Have you ever had one of those books that you just couldn’t put down? That’s what I experienced when I read Tinkers by Paul Harding. This novel follows the life and death of George Washington Crosby, a New England clock repairman, as he reflects on his life and relationships as he nears death in a hospital bed.
An Intricate Storyline
The story of Tinkers is told through a series of flashbacks, memories, and reflections that span generations and locations. We are taken on a journey through the lives of George Washington Crosby, his father Howard, and other members of their family. The author does an excellent job of weaving together their stories to create an intricate tapestry that follows the family from Maine all the way to California. It takes talent to successfully write such a complicated narrative without leaving any loose ends or confusing the reader; thankfully, Paul Harding has this skill in spades.
Beautiful Prose
Reading Tinkers is like watching a work of art come alive on the page. The language used is so vivid and evocative that it almost feels like poetry at times. Harding’s descriptions are incredibly detailed—from the sound of raindrops hitting windows to the smell of breakfast cooking in an old farmhouse kitchen—and they make it easy for readers to become immersed in George’s world. Even if you aren’t particularly fond of lyrical writing styles, it would be difficult not to appreciate Harding’s prose here.
This is a book. It is a book I found in a box. I found the box in the attic. The box was in the attic, under the eaves. The attic was hot and still. The air was stale with dust. The dust was from old pictures and books. The dust in the air was made up of the book I found. I breathed the book before I saw it; tasted the book before I read it
A Touching Message
At its core, Tinkers is about finding peace at the end of one’s life by reflecting on past experiences and relationships—a sentiment which will resonate with many readers regardless of age or demographic. As George recounts his memories from decades before, we can see how his understanding changes over time due to new knowledge or wisdom gained over years spent living life. In this way, we learn along with him about grief, joy, love, familial bonds—and ultimately how all these emotions shape us into who we are today.
Tinkers by Paul Harding is full of beautiful prose and thought-provoking messages about life and death that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you captivated until the very last page while making you reflect deeply on your own life experiences then look no further than this masterpiece by Paul Harding. You won’t regret it!
Just Reading Nook 