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277th out of 1,115 books
—
1,882 voters
A Clock Without Hands: A Novel
by
Guy Burt
“I want to turn back the hands on the clock and change it all, make it different; three friends who meet up by chance in an old city and share a beer and laugh at old stories and jokes. But it wasn’t like that; and the clock has no hands, so I can’t turn them back.”
[p.171]
Alex Carlise has returned to a place he thought he’d never see again, outside of his dreams. As he...more
Alex Carlise has returned to a place he thought he’d never see again, outside of his dreams. As he...more
Paperback, 448 pages
Published
October 25th 2005
by Ballantine Books
(first published October 26th 2004)
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I just really, really liked this book. It takes a little while to get into the unusual writing style. The story is not what you would call linear. It just back and forth in the time line with no warning. It works though. This story was different from Burt's other books in that there weren't exactly unexpected plot twists. There is very little that you don't see coming from a mile away. The drama is in watching it all unfold for the main character. This story was gripping, poignant, involved, and...more
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It took me a while to get used to the fragmented way this book is constructed, but in the end, this proved to be one of the most interesting books I have read for a while.
The characters are believeable and the setting in which Burt sets the story is beautifully described. I also felt that the sense of intrigue and suspense created throughout this novel, kept me gripped throughout. The ending felt a bit of an anticlimax, but I think this book should be read more than once, to fully appreciate it....more
The characters are believeable and the setting in which Burt sets the story is beautifully described. I also felt that the sense of intrigue and suspense created throughout this novel, kept me gripped throughout. The ending felt a bit of an anticlimax, but I think this book should be read more than once, to fully appreciate it....more
This is one of the best books that I've read in so so long!!! I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it. This is a good indicator that it is at the top on my list. I wish I could find a discussion on it because it is so intrigueing and I need to bounce a lot of things off of some other readers.
One of my favorite books of the last several years. A great story about three youths and the happenings on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea - happenings that have long lasting consequences.
Jan 31, 2011
Mia
added it
In the end, I wasn't sure how I felt about this book. I loved the 3 main characters, however, in the end, I was left with one thought: Why? The book simultaneously told the story of Alex and his 2 friends in various periods of life. The story of him as a child was a wonderful slice of childhood and I really enjoyed it. I was looking to find out how these 3 segments converge, but they never seem to. He supposedly at the end (and in older life) realized some major understanding, but I never knew w...more
Jun 11, 2009
Cat
added it
Lots of time shifts and confusion - but a well written novel indeed. Alex is a main character whom I will remember.
Nov 01, 2012
Gina
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-that-broke-my-heart
This book really upset me. It's profoundly sad in a way that stays with you long after you're done. I'm not spoiling anything - the majority of the book is told in flashback, so you know from the beginning WHAT happened. As the book progresses, you just figure out how and why. I really wish Burt would write more. Only three books, and nothing new in years and years! Guy, where are you? Come back! I need more!
Very nice descriptions- you feel like you are a character in the story. The end tears at your heart, but it reminds you of life and the ups and downs of love
I first read this during my secondary school days, then forgot the name of the author and spent 3 years trying to find the book again. I love it. One of my favorite books and unlike many i read when i was younger I still enjoy reading this book!
Jul 17, 2007
Alarra
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporaryfiction,
gblt
Lovely bittersweet story that has reliable-yet-not narrator thinking his way through the relationships he build as one of a trio of friends and an incident of their shared summers that traces an inevitable road to tragedy in that future.
Loved this book - a charming and moving, if slightly sentimental, account of an artist trying to find meaning and explanations in his past life through his paintings and memories
Ekt hierdie boek iewers verlede jaar gelees en dis fantasties! regtig 'n interessante meesleurende verhaal wat mens nogals aan die raai hou tot aan die einde
May 08, 2013
Becca
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May 06, 2013
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Apr 29, 2013
Mouse
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Mar 13, 2013
May Wan
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Feb 13, 2013
Jade-louise Hickman
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Jan 20, 2013
C.J. Hill
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
inspirational-books
Dec 28, 2012
Destiny
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Nov 28, 2012
Shawna
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Nov 25, 2012
Monica
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