The Grandfather Clock was my K in my reading of books chosen alphabetically by order. I only had the cover to go by and was hoping this would be a scifi, time travelling mystery of a novel - but it wasn't.
Instead, it's about Michael Chance who finally breaks up with a fiancee that is no good for him, and decides to seize the day. This starts with him travelling to the other side of America to pick up the grandfather clock - a family heirloom - and drive back home. On the way, after some soul searching, he makes some life choices that result in him flying around the world, meeting a French woman, and trying to find out how an artefact that was stolen by the Nazis could end up in his possession.
The blurb says:
The blurb says:
Transporting a family heirloom across the country seemed like an easy task for disillusioned Michael Chance. But before he can cross the Mississippi, the secrets of his family’s grandfather clock and a mysterious French woman put him on an uncertain path. The life Michael knew is about to be left behind as he searches for answers amid a dangerous conspiracy that will lead him from the museums of Paris to Nazi havens in Argentina.
Now, the story itself is quite good. It was gripping, and though it went speedily in places (whoosh and months had gone by), it was well written and enjoyable. I confess to not knowing my history, but I can imagine the author has done his research in this area, so it would be particularly exciting for those who have an interest in this area.
My one complaint, however, is so big that I'm surprised nobody mentioned it to him before he published the book - my issue is with the title. The Grandfather Clock is barely mentioned, and ultimately not that important. Yes, at the end of the book, the author tries to tie it all up together, but it felt very forced. Without giving away any spoliers, I would prefer it if the book were titled "The Heirloom" or similar, as then people reading would assume the author was inferring the clock, until they encounter the true subject of the book.
My one complaint, however, is so big that I'm surprised nobody mentioned it to him before he published the book - my issue is with the title. The Grandfather Clock is barely mentioned, and ultimately not that important. Yes, at the end of the book, the author tries to tie it all up together, but it felt very forced. Without giving away any spoliers, I would prefer it if the book were titled "The Heirloom" or similar, as then people reading would assume the author was inferring the clock, until they encounter the true subject of the book.
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