I accidentally picked up the perfect, slightly spooky, completely magical read last month that is a perfect companion for the winter months. The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley is a magical realist, historical fiction set in Victorian London. It draws heavily on Japanese culture featuring London’s Japan Town and small sections set in Japan itself. From the very first few pages I knew I had found a new favourite for me and one I know I’ll be returning to.
1883. Thaniel Steepleton returns home to his tiny London apartment to find a gold pocket watch on his pillow. Six months later, the mysterious timepiece saves his life, drawing him away from a blast that destroys Scotland Yard. At last, he goes in search of its maker, Keita Mori, a kind, lonely immigrant from Japan. Although Mori seems harmless, a chain of unexplainable events soon suggests he must be hiding something. When Grace Carrow, an Oxford physicist, unwittingly interferes, Thaniel is torn between opposing loyalties.
For those who love books filled with wonder and movies like Encanto, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street would be a perfect read. Mature, magical and mysterious, you’ll fall in love with the characters and be swept away by the story. What’s more – if you love it as much as I do, there’s a sequel to the story to sink your teeth into.
This book is on Kindle and available from Amazon or Waterstones and has high ratings and good reviews for this fabulous book! You can also pop into local Pigeon Books on Albert Road and request for them to order in for you.
If you want more bookish recommendations between Southsea Folk posts, then follow me on Instagram @proseamongstthorns.
By Amy Thomson
