Description

A BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick and Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month, for fans of PANDORA, THE ESSEX SERPENT and THE NIGHT CIRCUS.

Longlisted for The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2023.

‘I just fell in love with it within the first two sentences . . . this book is like the love child of Charles Dickens and Isabel Allende’ – Ruth Jones, bestselling author of LOVE UNTOLD

‘Really transports you to a different time and place’ – Sara Cox, Radio Times

‘One of the best books I’ve read this year. Atmospheric, engaging, and elegantly written, this amazing tale of a clockmaker whose son possesses unusual talents is completely unforgettable…’ – Bonnie Garmus, bestselling author of LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

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Zachary Cloudesley is gifted in a remarkable way. But not all gifts are a blessing…

Leadenhall Street, London, 1754.

Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father’s workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father’s creations to life.

He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets.

But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened.

A beautifully crafted historical mystery of love and hope, and the adventure of finding your place in the world.
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‘Packed with intrigue, vividly drawn characters and heartstopping emotion, this beautifully written, ingeniously crafted debut is absolutely enthralling’ – Sunday Express

‘A dashing, magical debut . . . intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters’ – Daily Mail

What readers are saying:
‘an excellent historical, magical realist novel’
‘beautifully written’
‘full of love and humour’
‘original and rich in historical detail’
‘my best book of 2022’
‘totally engrossing . . . unforgettable’

Publisher Review

One of the best books I've read this year. Atmospheric, engaging, and elegantly written, this amazing tale of a clockmaker whose son possesses unusual talents is completely unforgettable. * Sunday Times bestselling author, Bonnie Garmus * Wild, bewitching and propulsive, Sean Lusk's drama of prophetic visions, exotic feats of engineering, transgressive desire and familial love is one of those novels that makes you rejoice that we are a storytelling species. The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley, peopled with vivid characters and sumptuously-imagined scenery is a triumph of the imagination, of language, and of generosity. * Liz Jensen * With a cast of colourful characters who are guaranteed to charm, this hugely entertaining book is full of imagination, adventure, wit and warmth. * Anita Frank * 'Flavoured with characters of Dickensian brilliance...One taste, you'll be addicted.' * Essie Fox * A superb historical novel... Sean Lusk has a bright future ahead of him. * William Ryan *