The Clockwork Girl is the third novel by Anna Mazzola, published in 2022.
I was instantly intrigued by the premise as it didn’t sound like anything I had read before. I love historical fiction so this book sounded like the perfect read.
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Plot
The book is set in Paris in 1750, where Madeleine, a girl who has already experienced tragedy and despair, is sent to work for the city’s most celebrated clockmaker. She is tasked with caring for his daughter, a girl close to Madeleine in age, but years behind in life experience. However, this job is merely a cover for her real purpose. She is ordered to document the clockmaker’s every move and try to uncover the secret projects he is working on. In exchange, she will be granted her freedom.
As children start to disappear from the streets, and rumours start to spread about the nature of the clockmaker’s inventions, Madeleine starts to fear for her safety. Could this be part of a greater conspiracy that leads all the way to Versailles? As tensions heighten and riots spread out across the city, Madeleine knows she needs to find out the truth before her ruse is discovered.
The Clockwork Book Review
I really enjoyed The Clockwork Girl. It was utterly engrossing and I became instantly immersed in 1750’s Paris.
It was both atmospheric and unsettling with creepy, menacing undercurrents weaved throughout the story. I’ve read books based in Paris before but never one that has shown such a seedy, sinister side to the city. Despite being set in a different decade and country, it reminded me of Elizabeth Macneal’s Doll Factory in the way the squalor and deprivation were so vividly displayed to the reader.
The reader is instantly transported to 18th century Paris, complete with sights, sounds and scents. I could almost smell the stench amongst the supposed luxury of Versailles.
I loved reading the story from the perspective of women from such varying social backgrounds. Each woman, despite being so thoroughly different, was a strong and compelling character in their own way. It was really interesting to see Paris from the viewpoint of the working class, bourgeoisie and the aristocracy.
I also enjoyed knowing that despite the book being a work of fiction, it was inspired by real historical events. The scandal that was known as ‘The Vanishing Children of Paris’ actually happened as children were disappearing from Parisian streets in 1750. Jeanne Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour really was the mistress of King Louis XV and the King did have a fascination with the technological advances of the century.
The book and the events of the time are obviously so well researched but the facts are weaved into the story so flawlessly that it never feels like a boring history lesson.
Some of the plot twists didn’t come as a complete surprise to me but I was still questioning everybody’s motives!
I would highly recommend The Clockwork Girl and I will definitely be looking out for other books by Anna Mazzola.
Has Anna Mazzola written any other novels?
Anna Mazzola has also written:
- The House of Whispers
- The Unseeing
- The Story Keeper
- The Book of Secrets
What should I read after The Clockwork Girl?
If you enjoy reading historical fiction books set in the 18th century, I would also recommend The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd Robinson and That Bonesetter Woman by Frances Quinn.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.