Reviewed by Abby Ducharme
Unpredictable, profound, and uniquely American, Norman Lock’s Eden’s Clock is a riveting conclusion in The American Novels series. The book follows Frederick Heigold, who was rendered mute from a bullet wound at the Battle of Gettysburg, as he goes on a historical odyssey from Dobbs Ferry, New York to San Francisco, California just as disaster strikes. Heigold narrates his epic journey to none other than Jack London, one of America’s most renowned writers from the earlier 20th century, and an influential journalist.
Frederick’s journey is peculiar to say the least. His adventure across the American continent is unpredictable and captures the character of the early 20th century in a gritty, surprising manner. In an unforeseen accident Frederick’s wife, an outspoken suffragette, dies. Leaving him a silent widower later accused of being too outspoken. In the lowliest of men, the darkest of hours, and through an unlikely narrator, Lock writes a story rich in prose set within defining historical events.
Eden’s Clock explores the unattainable. The narrative is recounted to Jack London, known for writing about an unmoving and harsh nature. Frederick is witness to events far outside of his control, but they all depict the chaotic and vastly capable spirit of man. His silence forces him to observe. Eden’s Clock grounds itself in historical events. Frederick’s position as an observer forces the reader to reevaluate their relationship with history.
Frederick—soldier, mute, widower, and clockmaker— is witness to the inequalities that were commonplace in his era. He meets Bonaparte, a companion in the story for a time, who represents those that were not heard. He’s a clockmaker coming to terms with the inevitability of time. He’s a soldier trying to define freedom for himself. He’s an individual voiceless alongside the masses during a disastrous night. Frederick reveals harsh truths of the American history and humanity through adventurous fiction. The fleeting backdrop of Frederick’s journey explores time’s nature and our relationship with it.
Norman Lock’s Eden’s Clock is for the reader looking for an American Odyssey. Frederick Heigold’s trip west is one with peculiar stops and characters. There’s depth in who he is and is not as well as the actions he takes and does not. Eden’s Clock explores the wounds, grief, growth, and revelation of man. Eden’s Clock is for the reader who is ready for an adventure beyond wild plot points or intelligent settings. One who wants to be encapsulated in powerful prose, and who seeks to understand the unfathomable.