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Clock Dance

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Anne Tyler

Clock Dance

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

292

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Clock Dance by Anne Tyler spans from 1967 to 2017 and follows Willa, who has always prioritized others' needs above her own. Throughout her life, from childhood family complexities to an unfulfilling marriage and becoming a widow, she embodies passivity. In 2017, when a call from a stranger leads her to assume a grandmotherly role to a young girl, Willa embarks on a journey toward self-fulfillment and community. There are instances where characters use derogatory terms for gay men and sex workers.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Emotional

Hopeful

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

3.8

53,221 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Anne Tyler's Clock Dance has been praised for its rich character development and nuanced exploration of ordinary life. Readers laud Tyler's skill in portraying relatable, everyday struggles. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing slow, making it less engaging for those seeking excitement. Overall, it's a thoughtful and introspective read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Clock Dance?

Readers who enjoy nuanced character studies and themes of family, self-discovery, and everyday life will appreciate Anne Tyler's Clock Dance. Fans of Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge or Kent Haruf's Our Souls at Night will find similar satisfaction in Tyler's portrayal of the quiet, transformative moments of ordinary people.

3.8

53,221 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Willa

A woman characterized by her passivity and desire for family, whose journey involves navigating strained relationships and seeking fulfillment through caregiving.

Denise’s precocious nine-year-old daughter, who forms a strong bond with Willa and seeks grandparent figures in her life.

Cheryl’s single mother with a bit of a chaotic lifestyle, who builds a close relationship with Willa after she comes to Baltimore to help out.

Willa’s second husband, an older man who replicates the dismissive dynamics of her first marriage and becomes irritated with her focus on others’ needs.

A mild-mannered and passive man whose influence on Willa is evident in her own passive demeanor and aversion to conflict.

A volatile and sometimes abusive figure from Willa’s childhood, whose personality contrasts sharply with Willa’s desire for peace.

A nervous teenager living next to Denise, whose accidental involvement in a shooting becomes a pivotal plot point.

A helpful and compassionate doctor on Dorcas Road, who befriends Willa and represents a supportive community presence.

Willa’s first husband, whose dismissive and stubborn nature mirrors her father, contributing to Willa’s learned helplessness.

Willa’s eldest son, who shares his father’s temperament and shows little concern for Willa as an adult.

Willa’s younger sister, who becomes estranged from Willa due to resentment and differing perceptions of their tumultuous childhood.

Book Details
Pages

292

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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