Tinkers
by Paul Harding
Approximately 192 pages
A dying man’s memories open into family history through dense, lyrical passages and fluid shifts in time.
Difficulty
Challenging
Pace
Slow
Mood
lyrical, meditative
Book club
Medium
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- readers of poetic prose
- readers comfortable with fragments and memory
Consider another book if
- you need a strong plot
- dense imagery slows you down
What it is about
"Tinkers" follows George Washington Crosby, an elderly man on his deathbed, as he reflects on his life. The narrative intertwines his memories with those of his father, Howard, a clockmaker. Howard struggles with mental illness and the impact it has on his family.
The story explores themes of time, memory, and the nature of existence. George's recollections reveal his relationships and the complexities of his upbringing. The novel delves into the intricacies of craftsmanship and the passage of time.
It also examines the connections between fathers and sons. The prose is lyrical, evoking the beauty of ordinary moments. Nature and its rhythms play a significant role in the narrative.
Ultimately, "Tinkers" contemplates the fragility of life and the persistence of memory.
Award recognition
2010 winner
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
United States
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