In 1860 London, Clara feels it is her job to protect her family, a heavy load for a young woman of her age. But if it were not for her totally misjudging the intents of her ex-fiance, her family would not be in the predicament they are now. But getting hurt in the way she was and her ex's recent actions has made Clara not just mistrust her ex, but she also has her guard up to every person who comes into their lives. As her ex spreads rumors of insanity in her family, Clara is kept on her toes trying to quell such stories even as her quirky family seems to be going out of their way to make it so. When her grandfather brings a total stranger into his clockworks shop as an apprentice, Clara's senses are on high alert and everything in her is screaming that it is yet another spy that her ex has hired to get evidence to prove the rumors he is spreading. The apprentice, Theodore Kingsley has grown up being told what a disappointment he is to his father and after the war which physically and emotionally damaged him, his father declared him dead. Coming back to England to try and start fresh he has changed his name to Arthur and hopes for that fresh start doing what he loves in Drosselmeyer's Clock shop where no one knows his past. He doesn't understand the deep disdain his new boss's granddaughter has for him. When Drosselmeyer disappears in an flying owl machine he invented, leaving only a small clue to Clara urging her to come find him and her dreams of adventure, both Clara and Theodore blames themselves personally for all this happening. Together, along with Clara's mother, they go in chase of the trail of clues that will lead them to her grandfather. But there are also others giving chase to find the flying owl for their own selfish purposes and the group find they not only need to figure out the clues but also stay one step ahead of those who wish to use the flying owl for nefarious purposes.
What a fun adventure this book was. Whimsical, funny, a sweet romance with magical realism it touches on some pretty deep themes of guilt, shame, acceptance, God's love, and redemption. The adventure is reminiscent of Around the World in 80 Days to my mind. The character development is well done and while frustrated with some characters at first, loved them by the end. I especially loved the quirky, animal loving activist of a mother that Mrs. Stanton was. I was thoroughly engrossed in this charming adventure of a story.
1 comment:
Great review Susanne. Not sure that magical realism is really my thing but this one certainly sounds interesting.
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