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The Clockwork Man
Ernst, the first man made of clockwork, is hailed as a marvel of late 19th-century automation and gains endless admirers, but when his love for the daughter of his creator is abruptly cut short, his serene existence is shattered.
268 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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1067 people want to read
About the author
William Jablonsky
9 books2 followersWilliam Jablonsky is originally from Rock Falls, Illinois, and is a graduate of Bowling Green State University’s creative writing program. His first book, a collection of short fiction titled The Indestructible Man, was published by Livingston Press in 2005. His stories have appeared in many nationally distributed literary journals, including Asimov's, Shimmer, Bourbon Penn, the FLorida Review, and many others. He lives in Dubuque, Iowa with his wife, young son, and surly cat, and teaches fiction writing and classes about fairy tales and superheroes at Loras College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 30, 2010
I think I got more than I bargained for here in The Clockwork Man. I usually enjoy novels that have things blow up, wise cracking detectives, international tales of intrigue, secret agents saving the world from the next newest megalomaniac. Here I get to read about a guy made of clock parts and he brings upon me some serious introspective questions, making me examine things I don’t wish to think about or knew I needed to ponder. Go figure. This is essentially a diary from a man made of clock pieces, original idea, you bet. This is no Frankenstein tale; it is the life and times of Ernst.
Here is a little something about the novel if you don’t believe me: “Ernst’s world is one of endless admirers, including foreign dignitaries and heads of state. Hailed as a marvel of the late 19th century automation, he is the crowning achievement of his master, Karl Gruber. A world-famous builder of automated clocks, Gruber has reached the pinnacle of his art in Ernst- a man constructed entirely of clockwork.
Educated and raised in the Gruber household to be a gentle, caring soul, Ernst begins to discover a profound love for his master’s daughter, Giselle. Just as their relationship becomes intimate, however, tragedy strikes and the family falls apart. Ernst’s serene and happy existence is shattered and changed forever. Abandoned, knowing no other life but the one he has led, Ernst allows himself to wind down in a kind of suicide. Over 100 years later, he awakens in a strange new land, the world he’s known long gone.”
I have the feeling that William Jablonsky uses a few literary tools here to make us think of the world around us. Me being the simplistic one, had to dig deep to understand the direction he was traveling in. Do I enjoy that type of thing, once in a while, yes? Thankfully this is once in a while. The lines he draws and the plotline with the Clockwork Man was very interesting and raised a number of questions for me: How do I view people? Why do I view them in the way I do? How is it I wish to be viewed and accepted? What does it feel like to be the only one your kind and viewed just a little bit differently than the rest? The diary of the Clockwork Man is definitely a different flav, be prepared.
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Here is a little something about the novel if you don’t believe me: “Ernst’s world is one of endless admirers, including foreign dignitaries and heads of state. Hailed as a marvel of the late 19th century automation, he is the crowning achievement of his master, Karl Gruber. A world-famous builder of automated clocks, Gruber has reached the pinnacle of his art in Ernst- a man constructed entirely of clockwork.
Educated and raised in the Gruber household to be a gentle, caring soul, Ernst begins to discover a profound love for his master’s daughter, Giselle. Just as their relationship becomes intimate, however, tragedy strikes and the family falls apart. Ernst’s serene and happy existence is shattered and changed forever. Abandoned, knowing no other life but the one he has led, Ernst allows himself to wind down in a kind of suicide. Over 100 years later, he awakens in a strange new land, the world he’s known long gone.”
I have the feeling that William Jablonsky uses a few literary tools here to make us think of the world around us. Me being the simplistic one, had to dig deep to understand the direction he was traveling in. Do I enjoy that type of thing, once in a while, yes? Thankfully this is once in a while. The lines he draws and the plotline with the Clockwork Man was very interesting and raised a number of questions for me: How do I view people? Why do I view them in the way I do? How is it I wish to be viewed and accepted? What does it feel like to be the only one your kind and viewed just a little bit differently than the rest? The diary of the Clockwork Man is definitely a different flav, be prepared.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
July 6, 2010
I loved this book. It is a diary of Ernst, a clockwork man, who was built by a famed German clock maker. Not only does he makes some intriguing and beautiful clocks that are renowned throughout the world in the late 1800s, but he has made Ernst. Ernst begins by telling us that he is keeping this journal at the request of both his maker and an academic who suggested he write down his thoughts and feelings for others to learn from them.
Jablonsky does a wonderful job of making Ernst a wonderful narrator for this story. It is almost as if you are truly reading the journal of a clockwork man. The struggles he faces and how he does not quite understand things. I am at times reminded of Data from the Star Trek series as he is many years old but still learning the ways of the world and how people interact and do what they do to themselves and others. Although given the time differences, I believe Data had quite an easier time than Ernst. Automatons were considerably rare and anything out of the ordinary was thought to be the work of the devil and out to hurt people.
The details described and the characters themselves are well portrayed and this story is so vivid in description it is not hard to fall into the world of Ernst’s first life and subsequent life after many years in isolation. His choices are difficult but he succeeds in all that he sets out to accomplish.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a quick read that will draw you in until you cannot wait to find out what will happen next.
Jablonsky does a wonderful job of making Ernst a wonderful narrator for this story. It is almost as if you are truly reading the journal of a clockwork man. The struggles he faces and how he does not quite understand things. I am at times reminded of Data from the Star Trek series as he is many years old but still learning the ways of the world and how people interact and do what they do to themselves and others. Although given the time differences, I believe Data had quite an easier time than Ernst. Automatons were considerably rare and anything out of the ordinary was thought to be the work of the devil and out to hurt people.
The details described and the characters themselves are well portrayed and this story is so vivid in description it is not hard to fall into the world of Ernst’s first life and subsequent life after many years in isolation. His choices are difficult but he succeeds in all that he sets out to accomplish.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a quick read that will draw you in until you cannot wait to find out what will happen next.
February 21, 2011
Finished reading The Clockwork Man (2010) by William Jablonsky last night. It was a fine read, about a sentient robot, Ernst, built in 1887 by a master German clockmaker, Karl Gruber.
I’m a sucker for robot stories, especially stories about sentient ones. The second science fiction novel I remember reading was The Naked Sun (1957) by Isaac Asimov featuring R. (for robot) Daneel Olivaw. I must have been around 10 years old. [I can’t remember the title or the author of the first sf novel I can remember reading, but it featured a time machines; something else I’m a sucker for.]
Just under half of The Clockwork Man takes place in the late 1800s & the rest in 2005. Despite the setting and Ernst’s clockwork nature I wouldn’t classify this as Steampunk. In my mind, Steampunk requires a culture of advanced (by our historical standard) technology, not just (as in this case) a single unique construction. [For a good Steampunk novel about a thinking robot I recommend The Alchemy of Stone (2008) by Ekaterina Sedia.]
Like all good robot stories The Clockwork Man is a story about the nature of humanity and what it means to be human. However unlike other stories of nearly human robots (for example, Andrew in Asimov’s “The Bicentennial Man” (1976)), Ernst has no desire to actually be human. He understands and (mostly) accepts that he is not human and is merely an object, a possession. In The Clockwork Man it’s the characters that interact with Ernst (at least some of them) who see him as an equal.
Part of the story in The Clockwork Man is a lament for times past. In the beginning Ernst is living with the family of his creator in Frankfurt as their servant. Eventually, after a familial tragedy, Ernst goes off-line (let’s himself ‘run down’ in the language of the book). After his reawakening over a hundred years later, in 2005, in America he is out of sorts (although perhaps not as mystified as one might expect). He struggles with some of the changes, and learns with horror of the two World Wars and their effect on his homeland.
Perhaps the only reason he survives is his basic acceptance of things he cannot change. Some of this acceptance is due to his gentlemanly 19th Century reserve, and some an extension of his attitude towards himself.
Bottom line: A (mostly) fun read , with some interesting turns of plot. Enrst is a mostly believable character (but I’m pretty willing to suspend disbelief); as are most of the other characters in both his worlds. Jablonsky has an earlier book, The Indestructible Man (2006), a short story collection, that I may look up. According to the editorial review on Amazon.com, it also deals with “what it means to be human”.
I’m a sucker for robot stories, especially stories about sentient ones. The second science fiction novel I remember reading was The Naked Sun (1957) by Isaac Asimov featuring R. (for robot) Daneel Olivaw. I must have been around 10 years old. [I can’t remember the title or the author of the first sf novel I can remember reading, but it featured a time machines; something else I’m a sucker for.]
Just under half of The Clockwork Man takes place in the late 1800s & the rest in 2005. Despite the setting and Ernst’s clockwork nature I wouldn’t classify this as Steampunk. In my mind, Steampunk requires a culture of advanced (by our historical standard) technology, not just (as in this case) a single unique construction. [For a good Steampunk novel about a thinking robot I recommend The Alchemy of Stone (2008) by Ekaterina Sedia.]
Like all good robot stories The Clockwork Man is a story about the nature of humanity and what it means to be human. However unlike other stories of nearly human robots (for example, Andrew in Asimov’s “The Bicentennial Man” (1976)), Ernst has no desire to actually be human. He understands and (mostly) accepts that he is not human and is merely an object, a possession. In The Clockwork Man it’s the characters that interact with Ernst (at least some of them) who see him as an equal.
Part of the story in The Clockwork Man is a lament for times past. In the beginning Ernst is living with the family of his creator in Frankfurt as their servant. Eventually, after a familial tragedy, Ernst goes off-line (let’s himself ‘run down’ in the language of the book). After his reawakening over a hundred years later, in 2005, in America he is out of sorts (although perhaps not as mystified as one might expect). He struggles with some of the changes, and learns with horror of the two World Wars and their effect on his homeland.
Perhaps the only reason he survives is his basic acceptance of things he cannot change. Some of this acceptance is due to his gentlemanly 19th Century reserve, and some an extension of his attitude towards himself.
Bottom line: A (mostly) fun read , with some interesting turns of plot. Enrst is a mostly believable character (but I’m pretty willing to suspend disbelief); as are most of the other characters in both his worlds. Jablonsky has an earlier book, The Indestructible Man (2006), a short story collection, that I may look up. According to the editorial review on Amazon.com, it also deals with “what it means to be human”.
October 7, 2010
Mr. Jablonksky captured perfectly the quiet, refined and formal voice of the Victoria era, now found only in older books by Wells and Vern.
This book explores the concepts of sentience, personal freedom, and moral codes adhered to despite social standards.
The character, Ernst, the Clockwork Man, originally obeys these moral standards out of a sense of "programing" though so base a word is never used. As time goes on, he develops his own motivation to adhering to the same high standards.
The author went on to leave the ending open for sequels, which I find a bit distasteful. A sequel so planned smacks of consumerism, a thing his very hero even objects to. Write the story. Draw it to your conclusion. If a sequel is warranted, then write that as well. If it is intended to be multiple books, then so be it, but still end the story at an ending. Ending with the hero beginning a "new chapter" in their life is not an ending.
Besides that minor gripe, I think the concepts explored could have been explored to a better depth and to a better conclusion - none are given. It would have been nice to have our hero learn and GROW from his experiences, not just learn. As it stands, he is still lead, he does not take the initiative unless it is a life or death situation (but he did that from the moment he was created, so nothing learned there either). He still needs prompting to take action.
The pacing is good - slow but that is fitting with the voice of the time. I applaud the author for being daring enough to do this and stick with it, in this age of explosions and bad computer generated images.
ANY steampunk fan worth their brass and copper boiler plate better love this story, or forever hang up their goggles.
This book explores the concepts of sentience, personal freedom, and moral codes adhered to despite social standards.
The character, Ernst, the Clockwork Man, originally obeys these moral standards out of a sense of "programing" though so base a word is never used. As time goes on, he develops his own motivation to adhering to the same high standards.
The author went on to leave the ending open for sequels, which I find a bit distasteful. A sequel so planned smacks of consumerism, a thing his very hero even objects to. Write the story. Draw it to your conclusion. If a sequel is warranted, then write that as well. If it is intended to be multiple books, then so be it, but still end the story at an ending. Ending with the hero beginning a "new chapter" in their life is not an ending.
Besides that minor gripe, I think the concepts explored could have been explored to a better depth and to a better conclusion - none are given. It would have been nice to have our hero learn and GROW from his experiences, not just learn. As it stands, he is still lead, he does not take the initiative unless it is a life or death situation (but he did that from the moment he was created, so nothing learned there either). He still needs prompting to take action.
The pacing is good - slow but that is fitting with the voice of the time. I applaud the author for being daring enough to do this and stick with it, in this age of explosions and bad computer generated images.
ANY steampunk fan worth their brass and copper boiler plate better love this story, or forever hang up their goggles.
September 25, 2010
Herr Gruber is Europe’s finest clockmaker. His piece de resistance is a clockwork, sentient man named Ernst. Ernst’s tale “unwinds” via his journal which chronicles his observations as disparate as witnessing the birth of National Socialism, and his love of the clockmaker’s daughter Giselle. After a series of tumultuous events which cause him to unwind and lose consciousness, Ernst awakens in a shop window in 2005 Milwaukee. He’s been bought by the shop owner to be used as a curiosity to attract business. Reduced to a slave-like existence (guarded and shackled), Ernst notices a homeless man who frequently stares at him through the shop window. Eventually liberated by Greeley (the homeless man), the pair find refuge underground until a serial killer/rapist abducts their friend Carrie. Can the dynamic duo prevail over evil? This allegoric tale packs a whopper of a story framed by what it’s like to live as a minority and as an outsider.
May 26, 2017
The book is the story of Ernst- the clock work man who was created by the greatest clock maker of all times, Karl Gruber in Germany in the late 19th century. Though Ernst is completely made of clock work, he is no ordinary automated machine and is never treated as one by his master Gruber or by the master’s daughter and son and is educated by Gruber to become the perfect gentleman with a kind and caring soul. The story proceeds to show the reader how Ernst earns the fame of being the marvel of the century in no time while he is slowly developing a strong relationship with the family member’s of the household. Just as Ernst is learning to embrace the relationship he is developing, tragedy strikes and the family falls apart. Having lost the people he loved and being abandoned by his family, he winds himself down which can be compared to a kind of suicide.
Ernst wakes up to a whole new world and it is the discovery of this new world that is so heart warming and interesting that I can assure you once you reach this portion of the book you wouldn’t be able to stop reading.
One of the best things about the book was...Read complete review here: http://www.coml13.com/the-clockwork-m...
Ernst wakes up to a whole new world and it is the discovery of this new world that is so heart warming and interesting that I can assure you once you reach this portion of the book you wouldn’t be able to stop reading.
One of the best things about the book was...Read complete review here: http://www.coml13.com/the-clockwork-m...
August 12, 2017
2.5
I liked the first half way more than the second.
I liked the first half way more than the second.
March 29, 2025
great book, plot practically seemed made for me lol. well written and inspired me to write my own short story about a clockwork robot.
July 21, 2012
Ernst, a clock work man was the master piece of his creator Karl Gruber, the “Leonardo” of clocks. Created during pre-war Europe, Germany to be precise, the life of Ernst revolves around his master and his family until tragedy strikes and the onslaught of events that follow lead to Ernst waking up in modern America more than 100 years later as a window dressing. Having known a life filled with love, admiration and respect, he is confused to be present in a time and society where nobody seems to understand his real nature or care enough to try. Is he doomed to be a mannequin for the rest of his existence? Will he find his destiny and would he forgive himself for what happened to Giselle, his beloved masters daughter?
When I started reading this book, I thought I was going to stop mid way but then I was already half way through the book before I could realise it! Pretty good fiction I say! Slow but sure :)
The story did not unfold in a pace that I would have liked but every chapter had enough drama and characterization to keep one turning the pages. It was amazing to think that a mechanical man (imagine a robot if you will) could be as real as a human being and in this case a near perfect gentleman…What was more interesting was the ability of Ernst to experience human emotions like happiness, guilt and fear but his logical thought process led him to believe that this was due to a glitch in his system!
The characters of Karl Gruber, his daughter Giselle and son Jakob have also been beautifully contrasted. Giselle the talented and blooming young woman with her whole life ahead of her is Ernst’s greatest admirer and daddies little girl while Jakob is the jealous one. The chapters that detail the change in fortunes and mind sets of the Gruber family leading to Jakob joining Hitler and his men during World War 2 had my undivided attention. The appearances of American characters such as Thomas Alvah Edison and Henry Ford with their ideas on mass production ultimately shapes the future of Ernst and his journey away from his much loved Germany
Now to some other interesting aspects of the book - for someone who has only heard about Germany, Hitler, world war and the damage it caused, this book threw some light on the country before the war. Little pieces of German history, art and architecture, lifestyles and food are scattered through out the book and made me take a renewed interest in the country and its history.
The entire book is narrated in first person the form of journal entries which makes it easier to read. This also helps to keep the pace as the sequence of events unfold from the 19th century to the 20th.A few chapters such as the intimate encounter between Ernst and Giselle could have been avoided considering that the story of their romance was progressing well even without it.
The chapters on his life in America with Greenley, a homeless man for company is all about self-discovery for Ernst. He goes through the emotions of any normal person during his crime fighting adventures and his abilities to think logically but execute his thoughts mechanically will make readers fall in love with Ernst as he becomes a hero. But will he turn into a Superhero? The answer lies in the last page of the book and you should read it yourself to find out :)
When I started reading this book, I thought I was going to stop mid way but then I was already half way through the book before I could realise it! Pretty good fiction I say! Slow but sure :)
The story did not unfold in a pace that I would have liked but every chapter had enough drama and characterization to keep one turning the pages. It was amazing to think that a mechanical man (imagine a robot if you will) could be as real as a human being and in this case a near perfect gentleman…What was more interesting was the ability of Ernst to experience human emotions like happiness, guilt and fear but his logical thought process led him to believe that this was due to a glitch in his system!
The characters of Karl Gruber, his daughter Giselle and son Jakob have also been beautifully contrasted. Giselle the talented and blooming young woman with her whole life ahead of her is Ernst’s greatest admirer and daddies little girl while Jakob is the jealous one. The chapters that detail the change in fortunes and mind sets of the Gruber family leading to Jakob joining Hitler and his men during World War 2 had my undivided attention. The appearances of American characters such as Thomas Alvah Edison and Henry Ford with their ideas on mass production ultimately shapes the future of Ernst and his journey away from his much loved Germany
Now to some other interesting aspects of the book - for someone who has only heard about Germany, Hitler, world war and the damage it caused, this book threw some light on the country before the war. Little pieces of German history, art and architecture, lifestyles and food are scattered through out the book and made me take a renewed interest in the country and its history.
The entire book is narrated in first person the form of journal entries which makes it easier to read. This also helps to keep the pace as the sequence of events unfold from the 19th century to the 20th.A few chapters such as the intimate encounter between Ernst and Giselle could have been avoided considering that the story of their romance was progressing well even without it.
The chapters on his life in America with Greenley, a homeless man for company is all about self-discovery for Ernst. He goes through the emotions of any normal person during his crime fighting adventures and his abilities to think logically but execute his thoughts mechanically will make readers fall in love with Ernst as he becomes a hero. But will he turn into a Superhero? The answer lies in the last page of the book and you should read it yourself to find out :)
October 21, 2011
So I picked this book up from the library because I'm obsessed with robots. It wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be, but it wasn't bad. Just not really what I wanted...
warning for slight spoilers? Mostly of overarcing themes rather than specific plot points.
Chief complaints:
-Ernst needs to learn some US History too, lawl. Germany is hardly unique in its phase of cruelty.
-I am not a big fan of the journal style. It takes away suspense because you know he must be alive and decently well in order to be writing.
-I feel like the author was only half committed to Ernst being a robot... he had emotions and knowledge that he shouldn't really have. He understands too much. He says at times that he does not experience emotion like a human, but all evidence is to the contrary so it is sort of unbelievable. I was also somewhat annoyed that he had much of a sense of touch. The wires under his suede would be able to perhaps feel pressure, maybe even light pressure, but he should not be able to feel that something is 'soft'
-the Giselle/Ernst scene is... weird.... *do not want* couldn't they have just kissed? Wouldn't that have sufficed?!
-the ending does feel rushed and unsatisfactory
-it is grim. Really grim. Lots of allusions to rape and murder. Lovely. Sorta wish I had known before going in.
-the pacing is sort of wonky. The book doesn't really follow the standard pacing for introduction of the conflict and resolution and such. It's weird how jarring it is to read a book that deviates from that.
-I feel like Ernst didn't develop all that much as a character.
Despite my complaints, it really wasn't a bad book or story. I'd probably read a sequel though I wouldn't rush out for it. Ernst is somewhat like an Asimov robot, but as I said, not nearly robotic enough to keep me reading for the sake of "robot!"...(which is why I picked the book up in the first place). The actual writing was good for the most part, though sometimes awkward considering the journal format. I don't know that I'd read it again though.
I do agree with the others who mentioned that it doesn't really seem like steampunk proper. I always thought steampunk is sort of "yesterday's tomorrow" but clearly tomorrow came the same way as it did in real life, so... I don't think it can really be called steampunk just because there's a clockmaker.
Finally, I'm not sure what the author was trying to tell me. Just a story? I like some meat to my stories. I like stories that make me think in ways I haven't before. Perhaps it's because I come from the world of Asimov, but the book offered little in regards to new material of a robot's place in the world. Perhaps if the author had pursued more into a robot's place in Christianity or so like he glanced over, there would have been something new and interesting to tell there... I have not really run across a story that directly deals with how Christianity might deal with a sentient AI.. if there's ever a Christian in stories like this, they're always some weirdo fanatic like in Edward Scissorhands. It'd be a treat to see the topic explored respectfully.I would have liked to see Ernst have more conversations with Sister Judith.
warning for slight spoilers? Mostly of overarcing themes rather than specific plot points.
Chief complaints:
-Ernst needs to learn some US History too, lawl. Germany is hardly unique in its phase of cruelty.
-I am not a big fan of the journal style. It takes away suspense because you know he must be alive and decently well in order to be writing.
-I feel like the author was only half committed to Ernst being a robot... he had emotions and knowledge that he shouldn't really have. He understands too much. He says at times that he does not experience emotion like a human, but all evidence is to the contrary so it is sort of unbelievable. I was also somewhat annoyed that he had much of a sense of touch. The wires under his suede would be able to perhaps feel pressure, maybe even light pressure, but he should not be able to feel that something is 'soft'
-the Giselle/Ernst scene is... weird.... *do not want* couldn't they have just kissed? Wouldn't that have sufficed?!
-the ending does feel rushed and unsatisfactory
-it is grim. Really grim. Lots of allusions to rape and murder. Lovely. Sorta wish I had known before going in.
-the pacing is sort of wonky. The book doesn't really follow the standard pacing for introduction of the conflict and resolution and such. It's weird how jarring it is to read a book that deviates from that.
-I feel like Ernst didn't develop all that much as a character.
Despite my complaints, it really wasn't a bad book or story. I'd probably read a sequel though I wouldn't rush out for it. Ernst is somewhat like an Asimov robot, but as I said, not nearly robotic enough to keep me reading for the sake of "robot!"...(which is why I picked the book up in the first place). The actual writing was good for the most part, though sometimes awkward considering the journal format. I don't know that I'd read it again though.
I do agree with the others who mentioned that it doesn't really seem like steampunk proper. I always thought steampunk is sort of "yesterday's tomorrow" but clearly tomorrow came the same way as it did in real life, so... I don't think it can really be called steampunk just because there's a clockmaker.
Finally, I'm not sure what the author was trying to tell me. Just a story? I like some meat to my stories. I like stories that make me think in ways I haven't before. Perhaps it's because I come from the world of Asimov, but the book offered little in regards to new material of a robot's place in the world. Perhaps if the author had pursued more into a robot's place in Christianity or so like he glanced over, there would have been something new and interesting to tell there... I have not really run across a story that directly deals with how Christianity might deal with a sentient AI.. if there's ever a Christian in stories like this, they're always some weirdo fanatic like in Edward Scissorhands. It'd be a treat to see the topic explored respectfully.I would have liked to see Ernst have more conversations with Sister Judith.
May 3, 2015
When I first heard about this book (from the author himself!) what initally intrigued me was that it began in Germany but ended in Milwaukee, WI and I dare anyone to name at least one fiction book that takes place in Wisconsin, much less Milwaukee. So the fact that part of it took place in a city I had actually been to was definetly a plus.
The book is told in the form of Ernst aka "the clockwork man"'s diary and this, along with his formal speech is what really makes the book so unique. Along with Ernst being made entirely of cogs and gears. What I liked about the diary aspect was that I got a very good sense of Ernst's character and voice. Sometimes, I would get so wrapped in the events that he described and his comentary on the world around him that I would forget that I was really reading his diary until the next date and time appeared.
The settings and characters were very vivid throughout the book. Even the minor characters like Sister Judith, Carrie and Herr Lentz, I was able to get a clear image of. The same goes for the settings of 19th century Frankfurt to modern day Milwaukee, it's very clear that the author did his reasearch.
Two aspects of the book that I really liked were the fact that Ernst was completely content with his existence as a clockwork man and had no desire to become human. While this gave a unique aspect to the book, I also feel that the idea of a manmade object wanting to become human is a plot device that has been done enough in one form or another. And because I'm a hopeless romantic, the romance between Ernst and his master's daughter, Giselle was a great deminsion to the book and was very well-handled, espeically in the case of a very intimate scene between the two that is left to the reader to imagine what happens.
"The Clockwork Man" is a great first novel for its author and a completely refreshing reading expirence for me, the reader. Not only was it interesting to read directly from the main character's POV, but that the fact that main character was a human made of cogs and gears. Even if you aren't into reading books in a diary form or have never heard of "steampunk", give this one a try. It's unlike any diary you've read before, I'll know I'll be reading it again.
The book is told in the form of Ernst aka "the clockwork man"'s diary and this, along with his formal speech is what really makes the book so unique. Along with Ernst being made entirely of cogs and gears. What I liked about the diary aspect was that I got a very good sense of Ernst's character and voice. Sometimes, I would get so wrapped in the events that he described and his comentary on the world around him that I would forget that I was really reading his diary until the next date and time appeared.
The settings and characters were very vivid throughout the book. Even the minor characters like Sister Judith, Carrie and Herr Lentz, I was able to get a clear image of. The same goes for the settings of 19th century Frankfurt to modern day Milwaukee, it's very clear that the author did his reasearch.
Two aspects of the book that I really liked were the fact that Ernst was completely content with his existence as a clockwork man and had no desire to become human. While this gave a unique aspect to the book, I also feel that the idea of a manmade object wanting to become human is a plot device that has been done enough in one form or another. And because I'm a hopeless romantic, the romance between Ernst and his master's daughter, Giselle was a great deminsion to the book and was very well-handled, espeically in the case of a very intimate scene between the two that is left to the reader to imagine what happens.
"The Clockwork Man" is a great first novel for its author and a completely refreshing reading expirence for me, the reader. Not only was it interesting to read directly from the main character's POV, but that the fact that main character was a human made of cogs and gears. Even if you aren't into reading books in a diary form or have never heard of "steampunk", give this one a try. It's unlike any diary you've read before, I'll know I'll be reading it again.
February 23, 2017
I spent most of the book just wanting to give Ernst a hug. it was interesting to read the story from his point of view as he learned more of people, and came to see the humanity they saw in himself. Fantastic.
July 17, 2012
When I picked up this book for a read, my basic assumption was that I was picking up a sci-fi title. The name suggested that, and whatever I read of the blurb did too. I have read science fiction before, but mainly of the Michael Crichton genre. Thrillers, in one word. But when I finally read this book, in the first couple of chapters I realised, this, was not that.
So what is 'The Clockwork man' about? As the name suggests, it is about a machine-man, called Ernst. One who is invented by a famous clockmaker of the 19th century. Still sounds like science fiction? Well, this is where it ends.
The Clockwork man takes you on a through and through emotional journey, all from the eyes of this machine-man, who is supposed to have no feelings, no emotions. "Created to fascinate, designed to serve, until he broke free”, he lives to this tagline. He is treated as a member of the family by his creator, and he lives for them, to serve them.
Ernst, is not a mere invention, he is an individual. And the book is narrated in the form of his diary where he notes down all that he sees, his views on 'his' family, especially about Giselle, the inventor's daughter, for whom he has a soft corner, something unlikely in a machine.
The language and the visuals in the narrative are very 19th century, which adds to the authenticity of the tale. Half the book later, circumstances change, and Ernst wakes up in 2005. The contrast between the time periods is depicted in a very fascinating manner.
That being said, I found it difficult to associate the feelings of Ernst to someone who is not supposed to have any, and I kept imagining him as just another person, perhaps a servant, who is indebted to the family, and in general is too innocent to understand the ways of the world. That made the story more believable, especially in the second half, when he reminisces the past often.
Overall, an interesting read, because it gives you an unlikely combination of sentiments and science fiction. But I would still suggest you give it a go, if the concept interests you. And also because, overall, the narration, the contrasts drawn in time and the visuals depicted , are quite impressive.
So what is 'The Clockwork man' about? As the name suggests, it is about a machine-man, called Ernst. One who is invented by a famous clockmaker of the 19th century. Still sounds like science fiction? Well, this is where it ends.
The Clockwork man takes you on a through and through emotional journey, all from the eyes of this machine-man, who is supposed to have no feelings, no emotions. "Created to fascinate, designed to serve, until he broke free”, he lives to this tagline. He is treated as a member of the family by his creator, and he lives for them, to serve them.
Ernst, is not a mere invention, he is an individual. And the book is narrated in the form of his diary where he notes down all that he sees, his views on 'his' family, especially about Giselle, the inventor's daughter, for whom he has a soft corner, something unlikely in a machine.
The language and the visuals in the narrative are very 19th century, which adds to the authenticity of the tale. Half the book later, circumstances change, and Ernst wakes up in 2005. The contrast between the time periods is depicted in a very fascinating manner.
That being said, I found it difficult to associate the feelings of Ernst to someone who is not supposed to have any, and I kept imagining him as just another person, perhaps a servant, who is indebted to the family, and in general is too innocent to understand the ways of the world. That made the story more believable, especially in the second half, when he reminisces the past often.
Overall, an interesting read, because it gives you an unlikely combination of sentiments and science fiction. But I would still suggest you give it a go, if the concept interests you. And also because, overall, the narration, the contrasts drawn in time and the visuals depicted , are quite impressive.
May 2, 2011
The idea behind The Clockwork Man immediately attracted my attention after I saw the riveting cover on the shelf at Chapters –a technological Frankenstein’s monster from the 1800s alive in present day Milwaukee. I was intrigued. I read the prologue in the store then rushed to the till and bought it.
About less than 100 pages in I realized this book wasn’t going to do what I wanted it to do. Alas. Overall the book was interesting and fairly original. The writing was good given it’s a first novel for the author. However, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of characterisation of Ernst, a sentient man of cogs and wheels instead of flesh and blood. The emotions he feels and writes about in his journal (the format of the book) are good but not good enough. At the end I found I wanted more, especially given the series of events that transpires early in his life. I think the problem was the minimal passage of time in the book considering it extends from 1893 to 2005, although Ernst was “winded down” for much of the time.
This book has such potential in every way but I want more! I want more of Giselle and Ernst’s relationship –it should have had more time to evolve. I wanted more time with the Master. I wanted more time with Jakob after The Event. I wanted more time with Greeley. I wanted more emotions and realization and time with Ernst. I really just wanted more from this book because it could have delivered.
I think the format had something to do with that lack. The journal format isn’t always the best format. I think the story would have benefited from a direct first person narration. But I’m just giving my inner writing critic too much freedom here.
All of that being said I really enjoyed this story. It had me bawling through most of it, mainly due to Ernst’s lack of realization about some of his later emotions and the great tragedy of The Event. This is a great take on the Frankenstein story and I was so happy to see that Gruber went right where Victor went wrong.
About less than 100 pages in I realized this book wasn’t going to do what I wanted it to do. Alas. Overall the book was interesting and fairly original. The writing was good given it’s a first novel for the author. However, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of characterisation of Ernst, a sentient man of cogs and wheels instead of flesh and blood. The emotions he feels and writes about in his journal (the format of the book) are good but not good enough. At the end I found I wanted more, especially given the series of events that transpires early in his life. I think the problem was the minimal passage of time in the book considering it extends from 1893 to 2005, although Ernst was “winded down” for much of the time.
This book has such potential in every way but I want more! I want more of Giselle and Ernst’s relationship –it should have had more time to evolve. I wanted more time with the Master. I wanted more time with Jakob after The Event. I wanted more time with Greeley. I wanted more emotions and realization and time with Ernst. I really just wanted more from this book because it could have delivered.
I think the format had something to do with that lack. The journal format isn’t always the best format. I think the story would have benefited from a direct first person narration. But I’m just giving my inner writing critic too much freedom here.
All of that being said I really enjoyed this story. It had me bawling through most of it, mainly due to Ernst’s lack of realization about some of his later emotions and the great tragedy of The Event. This is a great take on the Frankenstein story and I was so happy to see that Gruber went right where Victor went wrong.
May 17, 2011
The Clockwork Man is about just that—a man made of clockwork. He was created in the 1800s by Karl Gruber, the clockmaker of his time. While Ernst (the clockwork man) is obviously not human, he functions on his own and the Gruber family treats him like a real person. It's almost like a steampunk Frankenstein. When tragedy strikes the family, Ernst allows himself to wind down and shut off, but is awakened one hundred years later in an unfamiliar world.
The concept is really cool. I like clocks. I like steampunk. But I wasn't crazy about the execution. The book reads as Ernst's diary, which of itself is a good idea, but this means there was a lot of "telling" rather than "showing." Apparently Ernst and Gruber's daughter, Giselle, have a sort of "romantic" relationship, but it was difficult to grasp this from Ernst's point of view. He's not wired for emotions like that, so we really only see Giselle's advances toward a mechanical man. It didn't feel like the big love story it was meant to be.
Just when something begins to happen in the Gruber story, there's an awful tragedy and Ernst commits his version of suicide—that is, neglecting to wind himself up so that he stops ticking. When he wakes one hundred years later, he's forced to face his existence and his past. This part of the story really wasn't interesting.
If his self-reflection lasted only a couple chapters, I could have dealt with it. But the entire second half of the book is Ernst hiding from the public, trying to figure things out, and having weird hallucinations about Giselle. Apparently there's a great contemplation over what it means to be alive, but I was too distracted by nothing happening that I completely missed it.
It's disappointing that I didn't enjoy this more. I don't think it's even proper steampunk, despite the category pronounced on the book's spine.
The concept is really cool. I like clocks. I like steampunk. But I wasn't crazy about the execution. The book reads as Ernst's diary, which of itself is a good idea, but this means there was a lot of "telling" rather than "showing." Apparently Ernst and Gruber's daughter, Giselle, have a sort of "romantic" relationship, but it was difficult to grasp this from Ernst's point of view. He's not wired for emotions like that, so we really only see Giselle's advances toward a mechanical man. It didn't feel like the big love story it was meant to be.
Just when something begins to happen in the Gruber story, there's an awful tragedy and Ernst commits his version of suicide—that is, neglecting to wind himself up so that he stops ticking. When he wakes one hundred years later, he's forced to face his existence and his past. This part of the story really wasn't interesting.
If his self-reflection lasted only a couple chapters, I could have dealt with it. But the entire second half of the book is Ernst hiding from the public, trying to figure things out, and having weird hallucinations about Giselle. Apparently there's a great contemplation over what it means to be alive, but I was too distracted by nothing happening that I completely missed it.
It's disappointing that I didn't enjoy this more. I don't think it's even proper steampunk, despite the category pronounced on the book's spine.
January 28, 2013
Stumbled upon this book on one of my weekend bookstore jaunts. It seemed interesting and on reading, it was!
Based on the intriguing concept of a man made entirely of clockwork and his life in the house of his creator, his 'Master'; a genius German clock maker and a good human being; the story is narrated in the first person by Ernst - The Clockwork Man himself. Written in the form of a memoir, it's a quaint story of love, loss and survival spanning centuries. It's a simple, easy read that is bittersweet and yet strangely uplifting. Ernst is a 'gentleman', and his narrative is appropriately 'gentleman-like'. His love for Giselle and it's consequences - direct and indirect form the crux of the story and yet we are also treated to a glimpse of everyday life in a small German town, and a telling look at the human psyche as the people surrounding him react to his uniquely strange appearance, to the very miracle that is his existence. His interactions with humans - make for some interesting encounters and enjoyable reading.
Ernst's appearance and existence - best described as a transitional form of life, hovering somewhere between robot and human is fascinating. There are times when he seems closer to an automaton and others when he behaves entirely like a human! My only wish was for the author to have described his physicality in as much detail as he did his emotions and thoughts. He lightly touches on the fact of a 'brain' made of light, translucent discs, but never goes into actual details of how, where, and why. Perhaps this is an intentional attempt to enhance the mystery, which it does, but I would have preferred more details. I don't know whether this book fits into the sci-fi slot, coz it reads more like drama, but I suppose one can loosely consider it such based on the basic premise.
All in all, an enjoyable read, that I'm not likely to forget in a hurry.
Based on the intriguing concept of a man made entirely of clockwork and his life in the house of his creator, his 'Master'; a genius German clock maker and a good human being; the story is narrated in the first person by Ernst - The Clockwork Man himself. Written in the form of a memoir, it's a quaint story of love, loss and survival spanning centuries. It's a simple, easy read that is bittersweet and yet strangely uplifting. Ernst is a 'gentleman', and his narrative is appropriately 'gentleman-like'. His love for Giselle and it's consequences - direct and indirect form the crux of the story and yet we are also treated to a glimpse of everyday life in a small German town, and a telling look at the human psyche as the people surrounding him react to his uniquely strange appearance, to the very miracle that is his existence. His interactions with humans - make for some interesting encounters and enjoyable reading.
Ernst's appearance and existence - best described as a transitional form of life, hovering somewhere between robot and human is fascinating. There are times when he seems closer to an automaton and others when he behaves entirely like a human! My only wish was for the author to have described his physicality in as much detail as he did his emotions and thoughts. He lightly touches on the fact of a 'brain' made of light, translucent discs, but never goes into actual details of how, where, and why. Perhaps this is an intentional attempt to enhance the mystery, which it does, but I would have preferred more details. I don't know whether this book fits into the sci-fi slot, coz it reads more like drama, but I suppose one can loosely consider it such based on the basic premise.
All in all, an enjoyable read, that I'm not likely to forget in a hurry.
July 20, 2012
I’m not a huge fan of steampunk, but I’m very glad I tried out The Clockwork Man. I had pretty much expected a juvenile science fiction thriller riding out a very old plot, but a few pages in, I found myself completely sold on the author’s style and maturity.
Ernst is an automaton, made of increate clockwork, by a master clockmaker, in 19th century Germany. He is intelligent, and capable of feeling most human emotions, albeit to a controlled degree. Ernst, who narrates his story himself, is a gentle robot, and feels protective towards his master’s children, particularly the daughter whom he comes to love. When a terrible tragedy crumples up Ernst’s family, he opts out, allowing himself to wind down in a sort of machine suicide. When he comes to life again, a hundred years have passed, he has been moved to a different continent, and all sorts of new adventures await him. But what will he have to do to shake off the horrible memories of his past life?
The story itself was not mind-blowingly new, pretty much all sentient automaton stories have the same flavor. But what I liked most in The Clockwork Man is the maturity of the narration. At all times, Mr. Jablinsky maintains a calm and consistent style of storytelling, and at no point does your attention wander. The pace is never too taut, but all the same, he thrills you and moves you in just the right measure. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written adventures.
Ernst is an automaton, made of increate clockwork, by a master clockmaker, in 19th century Germany. He is intelligent, and capable of feeling most human emotions, albeit to a controlled degree. Ernst, who narrates his story himself, is a gentle robot, and feels protective towards his master’s children, particularly the daughter whom he comes to love. When a terrible tragedy crumples up Ernst’s family, he opts out, allowing himself to wind down in a sort of machine suicide. When he comes to life again, a hundred years have passed, he has been moved to a different continent, and all sorts of new adventures await him. But what will he have to do to shake off the horrible memories of his past life?
The story itself was not mind-blowingly new, pretty much all sentient automaton stories have the same flavor. But what I liked most in The Clockwork Man is the maturity of the narration. At all times, Mr. Jablinsky maintains a calm and consistent style of storytelling, and at no point does your attention wander. The pace is never too taut, but all the same, he thrills you and moves you in just the right measure. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written adventures.
February 5, 2015
Full and Detailed review: http://cynthology.blogspot.com/2012/0...
The Clockwork Man is at heart the story of a mechanical man who exhibits more human characteristics than most of the human beings around him. The plot is delineated in the form of a diary, maintained by Ernst in order to edify the academic community about the genius of his Master, Gruber.
The prose in the first part of the book is especially beautiful perhaps as a reminder of the Old World beauty that was Europe before the World War. The second part is discordant in keeping with the frenetic change of pace that is an intrinsic part of the world around us. One of the things that stood out like a sore thumb for me was the development of a relationship between Ernst and the girl. Couldn’t the plot have progressed without the addition of that element?
I liked the character of Ernst, and could not shake off the feeling that his gentleness and niceness caused him to outshine the humans around him. This one is a must-read. I definitely think so.
The Clockwork Man is at heart the story of a mechanical man who exhibits more human characteristics than most of the human beings around him. The plot is delineated in the form of a diary, maintained by Ernst in order to edify the academic community about the genius of his Master, Gruber.
The prose in the first part of the book is especially beautiful perhaps as a reminder of the Old World beauty that was Europe before the World War. The second part is discordant in keeping with the frenetic change of pace that is an intrinsic part of the world around us. One of the things that stood out like a sore thumb for me was the development of a relationship between Ernst and the girl. Couldn’t the plot have progressed without the addition of that element?
I liked the character of Ernst, and could not shake off the feeling that his gentleness and niceness caused him to outshine the humans around him. This one is a must-read. I definitely think so.
June 9, 2016
Personally, this was a refreshing book compared to some of the trite I've read in the past few weeks.
However, on its own, it is an interesting story. The style and overall diction match what is being conveyed and Ernst is a relatable, likeable, and interesting character. The story goes into detail that most people would react and how a few might be able to see past it, especially once they got to know him and were open to the matter.
The reason I knocked it down a star is for two reasons. First, the cover spoils about half of the plotline, which annoys me. Second, because it doesn't go into more detail about
However, on its own, it is an interesting story. The style and overall diction match what is being conveyed and Ernst is a relatable, likeable, and interesting character. The story goes into detail that most people would react and how a few might be able to see past it, especially once they got to know him and were open to the matter.
The reason I knocked it down a star is for two reasons. First, the cover spoils about half of the plotline, which annoys me. Second, because it doesn't go into more detail about
March 31, 2011
I can't figure out the audience for this book. On the one hand, the story is very simplistic. No twists, nothing new added to the robot/AI genre. On the other hand, it's pretty grim, so it's not a little-geek's-first-steampunk story either. It started well, but didn't go much of anywhere. And there were quite a few incongruities that bothered me (Can you spell 'Milwaukee' correctly if you've never heard of it? Does it really not bother someone from the 19th century that girls are wearing pants now? Can you really identify a security camera immediately based a speculative idea from that same century? and so on). It felt like a plot was laid down, and then all the details were built around it solely to get from point A to point B. Can't say that I'd recommend it, though at least it was quick.
June 14, 2011
This fable is told in first person with journal entries. What I particularly found refreshing is that the Clockwork Man never once desires to be human...a plot device typically found in this type of allegorical tale. Ernst is eager to please, and even when he's abused and disrespected, he displays the human ideal of compassion that most humans fail to reach. The only thing that prevented me from giving this book five stars is, at times, the narrative is redundant and there is a discrepancy about the language of the diary and how an American policeman is able to read German journal entries. Does he speak German? It's never explained. The intimate encounter also felt jarring, in that it felt like it came out of nowhere. The story could've progressed without it. Regardless, the character of Ernst, and his desire to live as his Master envisioned him is stirring.
July 26, 2012
A mechanical robot which has some level of consciousness and feelings; although not called a robot; but instead referred as a clockwork man since he is designed by a clock designer.
By accentuating the feelings and thoughts of the mechanical being; the author indirectly makes us aware of what we are losing out and missing out in life; things very special to human beings which we ignore and don't enjoy.
The story reminded me of the movie Bicentennial Man in many ways. The story moves forward with our clockwork man getting a little intimate with the daughter … and then … the daughter is gone. The clockwork man is ‘hurt’ and he attempts 'suicide' and goes into a 'mechanical coma'; waking up in a completely new world after more than a century.
The clockwork man’s life becomes a continuous process of discovery about the new world around him.
By accentuating the feelings and thoughts of the mechanical being; the author indirectly makes us aware of what we are losing out and missing out in life; things very special to human beings which we ignore and don't enjoy.
The story reminded me of the movie Bicentennial Man in many ways. The story moves forward with our clockwork man getting a little intimate with the daughter … and then … the daughter is gone. The clockwork man is ‘hurt’ and he attempts 'suicide' and goes into a 'mechanical coma'; waking up in a completely new world after more than a century.
The clockwork man’s life becomes a continuous process of discovery about the new world around him.
April 16, 2012
I found this book to be very interesting. I liked how it was told in two parts and in first person, but I confess I would have liked maybe a few 3rd person scenes of what happened to Ernst during his asleep time. Or, well, maybe not knowing really is the best way. Though, I would have loved to have seen Ernst return or learn more about what happened to his former family. Ernst was such a complex character, I loved how he felt and thought. All the characters were fun and different. The only thing that I didn't care for was the manner in which the event to Giselle happened. I wishe we had gotten a good reason as to why.
July 16, 2011
While the story of a constructed man is an old one, Jablonsky gives us a refreshing take on the situation. The Clockwork Man is told in the form of the Diary of it's titular character, and through this first person perspective we get to see the world around him, first of Victorian era Germany, and than other places as the journey of a man perpetually out of place takes place. It's certainly not the most amazing read I've read, but it was really enjoyable and moved along quite well. I kept waiting to see what would happen next, and the author did an excellent job of setting up expectations so you'd want to read further to find out when things might happen.
June 15, 2012
When reading a book about a supposed automaton from the past, especially a book written in the style of a diary, one doesn't expect to be able to connect to what he is 'feeling'. The fact that this book has emotion, written from the perspective of "The Clockwork Man" is extraordinary. While reading you are forced to reconsider what your definition of humanity, and humane treatment is through the experiences that Ersnt is put through. Definitely a good read if you have an open mind, and want to experience something unique.
December 31, 2010
Wonderful book about a mechanical man Ernst written from the mechanical man's perspective. Ernst was built by Europe's greatest clockmaker. The book is split into two time periods, late 19th century Germany and early 21st century Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ernst goes through a number of trying experiences. This book asks the deeper question of who owns a sentient being. Eventually we as a society will build sentient beings, will they be our slaves or will they be free?
October 4, 2011
I really enjoyed this steampunk version of Frankenstein's monster. Ernst is a man made of clockwork who writes his innermost thoughts in a journal. The novel *is* his journal and we learn that Ernst has many more feelings and thoughts than we would have ever imagined. After a family tragedy, he finds himself in America in 2005. Quite a different world from his beloved 1890 Germany. A fun, yet introspective, read.
~Leisa
~Leisa
Read
April 19, 2011I picked this book up at whim from the library one day and I have to say my choice wasn't wrong this is tale of a clockwork man named Ernst who experiences many things in his life love, loss, tragedy, friendship and self worth at being his own individual. Also dealing with how society views him and the many lives he's effected.
August 31, 2012
Not truly sci-fi or steampunk.
An expert clockmaker creates a clockwork human. However, the clockwork man, Ernst, is much more and seems to develop empathy, emotion, loyalty and anger.
The story is told from the journal of Ernst life. It is engrossing and enjoyable. The ending does not wrap things up neatly, which is a good ending in this case.
An expert clockmaker creates a clockwork human. However, the clockwork man, Ernst, is much more and seems to develop empathy, emotion, loyalty and anger.
The story is told from the journal of Ernst life. It is engrossing and enjoyable. The ending does not wrap things up neatly, which is a good ending in this case.
March 16, 2015
Usually, I don't read this kind of books so you can imagine how surprised I was when I couldn't leave the bookstore without this book in my backpack.
My intuition was right.
Now, at the end of the story I was left on my knees with a thrill in my heart and joy in my soul for having the honor to read this fabolous book. :)
My intuition was right.
Now, at the end of the story I was left on my knees with a thrill in my heart and joy in my soul for having the honor to read this fabolous book. :)
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