The Clockmaker's Daughter

The house, Birchwood Manor, near the banks of the River Thames is the setting for this novel by Kate Morton. The story is interwoven between several time periods - primarily 1862, 1899, 1940, 2017 and is told by different narrators over time. However the constant throughout all the interlocking stories is Birdie, the clockmaker's daughter.

Elodie, an archivist, discovers a satchel that belonged to an artist, Edward Radcliffe. The satchel contains an artist's sketchbook and a sepia photograph of a young lady dressed in Victorian style clothing. Elodie knows immediately that these items are something special and her investigations eventually lead her to Birchwood Manor, where Edward Radcliffe and his friends lived 150 years earlier. During her research she learns information about her family story as well as gaining a better understanding of herself and what she wants from life.

Mystery is attached to Birchwood Manor with many of the characters feeling a connection to the house even though they may not have previously been there. A murder, a missing woman and a lost heirloom adds to the house's mystique. Usually associated with art, the house was also a school for young ladies for a short time and later a museum. There is a presence in the house which is felt by some inhabitants, especially those who may be lonely.

This is a book designed for a leisurely read. Trying to read it too quickly could definitely result in confusion when trying to follow the links between the interconnecting stories over many generations. By the end of the 582 pages all is revealed. There has been an extremely long waiting list at the local library for this book so I purchased my own copy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel by Kate Morton and will add her name to my list of authors whose books I must read.