Who Would Like This Book:
If you love dark fairy tales with a twist, Clockwork is your kind of story. Set in a chilly, old-world German town, it spins a suspenseful yarn full of clockwork machines, eerie happenings, and tales within tales. Pullman masterfully blends gothic atmosphere with thought-provoking themes about fate and consequence. Perfect for readers - young and older - who enjoy the edge of classic Brothers Grimm, fans of steampunk vibes, and anyone who can't resist a creepy bedtime read.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the story a bit too simplistic, especially if they're used to the depth of Pullman's longer works like His Dark Materials. The brevity leaves certain characters and plot points less developed, and the darker elements might be a bit unsettling for younger or more sensitive readers. If you’re looking for a rich novel with deep character arcs or get easily creeped out, this one may not be your cup of tea.
About:
Clockwork by Philip Pullman is a dark and creepy fairy tale set in a German town, where an apprentice clockmaker named Karl fails to create a figure for the town's clock, leading to a series of mysterious and eerie events. The story weaves together multiple narratives, including that of a clockwork prince, a sinister doctor, and a storyteller with a Faustian pact. Pullman's writing style is described as exceptional, with dreamlike illustrations enhancing the haunting atmosphere of the tale.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes dark themes and potentially frightening imagery, making it suitable for older children.
From The Publisher:
The apprentice's friends think hearing the latest story by Fritz, the writer, will cheer poor Karl up. At least it will distract Karl from the fact that he hasn't produced a new moving figure for the great timepiece at the center of town, as he was supposed to. But to Fritz's horror the story he tells Karl begins to come true, and one of the main characters - the evil Dr. Kalmenius - shows up with a terrifying piece of clockwork. It's a knight called Sir Ironsoul. And when Karl decides to accept Dr. Kalmenius's offer and try to pass Sir Ironsoul off as his own work, the results are...well, deadly.
Ratings (3)
Loved It (1) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (6):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (1) | |
Not Interested (1) |
What can you read after
Clockwork?
About the Author:
Leonid Gore was born in Minsk, in the former Soviet Union. Since he immigrated to the United States, he has illustrated and written many highly acclaimed children's books, and has shown his paintings at the prestigious Society of Illustrators show in New York. Leonid lives in New Jersey with his wife and daughter.
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