The Clockmaker's Daughter Summary
Kate Morton

The Clockmaker's Daughter Overview

In the novel The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton, Albertine “Birdie” Bell exists as a spirit in Birchwood Manor, a house built on land believed to have been blessed by a Fairy Queen, as she waits for her real identity to be discovered. Birdie, known to some as Lily Millington, disappeared in the summer of 1862 when she spent a summer at Birchwood Manor with her lover, Edward Radcliffe, and his artist friends. Police at the time determined that Lily conspired to seduce Edward, stole the heirloom Radcliffe Blue diamond, and ran away to America. The true story turns out to be very different. Themes in the novel include the impact of perspective on a story and the different characters’ attempts to amend for grief and guilt. It is also a coming of age story for Lucy, Edward’s little sister, as she comes to realize how time will impact her relationship with her brother.