The Watchmaker of Filigree Street Read-Along discussion

We're finishing through Chapter 27 tomorrow! What an intense section!



-How are you feeling about Grace at this point? Are her reactions to Mori understandable?
-In this section, we saw how Mori used his abilities to convince Ito to let him leave for England. What are your thoughts on Mori's actions and Ito's resonses?
-Let's talk about the kiss between Mori and Thaniel-- did you see it coming?

-Oh Grace. As much as I love the idea of a lady scientist doing what she has to do to find success, she lost all chance of my love when she had the golden pear trees cut down. She's cruel and thoughtless, and far too possessive of Thaniel for their agreement.

-Mori's ability to see every move on the chess board for a game that hasn't started yet constantly amazes me. The way he sculpts situations (planting the grass!) is just a joy to read. Mori's threat against Ito's wife was ruthless, but I also understood his motive. He could see the future-- he knew the threat would be enough to help him get to England without him needing to actually harm any innocents.

-THE KISSSSSSS. These two are just so achingly in love. It kills me. The first time I read it, I shipped it like crazy, and was absolutely delighted to find out I wasn't just imagining things.

- I am definitely not fond of Grace. I think her reactions to Mori would be more understandable if she wasn't constantly focused on how it was impacting her life rather than actual concern for Thaniel. At times it seems like she does care for him, but she is far too concerned about what she wants and is willing to go to such extreme measures to rid Mori from Thaniel's life that she refuses to acknowledge what it might do to Thaniel.

- I definitely do not blame Ito for his reactions, seeing as it would be horrifying. But, I can't blame Mori for what he did either. He knew what would be happening in England, and if stating a potential future even if it was horrible was needed to get him there, then that was the course of action that needed to be taken. Also, in the making of the threat he actually saved her life, in a way.

- I don't even think I can begin to describe my emotions when reaching that scene, other than just crazily excited. It was also exceedingly comforting to know that Grace wasn't getting to Thaniel at all in regards to her perceptions of Mori, and I just, I really love the relationship between Thaniel and Mori. It is absolutely wonderful.

I'm going to answer without looking at the other answers first, but I just want everyone to know that I cannot overstate how much pain I'm in right now.

- I understand and like Grace much better on the reread. She's hurt and angry and scared and--frankly--getting a raw deal. So is Thaniel, but he also hurts her just as much as she hurts him, even if he's more subtle about it. I don't think I can give him a pass and not give her one, too.

- I'm still not sure on that one, but I am pained that their mini-bromance ended so poorly. They respected each other, and I like that. And I do think Mori considered AND considers Ito a friend. Maybe mentioning the bees wasn't just a threat? Maybe he saved her from something that would have happened anyways had Ito left Japan for any reason at all. Maybe it wasn't a "Let me do this or I will cause this" but rather a "Let me do this or you will cause this."

- I had an out-there suspicion the first time I read but was still surprised it actually happened. Obviously I knew this time.

Also, as an aside, parts of this pairing are so similar to Gen and Costis from my favorite book, The King of Attolia that I just can't handle it.

Shae wrote: "I'm going to answer without looking at the other answers first, but I just want everyone to know that I cannot overstate how much pain I'm in right now.

- I understand and like Grace much better o..."

In what ways did Thaniel hurt her as well? I can definitely believe that there are some ways, but I think I might be too blind-sighted with my love for Thaniel and Mori's relationship to pick up on them directly.

Jessica wrote: "Shae wrote: "I'm going to answer without looking at the other answers first, but I just want everyone to know that I cannot overstate how much pain I'm in right now.

- I understand and like Grace ..."

If you're engaged, you're engaged. You don't flirt with your boy toy in front of your fiance. You don't pick his side over hers. And you deeeeefinitely don't ditch your wife on your wedding night to go have sex with him.

Shae wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Shae wrote: "I'm going to answer without looking at the other answers first, but I just want everyone to know that I cannot overstate how much pain I'm in right now.

- I understand..."

Gotcha, okay yah. Those things I did notice.

Shae wrote: If you're engaged, you're engaged.

- You don't flirt..."

I see where you're coming from, but I don't think either of them entered this marriage of convenience expecting the other one to become suddenly devoted. Thaniel never promised to start taking her side over Mori's, and she would have to have been completely oblivious to think he would.

The kiss was less defensible. If anything, they should have explicitly discussed if they were the kind of on-paper marriage where they could have something on the side, rather than Thaniel making assumptions about it.

Either way, it hurts me. They all deserve better, and society is the root of all their problems. (No societal structure allowing bi/homosexual relationships! No welfare support for his sister and her children! Women weren't allowed to be independent scientists and inherit wealth/property!)