Clock Dance

by Anne Tyler
Clock Dance cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9359
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781473556232
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2018-07-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Willa Drake has always found herself on paths laid out by others, from her mother's disappearance in childhood to becoming a widow in her forties. When she receives a shocking phone call about her son's ex-girlfriend, she impulsively flies across the country to help, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Caretaking for the injured woman and her nine-year-old daughter opens Willa's eyes to new possibilities and the realization that she can finally forge her own destiny. /n/n Anne Tyler, a bestselling author with over 8 million books sold worldwide, masterfully crafts a bittersweet tale of family and personal growth. Her ability to find beauty in the ordinary and uncover the secrets of the human heart shines through in this compelling narrative.

Reviews
The Guardian · Stephanie Merritt · 2018-07-24
mixed 2.50

The novel offers familiar comforts but lacks narrative drive. It's a gentle read that feels stuck in neutral.

Stephanie Merritt from The Guardian finds that Clock Dance is a comforting read, much like Anne Tyler's other works. However, she notes that the narrative lacks the drive to keep readers fully engaged. The story is more about the everyday life of Willa Drake, and while it's charming, it doesn't offer much in terms of plot development. Merritt appreciates the humor and the quirky characters, but feels that the book could have benefited from a stronger narrative arc.

Quick quotes

    The Baltimore author's 22nd book has familiar comforts, but lacks narrative drive.

    It's a gentle read that feels stuck in neutral.

    The story is more about the everyday life of Willa Drake, and while it's charming, it doesn't offer much in terms of plot development.

Bookishbeck · Becky · 2018-07-12
good 4.00

The novel is a series of glimpses into Willa Drake's life, offering a subtle transformative journey.

Becky from Bookishbeck sees Clock Dance as a series of glimpses into Willa Drake's life, each offering a different perspective. She appreciates the subtle transformation that Willa undergoes, which is relatable and well-crafted. The novel is more about the character's growth than a traditional plot, and Becky finds this approach refreshing. She enjoys the way Tyler weaves together different periods of Willa's life, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    Clock Dance is three stories followed by a short novel: glimpses into four periods of Willa Drake's life.

    In 1967 she's 11 and her mother abandons her, in 1974 she's a college student with a boyfriend who's about to propose, in 1997 she's a newlywed, and in 2017 she's a widow.

    The novel is more about the character's growth than a traditional plot.

Literary Review · Pamela Norris · 1970-01-01
great 4.50

The novel presents a moving portrait of a woman discovering an environment where she can flourish.

Pamela Norris from Literary Review highlights the moving portrait of Willa Drake in Clock Dance. She appreciates how Tyler portrays Willa's journey of self-discovery and growth. The novel is a testament to the power of finding one's place in the world, and Norris finds it both touching and inspiring. She also praises Tyler's ability to create well-developed, quirky characters that resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    Tyler's novel presents a moving portrait of a woman, late in life, discovering an environment in which she can flourish.

    The question is whether Willa will seize the moment and create a new life for herself.

    The novel is a testament to the power of finding one's place in the world.

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