ellie finds out some mysterious things. The more she learns, Ellie begins to wonder if the past is better forgotten. Is Ellie right? What does she find out that frightens her?
This is a fast paced, exciting novel with a twist!! It's also a mystery!! 😆 I couldn't flip the pages fast enough to get my questions answered!! It had me second guessing everything!! It's also describes London and the chaos of The Blitz wonderfully! I felt like I was right there!! I want to thank my reading buddy, Elisabeth for reading this book with me!! We had fun sharing our thoughts with each other!!😄📖 If you are looking for a fast paced, gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, read this book!! I highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone!
" They're linked to each other, inextricably and forever. Nell is bound up with them too, and Rose before her; a web of connections stretching back generations, it's strands made up of love and desire, birth and death, failures, success, jealousy, forgiveness, and a hundred other emotions besides. Meanwhile, Arthur's grandfather clock ticks in the hall, counting out the seconds that make up a life."
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🕰️
" The Clockmakers Wife is a work of fiction, the plot and setting of my novel is placed in historical reality." -----Daisy Wood
This is a duel timeline story, which I really enjoyed!! I liked that it gave equal time to both timelines! I really enjoyed the past better than the present. Both were well written!
London 1940: We have Arthur, his Wife, Nell and their baby, Alice. Arthur works at Big Ben and is one of the people responsible for hand winding the Clock!! I never knew that it had to be wound by hand!! I also enjoyed learning the history of Big Ben and what the " Silent Minute" was!! Unbeknownst to the Germans, this was the signal for all Londoners to pray for peace 🕊️! " The Silent Minute" was promptly at 9 pm. Nell presents herself as a doting wife and mother to Alice. Somethings just don't add up. Is she really innocent? Is she a Fascist or a double agent?? Why, during the height of The Blitz, does she leave Alice with her parents and run off to London?
Present Day: We have Ellie, Alice's daughter and she found a beautiful watch that belonged to her Grandmother, Nell. Ellie goes to London to find out about her Grandmother. As she meets people who knew Nell and Alice, she is told things about Nell that she never knew. During her search for answers to tell her Mom, who's memory is fading away, Ellie finds out some mysterious things. The more she learns, Ellie begins to wonder if the past is better forgotten. Is Ellie right? What does she find out that frightens her?
This is a fast paced, exciting novel with a twist!! It's also a mystery!! 😆 I couldn't flip the pages fast enough to get my questions answered!! It had me second guessing everything!! It's also describes London and the chaos of The Blitz wonderfully! I felt like I was right there!! I want to thank my reading buddy, Elisabeth for reading this book with me!! We had fun sharing our thoughts with each other!!😄📖 If you are looking for a fast paced, gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, read this book!! I highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone!
" They're linked to each other, inextricably and forever. Nell is bound up with them too, and Rose before her; a web of connections stretching back generations, it's strands made up of love and desire, birth and death, failures, success, jealousy, forgiveness, and a hundred other emotions besides. Meanwhile, Arthur's grandfather clock ticks in the hall, counting out the seconds that make up a life."
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🕰️
October 12, 2021
This was an enjoyable historical mystery told in two timelines with strong female characters. The first timeline is set in 1939/40 London and is about Nell and her husband, Arthur who works at the Palace of Westminster maintaining the clocks including Big Ben. The second timeline is 2021/22 and the main character is Ellie, Arthur and Nell’s granddaughter. Their daughter, Alice moved to the US when she married and hasn’t returned. Now Alice is in an aged care facility and declining in health. Nell died on New Years Eve 1940 in London and how she died is a mystery. Ellie decides to go to England and see what she can find out. So the story is approached from two directions and this works well, but the historical setting is of course the stronger.(it’s hard for the modern story to compete with wartime experiences). I did get involved in the story and found it hard to put down.
July 24, 2021
It seems I have read quite a few books in the past year or so about the World War II era. This one had a slightly different perspective as it focused on the destruction of London as well as a fifth column operating within Britain. Utilizing two timelines in the unspooling of the story was an effective device and the author’s descriptions of London both in the 1940s and today were particularly evocative.
The book did drag at times with overlong descriptions, even when those descriptions involved action and aspects of the story were unrealistic.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction (with the emphasis on fiction) or tales of the courage of strong women in troubling times or those who have investigated their ancestral stories, should give this book a try.
The book did drag at times with overlong descriptions, even when those descriptions involved action and aspects of the story were unrealistic.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction (with the emphasis on fiction) or tales of the courage of strong women in troubling times or those who have investigated their ancestral stories, should give this book a try.
August 10, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
After working as an editor and writing several historical fiction-based books for children, Daisy Wood has ventured into the field of adult wartime fiction with The Clockmaker’s Wife. A dual timeline story centered around Big Ben, The Clockmaker’s Wife offers the reader an imaginative step into times past.
The Clockmaker’s Wife first propels the reader to London in the year 1940. Britain is in the depths of the deadly Blitz. We meet a young mother named Nell, who is faced with the difficult decision to move away from London with her daughter, leaving her husband to face life in Britain’s capital alone. We learn that Nell’s husband Arthur is a clockmaker, who is charged with the important task of keeping Britain’s most important timepiece turning. But further drama awaits this young family when Arthur vanishes. Nell is determined to find her beloved husband, but this search takes a desperate and dark turn. The Clockmaker’s Wife then travels forward in time as we venture to New York in the present day. We are acquainted with Ellie, a woman who unearths a stunning family heirloom. This antique watch leads Ellie on an important family quest to discover what happened to her family in the war.
Daisy Wood is a new author in the adult historical fiction field. I was immediately intrigued by this title. A story based around one of the most iconic world landmarks seemed to hold great promise. I always appreciate a dual timeline narrative, so Daisy Wood’s book soon hooked me in with very little effort at all! I’m pleased to report that I really enjoyed The Clockmaker’s Wife, it was a solid read. I have no hesitation in recommending this new release.
Firstly, Wood provides the reader with plenty of interesting information surrounding the inner workings of Big Ben. I loved this aspect of the tale, along with Arthur’s work as a clockmaker. Wood also indulges in some excellent wartime world building in the 1940s based timeline of her novel. We are presented with a full and detailed picture of the Blitz raging through Britain when the book begins its journey. With strong images conjured up of the dangers and destruction of the Second World War, Wood delves deep into the psyche of the British population during this uncertain era. Wood captures the raw emotion, confusion, loss and resolve during this transitional time period. Difficult choices and heartbreaking decisions had to made, often at a whim. Wood does a very good job of developing our understanding of this tragic time in our recent past. I really felt for the characters based in the wartime narrative thread. They were faced with the unthinkable and they were also tested to their very limits. I admired Nell’s spirit and resolve. Wood allows us to get to grips with this central protagonist very clearly through her emotive form of storytelling. Likewise, Arthur’s was an intriguing character. Arthur presence adds drama and mystery to the tale. I really connected to this component of The Clockmaker’s Wife.
In the present day, Wood takes us to New York as we meet Ellie, a woman on a quest to solve a family riddle surrounding her grandmother and a valued watch. Ellie’s story was just as interesting as the historical aspect of The Clockmaker’s Wife. I came to see Ellie’s role in this engrossing story as the seeker of information as to her family’s past history. Ellie was an agreeable present-day protagonist and I found I clicked with her story almost immediately. I wanted to encourage Ellie every step of the way as she made many important leaps in solving this family mystery. This component of the book is finely tuned and it also encourages the reader to remain loyal with Ellie until the final destination point.
With even pacing, fluid transitions between the past and present, fascinating characters, a vivid backdrop, plenty of history, specific detail on Big Ben and refined prose, The Clockmaker’s Wife proved to be a very engaging read.
*I wish to thank HarperCollins Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
After working as an editor and writing several historical fiction-based books for children, Daisy Wood has ventured into the field of adult wartime fiction with The Clockmaker’s Wife. A dual timeline story centered around Big Ben, The Clockmaker’s Wife offers the reader an imaginative step into times past.
The Clockmaker’s Wife first propels the reader to London in the year 1940. Britain is in the depths of the deadly Blitz. We meet a young mother named Nell, who is faced with the difficult decision to move away from London with her daughter, leaving her husband to face life in Britain’s capital alone. We learn that Nell’s husband Arthur is a clockmaker, who is charged with the important task of keeping Britain’s most important timepiece turning. But further drama awaits this young family when Arthur vanishes. Nell is determined to find her beloved husband, but this search takes a desperate and dark turn. The Clockmaker’s Wife then travels forward in time as we venture to New York in the present day. We are acquainted with Ellie, a woman who unearths a stunning family heirloom. This antique watch leads Ellie on an important family quest to discover what happened to her family in the war.
Daisy Wood is a new author in the adult historical fiction field. I was immediately intrigued by this title. A story based around one of the most iconic world landmarks seemed to hold great promise. I always appreciate a dual timeline narrative, so Daisy Wood’s book soon hooked me in with very little effort at all! I’m pleased to report that I really enjoyed The Clockmaker’s Wife, it was a solid read. I have no hesitation in recommending this new release.
Firstly, Wood provides the reader with plenty of interesting information surrounding the inner workings of Big Ben. I loved this aspect of the tale, along with Arthur’s work as a clockmaker. Wood also indulges in some excellent wartime world building in the 1940s based timeline of her novel. We are presented with a full and detailed picture of the Blitz raging through Britain when the book begins its journey. With strong images conjured up of the dangers and destruction of the Second World War, Wood delves deep into the psyche of the British population during this uncertain era. Wood captures the raw emotion, confusion, loss and resolve during this transitional time period. Difficult choices and heartbreaking decisions had to made, often at a whim. Wood does a very good job of developing our understanding of this tragic time in our recent past. I really felt for the characters based in the wartime narrative thread. They were faced with the unthinkable and they were also tested to their very limits. I admired Nell’s spirit and resolve. Wood allows us to get to grips with this central protagonist very clearly through her emotive form of storytelling. Likewise, Arthur’s was an intriguing character. Arthur presence adds drama and mystery to the tale. I really connected to this component of The Clockmaker’s Wife.
In the present day, Wood takes us to New York as we meet Ellie, a woman on a quest to solve a family riddle surrounding her grandmother and a valued watch. Ellie’s story was just as interesting as the historical aspect of The Clockmaker’s Wife. I came to see Ellie’s role in this engrossing story as the seeker of information as to her family’s past history. Ellie was an agreeable present-day protagonist and I found I clicked with her story almost immediately. I wanted to encourage Ellie every step of the way as she made many important leaps in solving this family mystery. This component of the book is finely tuned and it also encourages the reader to remain loyal with Ellie until the final destination point.
With even pacing, fluid transitions between the past and present, fascinating characters, a vivid backdrop, plenty of history, specific detail on Big Ben and refined prose, The Clockmaker’s Wife proved to be a very engaging read.
*I wish to thank HarperCollins Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 5, 2024
4.5 stars
April 21, 2021
There's two Eleanors in this book. One in WW2 London, nicknamed Nell, and the other in present day New York, nicknamed Ellie.
Ellie is Nell's granddaughter but doesn't know much about her. Alice, Ellie's mother, can't seem to share much either, since Nell died while she was still a baby.
After finding some interesting nicknacks relating to Nell, Ellie decides to travel to London to meet the English side of her family and find out the real truth about her grandmother, even if it's ugly.
Nell's story was much more interesting than Ellie's. I literally did not care about Ellie at all. I think the book could've been a lot better if she was given a minor role.
I also think Nell's parts suffered in favour of Ellie's. They weren't as exciting as they could've been. They felt...not empty, but as if something was missing. It was hard to connect to even her.
Arthur was the most interesting character and I would've liked to see more of him.
Some of the present characters weren't bad either, like Alice and Gillian, for example. They were pretty cool.
And then there's Dan...I'm not feeling it. Did he get on a plane impulsively? Yes. Is that cute? Also yes. But somehow he's still not fleshed out. I don't know Dan, if that makes sense.
I'm a bit disappointed in the story overall. It starts out strong, with a bombing and then??? Could've been stronger. The pacing is pretty consistent throughout so I don't have any complaints there. The writing style was nice too.
Something else I enjoyed is the descriptions of WW2 and present day London. Really takes me back. Daisy Wood managed to capture the atmosphere.
Even with a (slightly) rushed ending, this was an okay read. Didn't feel long either. I could've finished it in a day if I wanted to. You should give it a chance though, you might like it more than I did.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Ellie is Nell's granddaughter but doesn't know much about her. Alice, Ellie's mother, can't seem to share much either, since Nell died while she was still a baby.
After finding some interesting nicknacks relating to Nell, Ellie decides to travel to London to meet the English side of her family and find out the real truth about her grandmother, even if it's ugly.
Nell's story was much more interesting than Ellie's. I literally did not care about Ellie at all. I think the book could've been a lot better if she was given a minor role.
I also think Nell's parts suffered in favour of Ellie's. They weren't as exciting as they could've been. They felt...not empty, but as if something was missing. It was hard to connect to even her.
Arthur was the most interesting character and I would've liked to see more of him.
Some of the present characters weren't bad either, like Alice and Gillian, for example. They were pretty cool.
And then there's Dan...I'm not feeling it. Did he get on a plane impulsively? Yes. Is that cute? Also yes. But somehow he's still not fleshed out. I don't know Dan, if that makes sense.
I'm a bit disappointed in the story overall. It starts out strong, with a bombing and then??? Could've been stronger. The pacing is pretty consistent throughout so I don't have any complaints there. The writing style was nice too.
Something else I enjoyed is the descriptions of WW2 and present day London. Really takes me back. Daisy Wood managed to capture the atmosphere.
Even with a (slightly) rushed ending, this was an okay read. Didn't feel long either. I could've finished it in a day if I wanted to. You should give it a chance though, you might like it more than I did.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
January 18, 2022
When their home is destroyed by a bomb, young wife Nell is forced to leave her husband, a man integral to the operations of Big Ben, and flee to the countryside for safety with their infant daughter. After her husband is arrested, Nell returned to London and becomes embroiled in intrigue. Full disclosure, I am not a fan of these titles that label women as girls, daughters, or wives, and I was not certain I was going to be able to connect with Nell in the beginning. However, over the course of the story she evolves into a capable, courageous woman.
As with most dual timeline stories, I preferred the WWII narrative to the current day timeline. I found Ellie, Nell’s granddaughter, to be a frustrating protagonist. The characters around her took a more active role in uncovering the mystery of what happened to her grandmother than she did. That said, this story is engagingly written, and I was fascinated by the glimpse into Big Ben and the machinations—human and technical—that keep the clock running. London in the past and the present comes to vivid life on the page, and the horror and tension of the Blitz are wonderfully portrayed.
This is a story of grit and determination, injustices and sacrifices on the home front during the war. Pair your reading with a Tick of the Clock cocktail.
As with most dual timeline stories, I preferred the WWII narrative to the current day timeline. I found Ellie, Nell’s granddaughter, to be a frustrating protagonist. The characters around her took a more active role in uncovering the mystery of what happened to her grandmother than she did. That said, this story is engagingly written, and I was fascinated by the glimpse into Big Ben and the machinations—human and technical—that keep the clock running. London in the past and the present comes to vivid life on the page, and the horror and tension of the Blitz are wonderfully portrayed.
This is a story of grit and determination, injustices and sacrifices on the home front during the war. Pair your reading with a Tick of the Clock cocktail.
July 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this fascinating book, a dual time-line which I always enjoy. I raced through this one as I wanted to find out what happened in the end. It was a great ending. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I really enjoyed this fascinating book, a dual time-line which I,love. I raced through this book as I wanted to find out what happened in the end. It did not disappoint it was a great ending. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Merged review:
I really enjoyed this fascinating book, a dual time-line which I,love. I raced through this book as I wanted to find out what happened in the end. It did not disappoint it was a great ending. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 20, 2021
I was surprised at the amount of action in this rather pacey read. I’ve always approached war fiction/sagas with the attitude that the narrative is meandering and gentle. However, Wood challenges that with this story that reads like a clock counting down – rather apt considering the topic!
Set in the Second World War, I was intrigued by the focus on a clockmaker. It had never occurred to me the importance of keeping Big Ben chiming and I think Wood successfully portrays this realism. A symbol of hope and togetherness, of course there would be experts in the background to ensure it would never fail. Yet, this story is not just about time-keeping, but moves to explore the hidden Fascist groups in London: supporters of Hitler’s regime who would happily support Nazi occupation. This is the key theme of the book.
Although Arthur is the clockmaker, the book is more about his wife, the heroic Nell. I warmed to her character very quickly, especially as her devotion to her husband is so apparent. Arthur’s disappearance is not as much of a major event in the story and I was surprised more attention was not paid to this part because this causes Nell’s character to really develop. Instead, I was a little disappointed that Wood glossed over this, condensing Arthur’s disappearance to a mere few pages. I think the narrative would have benefitted from extending this further as I really could not get a grasp of any threat that he may face.
In the early part of the story, Nell and Alice are forced to flee London after the bombings destroy the family home. When the story moves back to the City, I thought the pace completely intensified. I could get a sense of the fear that Nell felt and admired her brave, heroic actions. At the same time, however, I did miss the countryside and would have liked to have seen how the evacuees and Nell’s daughter, Alice, were faring. Yet, this would have lessened the impact of Nell’s movements and would not have created the sense of urgency that is so important to the overall story.
Let’s not forget that this book is not just set in the war, but also present day. I loved that we are connected with Nell’s grand-daughter and this keeps the historical connections alive. Ellie is determined to find out more about her grandparents and embarks on a journey to England to discover what happened to her grandmother. Connecting with a distant aunt and cousins in the process, Wood emphasises the importance of family and also, most significantly, treasuring family memories. Frequently, it felt, the writer references how memories can fade with age and life; the crucial need to preserve this information is often overlooked and Ellie embodies this desire. I think this added another element to the story, making it more about family and less about the politics of the war.
I enjoyed this novel and was surprised at the plot development. The female characters in this story are all very strong and I generally admired their actions. Wood explores part of the Blitz that I had not been aware of and I think the portrayal of a bombed London was very vivid.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the Second World War, I was intrigued by the focus on a clockmaker. It had never occurred to me the importance of keeping Big Ben chiming and I think Wood successfully portrays this realism. A symbol of hope and togetherness, of course there would be experts in the background to ensure it would never fail. Yet, this story is not just about time-keeping, but moves to explore the hidden Fascist groups in London: supporters of Hitler’s regime who would happily support Nazi occupation. This is the key theme of the book.
Although Arthur is the clockmaker, the book is more about his wife, the heroic Nell. I warmed to her character very quickly, especially as her devotion to her husband is so apparent. Arthur’s disappearance is not as much of a major event in the story and I was surprised more attention was not paid to this part because this causes Nell’s character to really develop. Instead, I was a little disappointed that Wood glossed over this, condensing Arthur’s disappearance to a mere few pages. I think the narrative would have benefitted from extending this further as I really could not get a grasp of any threat that he may face.
In the early part of the story, Nell and Alice are forced to flee London after the bombings destroy the family home. When the story moves back to the City, I thought the pace completely intensified. I could get a sense of the fear that Nell felt and admired her brave, heroic actions. At the same time, however, I did miss the countryside and would have liked to have seen how the evacuees and Nell’s daughter, Alice, were faring. Yet, this would have lessened the impact of Nell’s movements and would not have created the sense of urgency that is so important to the overall story.
Let’s not forget that this book is not just set in the war, but also present day. I loved that we are connected with Nell’s grand-daughter and this keeps the historical connections alive. Ellie is determined to find out more about her grandparents and embarks on a journey to England to discover what happened to her grandmother. Connecting with a distant aunt and cousins in the process, Wood emphasises the importance of family and also, most significantly, treasuring family memories. Frequently, it felt, the writer references how memories can fade with age and life; the crucial need to preserve this information is often overlooked and Ellie embodies this desire. I think this added another element to the story, making it more about family and less about the politics of the war.
I enjoyed this novel and was surprised at the plot development. The female characters in this story are all very strong and I generally admired their actions. Wood explores part of the Blitz that I had not been aware of and I think the portrayal of a bombed London was very vivid.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2021
An interesting storyline but the book somehow felt flat. I didnt really connect with the characters. Some of the events felt implausible. The present day romance felt rushed and did not blend well in to the story. I wish I could have learnt more about Arthur and less about Ellie (from the present day timeline).
May 2, 2021
This is a fascinating story, covering dual timelines, with Nell in 1940, and her granddaughter, Ellie in 2021. This story is about courage and persistence with amazing details covering life in London during World War II.
Nell is still a newlywed, with a small baby daughter named Alice. Her husband, Arthur, is is a clockmaker and his job is to tend to the intricate timepiece that towers over Parliament, better known as Big Ben. When the air raids become worse, and they lose their home to German bombs, Nell decides to take Alice home to the country to live with her mother and father in Oxfordshire. But, when she gets a disturbing phone call from her husband, Arthur, she rushes back to London to find out he’s been arrested.
Meanwhile in, Westchester County 2021, Ellie discovers some interesting artifacts in her mother’s purse and decides it’s time to meet her English relatives, and see if she can find out how about the unusual circumstances of her grandmother’s untimely death.
This is a gripping historical novel, and although the actual events that led to Nell’s death are fiction, all the details of life during the war in London are accurate, and the vivid details of life in London during the war, are liberally sprinkled into the story.
The characters are realistic and have a depth of personality, especially Nell, Alice, and Ellie. The evacuees in Oxfordshire are portrayed wonderfully as amateur spies and explorers. The pacing of this book is excellent, and I can easily call this book a real page-turner.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially anyone interesting in historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Nell is still a newlywed, with a small baby daughter named Alice. Her husband, Arthur, is is a clockmaker and his job is to tend to the intricate timepiece that towers over Parliament, better known as Big Ben. When the air raids become worse, and they lose their home to German bombs, Nell decides to take Alice home to the country to live with her mother and father in Oxfordshire. But, when she gets a disturbing phone call from her husband, Arthur, she rushes back to London to find out he’s been arrested.
Meanwhile in, Westchester County 2021, Ellie discovers some interesting artifacts in her mother’s purse and decides it’s time to meet her English relatives, and see if she can find out how about the unusual circumstances of her grandmother’s untimely death.
This is a gripping historical novel, and although the actual events that led to Nell’s death are fiction, all the details of life during the war in London are accurate, and the vivid details of life in London during the war, are liberally sprinkled into the story.
The characters are realistic and have a depth of personality, especially Nell, Alice, and Ellie. The evacuees in Oxfordshire are portrayed wonderfully as amateur spies and explorers. The pacing of this book is excellent, and I can easily call this book a real page-turner.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially anyone interesting in historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 30, 2023
This was yet again ,another captivating and hard to put down book filled with heartbreaking situations of course. So much needless sorrow with innocent families lost and torn apart because of the war....it described the terror faced by the British as they were relentlessly bombed during the blitz. The courage they displayed in their effort to stick together and fight was so admirable! It was still insightful as often is with these historical type stories being based upon many true events. It was a fairly clean read for the most part, not a Christian one per say, but one without the f bombs everywhere nor crude language etc. I won't mind reading another by the author as it was intriguing with the mystery element.
June 16, 2021
Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The story is set in WWII London and the city is under siege by the Germans. Nightly bombings send everyone into shelters and the morning brings the devastating sight of property destroyed and loss of life into horrific view.
Nell and Arthur are newlyweds and have just had their first child, Eleanor. Their neighbors are kind enough to invite them into the shelter they have built, but Nell frets about the well being of her child as any mother would, but the baby carriage? Really? Nell is also somewhat insufferable. Arthur has a fascinating job keeping Big Ben’s mechanical systems working at perfection even during the war.
The dual storyline introduces us to Nell’s granddaughter (Eleanor’s child). Elle is at loose ends. She loves her job, but makes little money. She would like to know more about her extended family, but her mother makes little effort to help her. Elle decides to just head off to London and do some detective work.
This is 100% a page turner. To call it historical fiction is a stretch. Aside from the war and the bombings the story is pure fiction. It is not based on anyone’s life or even a compilation of factual circumstances. Nell just marches around Parliament without the necessary papers? She has access to people and documents just by chance? And what became of Arthur who has just disappeared?
Elle’s story has similar inconsistencies. Who in 2020 can afford to own a shop in NYC if it isn’t doing well? Who manages to get a flight to London in late December at a second’s notice without paying an extravagant fare which Elle does not have? Who goes without even googling their somewhat famous grandfather? Morning flight from JFK? There probably is one, but most international flights for Europe leave at night. The convoluted love interest is so predictable. Hey, there’s a cousin? Again, Google. London shops and museums are also closed up for much of the time between Christmas and New Years and Elle does a minimum of research even once in London.
The author wrote the book during the Pandemic. Did she use Google? Big Ben is still undergoing renovations which are not expected to be done until 2022. So just use my imagination that the story takes place before 2020 or some time in the future? There are too many contradictions in the timing (sorry, bad pun) to allow for that. There are great twists and turns though the writing is somewhat amateurish (spaghetti fragrant with garlic). I stormed through the book. But it isn’t historical fiction. It is historical fantasy.
Nell and Arthur are newlyweds and have just had their first child, Eleanor. Their neighbors are kind enough to invite them into the shelter they have built, but Nell frets about the well being of her child as any mother would, but the baby carriage? Really? Nell is also somewhat insufferable. Arthur has a fascinating job keeping Big Ben’s mechanical systems working at perfection even during the war.
The dual storyline introduces us to Nell’s granddaughter (Eleanor’s child). Elle is at loose ends. She loves her job, but makes little money. She would like to know more about her extended family, but her mother makes little effort to help her. Elle decides to just head off to London and do some detective work.
This is 100% a page turner. To call it historical fiction is a stretch. Aside from the war and the bombings the story is pure fiction. It is not based on anyone’s life or even a compilation of factual circumstances. Nell just marches around Parliament without the necessary papers? She has access to people and documents just by chance? And what became of Arthur who has just disappeared?
Elle’s story has similar inconsistencies. Who in 2020 can afford to own a shop in NYC if it isn’t doing well? Who manages to get a flight to London in late December at a second’s notice without paying an extravagant fare which Elle does not have? Who goes without even googling their somewhat famous grandfather? Morning flight from JFK? There probably is one, but most international flights for Europe leave at night. The convoluted love interest is so predictable. Hey, there’s a cousin? Again, Google. London shops and museums are also closed up for much of the time between Christmas and New Years and Elle does a minimum of research even once in London.
The author wrote the book during the Pandemic. Did she use Google? Big Ben is still undergoing renovations which are not expected to be done until 2022. So just use my imagination that the story takes place before 2020 or some time in the future? There are too many contradictions in the timing (sorry, bad pun) to allow for that. There are great twists and turns though the writing is somewhat amateurish (spaghetti fragrant with garlic). I stormed through the book. But it isn’t historical fiction. It is historical fantasy.
July 21, 2021
This was a very interesting Historical Fiction Story. I enjoy reading about people or places that I am not familiar with, or that is not written about often, and The Clockmaker’s Wife certainly fit the bill. This is a dual timeline story, but it was basically set in London, 1940. The Present Day, New York story gave some impetus to why the story was being told as well as to show what happened to the characters after the war ended.
It is 1940 and the Spellman family lives in London. Arthur, a German because his parents were born in Germany, English by birth, is one of the three men who keep Big Ben chiming. His wife, Nell and daughter leave London to live in the countryside, until Nell receives a phone call that Arthur has been arrested, he has been accused of being a Facist. She leaves her daughter and heads to London to help Arthur. What happens next makes this a gripping and interesting story. In present day New York, Ellie finds a beautiful watch that belonged to her grandmother, a woman she never met. She decides to find out what happened to her and learn about her ancestors. Her mother, Alice, is in a nursing home and is losing her memory, so this may be her last opportunity to find out about her grandmother. As she begins her search, she finds things that lead her to believe that perhaps she was a traitor. This can't be, so she keeps digging to find the true story.
I really enjoyed this story. I had no idea that Big Ben actually played a part in the defense of Europe. I really liked Nell's character. Her love for her husband surpassed everything and she was willing to risk her life to save him. As plots and secrets become known to her, she has to decide what she is willing to do for her country as well. The Clockmaker’s Wife is a very unique historical fiction story. I really enjoyed reading about the clocks and famous London landmarks. Daisy Wood explains how Big Ben chiming was a symbol of hope and togetherness. She explores part of the Blitz that I had not been aware of and I think the portrayal of a bombed London was very descriptive. I enjoyed her writing style and was drawn in by the plot quickly. This story brought to light the hidden Fascist groups in London: supporters of Hitler’s regime who would happily support Nazi occupation. This was one of the key themes of the book. The other themes mentioned in the synopsis include fierce love, impossible choices and a moment that changes the world forever. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sophie Bentinck. She does an amazing job with this story, becoming the characters in my mind. Her voice had a lot of emotion, pitch and perfect pacing. Another new narrator to me and one that I will watch for. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
It is 1940 and the Spellman family lives in London. Arthur, a German because his parents were born in Germany, English by birth, is one of the three men who keep Big Ben chiming. His wife, Nell and daughter leave London to live in the countryside, until Nell receives a phone call that Arthur has been arrested, he has been accused of being a Facist. She leaves her daughter and heads to London to help Arthur. What happens next makes this a gripping and interesting story. In present day New York, Ellie finds a beautiful watch that belonged to her grandmother, a woman she never met. She decides to find out what happened to her and learn about her ancestors. Her mother, Alice, is in a nursing home and is losing her memory, so this may be her last opportunity to find out about her grandmother. As she begins her search, she finds things that lead her to believe that perhaps she was a traitor. This can't be, so she keeps digging to find the true story.
I really enjoyed this story. I had no idea that Big Ben actually played a part in the defense of Europe. I really liked Nell's character. Her love for her husband surpassed everything and she was willing to risk her life to save him. As plots and secrets become known to her, she has to decide what she is willing to do for her country as well. The Clockmaker’s Wife is a very unique historical fiction story. I really enjoyed reading about the clocks and famous London landmarks. Daisy Wood explains how Big Ben chiming was a symbol of hope and togetherness. She explores part of the Blitz that I had not been aware of and I think the portrayal of a bombed London was very descriptive. I enjoyed her writing style and was drawn in by the plot quickly. This story brought to light the hidden Fascist groups in London: supporters of Hitler’s regime who would happily support Nazi occupation. This was one of the key themes of the book. The other themes mentioned in the synopsis include fierce love, impossible choices and a moment that changes the world forever. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sophie Bentinck. She does an amazing job with this story, becoming the characters in my mind. Her voice had a lot of emotion, pitch and perfect pacing. Another new narrator to me and one that I will watch for. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
April 30, 2023
You guys know I hate to "diss" an author, but this one was kind of "meh." I think that the more one becomes a prolific "reader" they become discriminating. I have long said, that when it comes to WWII and the Holocaust and dual time books, I have read just so many, that they better be the best of the best. They have to have some kind of a new angle, or elevated writing or something. This one is not necessarily YA, but it seems kind of "early reader" or "middle grade." That said, I did appreciate the author's effort. It's not easy to write a book. It definitely had some parts in it that showed off the author's skill. I think it would be a great introduction to the genre for a young reader.
June 22, 2021
I thought that this audio was excellent! The story was a dual time line which was effortlessly switched between the two, even on an audio book, you could tell the era if you happened to miss the date given. I found some parts of the story incredibly moving and well described that it was incredibly easy to envision. It is hard to believe that this is the authors first venture into writing books aimed at an adult audience, a fantastic debut book. If you enjoy WW2 historical fiction that are powerful and keep you enthralled then this is a great book and it deserves to do well.
June 18, 2021
1940, London: Britain is under attack by the Germans with bombs dropping at random. Nell Spelman has no choice but to escape the city to keep her and her daughter alive. She misses her husband Arthur, a clockmaker who keeps the Big Ben chiming on time.
A sudden call from Arthur, followed by his disappearance, causes Nell to reach London and find out what went wrong. The search leads Nell into darker places, and as the mystery unfolds, Nell has to risk her life to save the day.
2021, New York: Ellie has been dissatisfied with her life for a long time. When she meets her mother Alice in a nursing home one day, Ellie finally decides to know more about her past. Using her grandmother’s beautiful watch, she goes all the way to London to dig out the truth.
But will Ellie find what she wants? How does the truth change her life?
With such an attractive cover and premise, I had high hopes for this book. Dual timelines are interesting to read. The book started strong, and though I didn’t like Nell as much, I was interested to know how the story progressed.
Then came Ellie and her mother, Alice, a teeny baby when things got worse in 1940. Alice grew up, found Jeff, got married, and left for the US. Ellie is her only child, a 38-year-old, single woman and an owner of a kitchenware store in NY.
The book has an epilogue of sorts and ends on a happy note. That’s one plus because I like happy endings. The narration picks up speed after the first 25%, so that’s another plus. Some of the descriptions seemed a bit extra (this is coming from someone who loves imagery and descriptive prose).
Overall, The Clockmaker’s Wife is a decent story spanning different genres and timelines. The premise needed a better execution and an even better character development.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Avon Publishers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #TheClockmaker’s Wife
A sudden call from Arthur, followed by his disappearance, causes Nell to reach London and find out what went wrong. The search leads Nell into darker places, and as the mystery unfolds, Nell has to risk her life to save the day.
2021, New York: Ellie has been dissatisfied with her life for a long time. When she meets her mother Alice in a nursing home one day, Ellie finally decides to know more about her past. Using her grandmother’s beautiful watch, she goes all the way to London to dig out the truth.
But will Ellie find what she wants? How does the truth change her life?
With such an attractive cover and premise, I had high hopes for this book. Dual timelines are interesting to read. The book started strong, and though I didn’t like Nell as much, I was interested to know how the story progressed.
Then came Ellie and her mother, Alice, a teeny baby when things got worse in 1940. Alice grew up, found Jeff, got married, and left for the US. Ellie is her only child, a 38-year-old, single woman and an owner of a kitchenware store in NY.
The book has an epilogue of sorts and ends on a happy note. That’s one plus because I like happy endings. The narration picks up speed after the first 25%, so that’s another plus. Some of the descriptions seemed a bit extra (this is coming from someone who loves imagery and descriptive prose).
Overall, The Clockmaker’s Wife is a decent story spanning different genres and timelines. The premise needed a better execution and an even better character development.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Avon Publishers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #TheClockmaker’s Wife
May 30, 2021
Courage, bravery and heroism come in many forms, but Daisy Wood has focussed on those Britons who heeded the battle cry for bravery at home. This dual timeline historical fiction novel masterfully captures the essence of London at war.
Arthur Spelman works at the Palace of Westminster winding, adjusting and maintaining the hundreds of clocks that mark the hours as Parliament goes about its business. As the Blitz of London continues, you’ll see the heroes rise as they find the inner strength to help others survive the loss and devastation. Arthur’s wife, Eleanor, puts aside her fears and does whatever it takes – even risking her life to save Big Ben.
Educating readers on the Blitz, Anderson shelters, the evacuation of children to the countryside, food shortages and rationing, fascism, and King George VI speeches, Wood’s story accurately depicts London during wartime. She showcases the impossible choices ordinary people had to make and the defining moments that changed lives forever.
This novel has something for everyone: history, espionage, romance, and mystery.
I was fascinated learning about the origins of ‘The Big Ben Silent Minute'.
There's a great image in the May 30th edition of Daily Mail featuring restoration work. Google “Big Ben won’t bong until 2022”
To be published July 8, 2021, this novel will undoubtedly shed light on the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.
I was gifted this advance copy by Daisy Wood, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Arthur Spelman works at the Palace of Westminster winding, adjusting and maintaining the hundreds of clocks that mark the hours as Parliament goes about its business. As the Blitz of London continues, you’ll see the heroes rise as they find the inner strength to help others survive the loss and devastation. Arthur’s wife, Eleanor, puts aside her fears and does whatever it takes – even risking her life to save Big Ben.
Educating readers on the Blitz, Anderson shelters, the evacuation of children to the countryside, food shortages and rationing, fascism, and King George VI speeches, Wood’s story accurately depicts London during wartime. She showcases the impossible choices ordinary people had to make and the defining moments that changed lives forever.
This novel has something for everyone: history, espionage, romance, and mystery.
I was fascinated learning about the origins of ‘The Big Ben Silent Minute'.
There's a great image in the May 30th edition of Daily Mail featuring restoration work. Google “Big Ben won’t bong until 2022”
To be published July 8, 2021, this novel will undoubtedly shed light on the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.
I was gifted this advance copy by Daisy Wood, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 7, 2021
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy of The Clockmaker's Wife by Daisy Wood. The opinions that follow are all mine.
I am a huge fan of books set in WW2 so I was quite excited to be able to read this novel set in England - mostly in London, during the second World War. It is completely fictional, but the author has done an excellent job of giving a real feel to the time and place. I've found that sometimes it has been a bit of a struggle to concentrate on reading throughout the pandemic but this book captured my interest immediately and kept me reading in every spare minute that I could find. It was inspired with by the iconic Big Ben clock at the palace of Westminster and the authors imaginings of just what might have happened if someone had targeted this clock that contributed so much to the morale of British Citizens as it's peal was heard over daily radio broadcasts. As long as the bell rang, it symbolized that at least one country was resisting the oppression of the Nazi's.
The clockmaker in question was a young man named Arthur and as the story begins in 1939, he is giving Nell, the young woman he loves, a tour of the tower where he works. I learned a lot about the behind the scenes locale from this chapter and that knowledge was important as the story progressed. Nell and Arthur marry and in due time their beloved daughter Alice is born. By November 1940, the blitz is underway and nights are often spent attempting to sleep in a neighbour's shelter while bombs are falling all around. As I read, I felt as if I was sitting in the shelter with them imagining every blast. Nell has a good imagination and uses it to great advantage to center herself as the bombs are falling. Sadly - when morning comes it brings the discovery that their home has fallen victim to the Blitz and they have lost all their possessions. This meant that Nell would be forced to rely on her parents to open their home to her and Alice even though there was little space and it wasn't overly convenient. Again, I could feel the anguish that I know was so real for many families of the time. Maintaining contact with Arthur was a challenge and when Nell hears that he has been arrested she is determined to return to London to do all that she can do to see that he is set free.
Now Nell really is the heroine of the story and the rest of the book is filled with her experiences as she investigates why her husband has been arrested, what is the risk to Big Ben, goes undercover, becomes a spy and does so many other amazing things. The book is filled with action and with mystery and again details that help the reader to understand what life and work was like in those desperate days. It did not end as I expected it to and it surprised me by finishing in 2024. Nell was an amazing character and I really enjoyed learning her story and how everything came together.
The book also includes a modern day element as Ellie, Alice's daughter seeks to find out what she can about Alice's childhood and life before dementia robs Alice of any capacity for understanding. Clearly there had been disfunction in the past and Ellie heads to London to try and learn what she can, meeting family members she was unaware of in the process and learning more not just about Nell and Alice but also about herself and what was important to her. Both parts of the story flowed well but it was Nell's story that really grabbed me.
I am a huge fan of books set in WW2 so I was quite excited to be able to read this novel set in England - mostly in London, during the second World War. It is completely fictional, but the author has done an excellent job of giving a real feel to the time and place. I've found that sometimes it has been a bit of a struggle to concentrate on reading throughout the pandemic but this book captured my interest immediately and kept me reading in every spare minute that I could find. It was inspired with by the iconic Big Ben clock at the palace of Westminster and the authors imaginings of just what might have happened if someone had targeted this clock that contributed so much to the morale of British Citizens as it's peal was heard over daily radio broadcasts. As long as the bell rang, it symbolized that at least one country was resisting the oppression of the Nazi's.
The clockmaker in question was a young man named Arthur and as the story begins in 1939, he is giving Nell, the young woman he loves, a tour of the tower where he works. I learned a lot about the behind the scenes locale from this chapter and that knowledge was important as the story progressed. Nell and Arthur marry and in due time their beloved daughter Alice is born. By November 1940, the blitz is underway and nights are often spent attempting to sleep in a neighbour's shelter while bombs are falling all around. As I read, I felt as if I was sitting in the shelter with them imagining every blast. Nell has a good imagination and uses it to great advantage to center herself as the bombs are falling. Sadly - when morning comes it brings the discovery that their home has fallen victim to the Blitz and they have lost all their possessions. This meant that Nell would be forced to rely on her parents to open their home to her and Alice even though there was little space and it wasn't overly convenient. Again, I could feel the anguish that I know was so real for many families of the time. Maintaining contact with Arthur was a challenge and when Nell hears that he has been arrested she is determined to return to London to do all that she can do to see that he is set free.
Now Nell really is the heroine of the story and the rest of the book is filled with her experiences as she investigates why her husband has been arrested, what is the risk to Big Ben, goes undercover, becomes a spy and does so many other amazing things. The book is filled with action and with mystery and again details that help the reader to understand what life and work was like in those desperate days. It did not end as I expected it to and it surprised me by finishing in 2024. Nell was an amazing character and I really enjoyed learning her story and how everything came together.
The book also includes a modern day element as Ellie, Alice's daughter seeks to find out what she can about Alice's childhood and life before dementia robs Alice of any capacity for understanding. Clearly there had been disfunction in the past and Ellie heads to London to try and learn what she can, meeting family members she was unaware of in the process and learning more not just about Nell and Alice but also about herself and what was important to her. Both parts of the story flowed well but it was Nell's story that really grabbed me.
July 8, 2021
Arthur and Nell live in London in the late 1930s. Arthur is the clockmaker, or rather, the man who keeps Big Ben working. Both of them are newly married and very happy.
In 1940, their home is bombed during the Blitz and Nell goes to her parents' place with her baby, Alice. She expects Arthur to join her there for Christmas but receives a cryptic phone call from Arthur following which he is jailed, shortly after.
Nell goes back to London to unravel the events that caused Arthur's arrest and clear his name.
In 2020 New York, Ellie is dissatisfied with her life. Her best friend has become a mother and she is ever-increasingly busy nowadays. Ellie's shop isn't doing too well, either. Her mother, Alice, is in a hospital and Ellie suspects Alice is slowly losing her memory.
On a whim, Ellie decides to travel to London to see what she can find about her grandmother, Nell. Alice has no recollection of her mother because she died when Alice was still a baby. Ellie wants to give her mother something about her parents before she loses her memory altogether.
The premise is quite gripping and the dual storyline is a nice idea. However, I couldn't connect with the characters.
Ellie seems to resent her mother's presence yet she says she loves her. She also comes across as self-absorbed and childish many times. Even the epilogue has her complaining about Lucy. Ellie lands in London without the teeniest amount of research. Everyone else does everything for her. Couldn't she just Google stuff? How do you go to a new place and meet new people without knowing anything about them? Ellie also says that her shop is not doing well and consequently, she hasn't got much money. Yet, she manages to travel to London during Christmas without any pangs. The romance with Dan seemed forced and unnecessary. It was entirely expendable and we don't even get to know Dan all that well
If Ellie seemed childish, Nell was no better, especially in the beginning. She actually frets about a stroller her neighbours kindly give her when there are bombings all around. All she seems to care about is Arthur. Even if she desperately wants to smoke, she worries that Arthur won't like it. Her character later improves and she has a good character arc from precocious new wife to hardened woman.
I liked the side characters best. Brenda, Hetta, and Gillian were good. Max and Nathan were cute too. I am on the fence about Alice, though.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avin Books UK for the ARC.
3 stars.
In 1940, their home is bombed during the Blitz and Nell goes to her parents' place with her baby, Alice. She expects Arthur to join her there for Christmas but receives a cryptic phone call from Arthur following which he is jailed, shortly after.
Nell goes back to London to unravel the events that caused Arthur's arrest and clear his name.
In 2020 New York, Ellie is dissatisfied with her life. Her best friend has become a mother and she is ever-increasingly busy nowadays. Ellie's shop isn't doing too well, either. Her mother, Alice, is in a hospital and Ellie suspects Alice is slowly losing her memory.
On a whim, Ellie decides to travel to London to see what she can find about her grandmother, Nell. Alice has no recollection of her mother because she died when Alice was still a baby. Ellie wants to give her mother something about her parents before she loses her memory altogether.
The premise is quite gripping and the dual storyline is a nice idea. However, I couldn't connect with the characters.
Ellie seems to resent her mother's presence yet she says she loves her. She also comes across as self-absorbed and childish many times. Even the epilogue has her complaining about Lucy. Ellie lands in London without the teeniest amount of research. Everyone else does everything for her. Couldn't she just Google stuff? How do you go to a new place and meet new people without knowing anything about them? Ellie also says that her shop is not doing well and consequently, she hasn't got much money. Yet, she manages to travel to London during Christmas without any pangs. The romance with Dan seemed forced and unnecessary. It was entirely expendable and we don't even get to know Dan all that well
If Ellie seemed childish, Nell was no better, especially in the beginning. She actually frets about a stroller her neighbours kindly give her when there are bombings all around. All she seems to care about is Arthur. Even if she desperately wants to smoke, she worries that Arthur won't like it. Her character later improves and she has a good character arc from precocious new wife to hardened woman.
I liked the side characters best. Brenda, Hetta, and Gillian were good. Max and Nathan were cute too. I am on the fence about Alice, though.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avin Books UK for the ARC.
3 stars.
July 8, 2021
Arthur and Nell live in London in the late 1930s. Arthur is the clockmaker, or rather, the man who keeps Big Ben working. Both of them are newly married and very happy.
In 1940, their home is bombed during the Blitz and Nell goes to her parents' place with her baby, Alice. She expects Arthur to join her there for Christmas but receives a cryptic phone call from Arthur following which he is jailed, shortly after.
Nell goes back to London to unravel the events that caused Arthur's arrest and clear his name.
In 2020 New York, Ellie is dissatisfied with her life. Her best friend has become a mother and she is ever-increasingly busy nowadays. Ellie's shop isn't doing too well, either. Her mother, Alice, is in a hospital and Ellie suspects Alice is slowly losing her memory.
On a whim, Ellie decides to travel to London to see what she can find about her grandmother, Nell. Alice has no recollection of her mother because she died when Alice was still a baby. Ellie wants to give her mother something about her parents before she loses her memory altogether.
The premise is quite gripping and the dual storyline is a nice idea. However, I couldn't connect with the characters.
Ellie seems to resent her mother's presence yet she says she loves her. She also comes across as self-absorbed and childish many times. Even the epilogue has her complaining about Lucy. Ellie lands in London without the teeniest amount of research. Everyone else does everything for her. Couldn't she just Google stuff? How do you go to a new place and meet new people without knowing anything about them? Ellie also says that her shop is not doing well and consequently, she hasn't got much money. Yet, she manages to travel to London during Christmas without any pangs. The romance with Dan seemed forced and unnecessary. It was entirely expendable and we don't even get to know Dan all that well
If Ellie seemed childish, Nell was no better, especially in the beginning. She actually frets about a stroller her neighbours kindly give her when there are bombings all around. All she seems to care about is Arthur. Even if she desperately wants to smoke, she worries that Arthur won't like it. Her character later improves and she has a good character arc from precocious new wife to hardened woman.
I liked the side characters best. Brenda, Hetta, and Gillian were good. Max and Nathan were cute too. I am on the fence about Alice, though.
3 stars.
In 1940, their home is bombed during the Blitz and Nell goes to her parents' place with her baby, Alice. She expects Arthur to join her there for Christmas but receives a cryptic phone call from Arthur following which he is jailed, shortly after.
Nell goes back to London to unravel the events that caused Arthur's arrest and clear his name.
In 2020 New York, Ellie is dissatisfied with her life. Her best friend has become a mother and she is ever-increasingly busy nowadays. Ellie's shop isn't doing too well, either. Her mother, Alice, is in a hospital and Ellie suspects Alice is slowly losing her memory.
On a whim, Ellie decides to travel to London to see what she can find about her grandmother, Nell. Alice has no recollection of her mother because she died when Alice was still a baby. Ellie wants to give her mother something about her parents before she loses her memory altogether.
The premise is quite gripping and the dual storyline is a nice idea. However, I couldn't connect with the characters.
Ellie seems to resent her mother's presence yet she says she loves her. She also comes across as self-absorbed and childish many times. Even the epilogue has her complaining about Lucy. Ellie lands in London without the teeniest amount of research. Everyone else does everything for her. Couldn't she just Google stuff? How do you go to a new place and meet new people without knowing anything about them? Ellie also says that her shop is not doing well and consequently, she hasn't got much money. Yet, she manages to travel to London during Christmas without any pangs. The romance with Dan seemed forced and unnecessary. It was entirely expendable and we don't even get to know Dan all that well
If Ellie seemed childish, Nell was no better, especially in the beginning. She actually frets about a stroller her neighbours kindly give her when there are bombings all around. All she seems to care about is Arthur. Even if she desperately wants to smoke, she worries that Arthur won't like it. Her character later improves and she has a good character arc from precocious new wife to hardened woman.
I liked the side characters best. Brenda, Hetta, and Gillian were good. Max and Nathan were cute too. I am on the fence about Alice, though.
3 stars.
June 12, 2021
Grandmother’s Story
This is a dual timeline story. Ellie’s mother is failing, but before she does Ellie wants to find the story of her Grandmother so her mother’s mind can be at ease before she passes. The time in 2021, the place is America.
Ellie travels to England to find a long lost aunt and try to find out about her grandmother. The story she finds of her Grandmother Nell is one of love, patriotism, and sacrifice.
Nell and Arthur live in London. Arthur works keeping Big Ben running, he is a clockmaker. Nell and Arthur have a young daughter named Alice. When the blitz starts Nell leaves London and takes Alice to her parent’s home in the country leaving Arthur behind. When Arthur disappears for no reason Nell comes back to find out what is going on and in doing so uncovers a dark plot against Britain. In trying to help her husband she makes a great sacrifice.
The story was interesting and a very clean read. It is filled with love, patriotism, evil forces, and tragedy. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Daisy Wood, Avon Books,U.K. , and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
This is a dual timeline story. Ellie’s mother is failing, but before she does Ellie wants to find the story of her Grandmother so her mother’s mind can be at ease before she passes. The time in 2021, the place is America.
Ellie travels to England to find a long lost aunt and try to find out about her grandmother. The story she finds of her Grandmother Nell is one of love, patriotism, and sacrifice.
Nell and Arthur live in London. Arthur works keeping Big Ben running, he is a clockmaker. Nell and Arthur have a young daughter named Alice. When the blitz starts Nell leaves London and takes Alice to her parent’s home in the country leaving Arthur behind. When Arthur disappears for no reason Nell comes back to find out what is going on and in doing so uncovers a dark plot against Britain. In trying to help her husband she makes a great sacrifice.
The story was interesting and a very clean read. It is filled with love, patriotism, evil forces, and tragedy. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Daisy Wood, Avon Books,U.K. , and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
August 6, 2021
*Disclaimer: I was kindly gifted an electronic copy of this book by Netgalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review.
"Wars had been fought, fires had raged and people had died in the streets below, but these bells had carried on striking and the vast clock had counted the minutes through it all."
Five reasons why you should read The Clockmaker's Wife
1. It's a historical fiction set in London in 1940 during the Blitz.
2. The Big Ben plays an important part in the story.
3. There is research into family history.
4. An unexpected romance blossoms.
5. Sacrifice for the safety of others.
The Clockmaker's Wife by Daisy Wood is a novel set in London in 1940 about Eleanor (Nell) Spelman, the wife of the clockmaker Arthur Spelman who maintains the chiming of Big Ben. Bombs are falling and buildings are left in rubble; fear and anxiety grip London and its residents.
After their house is bombed and reduced to nothing, Arthur begs his wife Nell to take their daughter Alice and stay with her mother in the country. While living with her mother, Nell receives a distressing call from Arthur and she knows her husband needs her. Leaving Alice in her mother's care, Nell returns to London and goes undercover to find Arthur. Nell meets people along the way, some become friends and other enemies.
After finding a Fascist badge between Arthur's possessions, Nell is filled with doubt. Arthur's family was Jewish, why would he possess a Fascist badge?
In the present day, Alice is grown up, an elderly woman at this point, and has a child of her own named Ellie who is the look-alike of her late mother. Ellie visits her mother in a nursing home and inquires about her mother's childhood. Ellie only knows that her grandmother died during the Blitz, her grandfather remarried and had a daughter, Gillian, the half-sister her mother now despises. After the mention of family photos, Ellie searches through her mother's possessions and discovers a part of history that takes her on a journey to London to find out more about her mysterious grandmother and the aunt her mother loathes.
This story is aptly named since it centres around Nell Spelman; a brave woman who made a choice to help her husband during a dangerous time and died while doing so. It's a dual timeline and I like that we get to know Nell better through her granddaughter's research. The setting comes to life with the author's beautiful descriptions and it's evident that the author did research about Big Ben and the maintaining of it.
"The dolphin streetlamps along the Embankment are shining like strings of pearls as the sinking sun outlines fleecy clouds in pink and gold; the lights of barges heading towards the docks gleam like fireflies on the water."
It's interesting to experience the contrast of the magnificent presence of Big Ben and the carnage the bombing left behind. This is a story of hope and inspiration; through all the pain love drove one woman to make a choice that affected the lives of her daughter and granddaughter. This journey down memory lane brings an unexpected romance and closeness between family members.
This is the first historical fiction I've read that is set in London and I really enjoyed it. If you liked The Girl Behind The Wall by Mandy Robotham, you will enjoy this book.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
"Wars had been fought, fires had raged and people had died in the streets below, but these bells had carried on striking and the vast clock had counted the minutes through it all."
Five reasons why you should read The Clockmaker's Wife
1. It's a historical fiction set in London in 1940 during the Blitz.
2. The Big Ben plays an important part in the story.
3. There is research into family history.
4. An unexpected romance blossoms.
5. Sacrifice for the safety of others.
The Clockmaker's Wife by Daisy Wood is a novel set in London in 1940 about Eleanor (Nell) Spelman, the wife of the clockmaker Arthur Spelman who maintains the chiming of Big Ben. Bombs are falling and buildings are left in rubble; fear and anxiety grip London and its residents.
After their house is bombed and reduced to nothing, Arthur begs his wife Nell to take their daughter Alice and stay with her mother in the country. While living with her mother, Nell receives a distressing call from Arthur and she knows her husband needs her. Leaving Alice in her mother's care, Nell returns to London and goes undercover to find Arthur. Nell meets people along the way, some become friends and other enemies.
After finding a Fascist badge between Arthur's possessions, Nell is filled with doubt. Arthur's family was Jewish, why would he possess a Fascist badge?
In the present day, Alice is grown up, an elderly woman at this point, and has a child of her own named Ellie who is the look-alike of her late mother. Ellie visits her mother in a nursing home and inquires about her mother's childhood. Ellie only knows that her grandmother died during the Blitz, her grandfather remarried and had a daughter, Gillian, the half-sister her mother now despises. After the mention of family photos, Ellie searches through her mother's possessions and discovers a part of history that takes her on a journey to London to find out more about her mysterious grandmother and the aunt her mother loathes.
This story is aptly named since it centres around Nell Spelman; a brave woman who made a choice to help her husband during a dangerous time and died while doing so. It's a dual timeline and I like that we get to know Nell better through her granddaughter's research. The setting comes to life with the author's beautiful descriptions and it's evident that the author did research about Big Ben and the maintaining of it.
"The dolphin streetlamps along the Embankment are shining like strings of pearls as the sinking sun outlines fleecy clouds in pink and gold; the lights of barges heading towards the docks gleam like fireflies on the water."
It's interesting to experience the contrast of the magnificent presence of Big Ben and the carnage the bombing left behind. This is a story of hope and inspiration; through all the pain love drove one woman to make a choice that affected the lives of her daughter and granddaughter. This journey down memory lane brings an unexpected romance and closeness between family members.
This is the first historical fiction I've read that is set in London and I really enjoyed it. If you liked The Girl Behind The Wall by Mandy Robotham, you will enjoy this book.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
February 15, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for offering me a free ARC of this book. Unfortunately I didn’t finish it in time and ended up buying it anyway, since I went past the loan period whilst in the middle of it . No matter. It was well worth the purchase. I read a lot of WWII fiction and am also somewhat of an Anglophile so was drawn to this one, and especially liked it. There is a compelling mystery, likeable characters, exciting events, interesting dual-time period connected stories and the setting was well-drawn. It’s actually a fast read. It was me who got sidetracked, not the author. She clearly did her research and this made the story very interesting by focusing on the blitz and especially Big Ben and the clock. (You will have to read the book to understand the difference, if you don’t know already). It was clear without looking it up that this story was written by a Brit. The language, especially the expressions, seemed right for the place and correct for the time period, making it easy to get lost in the story because of it’s feel of authenticity. I hate when modern language is used in mouths from 80 years ago, but that is not the case in this one. This is a very good read for lovers of WWII historical novels and one that would make a great film.
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