"The Clockmaker's Wife", by Daisy Wood

A Big Ben story

This novel skillfully navigates across two timelines: 1940 &2021. Set mostly in London when Britain was gripped by the terror of the Blitz. The story chronicles the fight of one woman (Nell) to save Big Ben from destruction after her husband (Arthur) a clock master responsible for Big Ben was taken prisoner. The present day comes in alternate chapters and explores granddaughter’s (Ellie) search for answers that no one in her family could provide, hoping everything will come clear once she meets relatives in the UK.

The timelines worked well in this novel. It is easy to situate who is talking and where we are. Although I admit to have taken a little bit of time not mixing Nell and Ellie, the two main characters. Although pretty consistent, the tempo is rather slow all through and what is particularly well done is how Ms. Wood vividly paints the scenes so they can be clearly printed in our mind. Not surprising that I preferred Nell’s story to Ellie’s, it is by far more interesting after all WW11 stories have captivated me for many years.

The secret war story behind Arthur and Nell is really what this novel is all about and what kept me turning the page. It is a poignant one that injects in drops some twists to keep us intrigued. Since the German of the time did not have the technology to hit key building this is a highly imaginative story but it is well said and presented.

I was given the opportunity to read this ARC from Avon Books UK via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.