The Clock Winder

by Anne Tyler
The Clock Winder cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Comedy/Humor
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9368
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780099469605
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1991-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Newly-widowed Mrs. Emerson, known for her eccentricity, hires Elizabeth as a handyman to replace the one she recently sacked. Elizabeth finds herself drawn into the disorderly lives of the seven adult Emerson children, each with their own quirks and problems. As she becomes more involved, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine whether she is a victim of their chaos or the de facto ruler of the family. /n/n The novel explores themes of family dynamics, power, and the blurred lines between control and submission, all wrapped in a humorous and engaging narrative. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own unique personalities and struggles, making for a compelling and entertaining read.

Reviews
BookishBeck · Beck · 2021-02-20
good 4.00

The book is a charming and delightful read, with well-developed characters and a unique setting. The story is engaging and the writing is of high quality.

Anne Tyler's 'The Clock Winder' is a delightful and charming read, set in Baltimore, a city that Tyler brings to life with her vivid descriptions. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging, with a unique plot that keeps the reader interested. The writing is of high quality, with a good balance of humor and drama. The book is a great example of Tyler's ability to capture the essence of everyday life in a way that is both relatable and entertaining. The story is not overly complex, but it is well-paced and the characters are well-drawn, making it a enjoyable read for fans of Tyler's work.

Quick quotes

    The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging.

    The writing is of high quality, with a good balance of humor and drama.

    The book is a great example of Tyler's ability to capture the essence of everyday life.

LibroFullTime · 2021-02-20
good 3.50

The book is a quiet and domestic drama, with a focus on the small things that loom large in life. The characters are well-drawn and the story is engaging.

Anne Tyler's 'The Clock Winder' is a quiet and domestic drama, with a focus on the small things that loom large in life. The characters are well-drawn and the story is engaging, with a unique plot that keeps the reader interested. The writing is of high quality, with a good balance of humor and drama. The book is a great example of Tyler's ability to capture the essence of everyday life in a way that is both relatable and entertaining. The story is not overly complex, but it is well-paced and the characters are well-drawn, making it a enjoyable read for fans of Tyler's work. The book is a great example of Tyler's ability to capture the essence of everyday life in a way that is both relatable and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    The book is a quiet and domestic drama, with a focus on the small things that loom large in life.

    The characters are well-drawn and the story is engaging.

    The book is a great example of Tyler's ability to capture the essence of everyday life.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 1972-05-21
mixed 2.50

The book has gentle charm, but the story lacks substance. The characters are charming, but the plot is thin.

The New York Times review of 'The Clock Winder' highlights the book's gentle charm and well-drawn characters, but also notes that the story lacks substance. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to create engaging and relatable characters, but feels that the plot is thin and does not provide enough depth or complexity. The review suggests that while the book is a pleasant and easy read, it does not have the same impact or staying power as some of Tyler's other works. The reviewer also notes that the book's focus on the small things in life is both its strength and its weakness, as it makes the story feel both relatable and somewhat trivial. Overall, the review is mixed, with praise for the book's charm and characters, but criticism for its lack of substance and depth.

Quick quotes

    The book has gentle charm, but the story lacks substance.

    The characters are charming, but the plot is thin.

    The book's focus on the small things in life is both its strength and its weakness.

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