Book Review: Clock Dance By Anne Tyler

Anne Tyler returns with another ‘slice of life’ novel.

Willa Drake’s life has always been dictated to her by circumstances out of her control; her mother’s disappearance when Willa was only 11, being proposed to at 21, an accident that made her a widow at only 41 years of age. The ability to drive the direction of her life has always been elusive, instead choosing to keep others happy and put her own needs last.

So when the opportunity arises to take control and forge her own path, Willa drops everything and races across the country to help her son’s ex-girlfriend. In doing so, she takes on the responsibility of the girl’s 9-year-old daughter, Cheryl, who people assume is her granddaughter.

Willa finds herself becoming part of a community, meeting new people and starting on a journey of self-discovery, but the amenable habits of the past are hard to drop. Willa must decide if she will revert to her former self or continue to grow and take control of her life. In true Tyler fashion, ‘Clock Dance’ is a simple story, but also a deep and fascinating insight into humanity and the ties that bind.

Penguin Random House $32.99