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.

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.

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

Anne Tyler

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapter 1

Clock Dance Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 2

Clock Dance Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 3

Clock Dance Part 1, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

Clock Dance Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-8

Clock Dance Part 2, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-12

Clock Dance Part 2, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Clock Dance Character Analysis

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Themes

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Clock Dance

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