Review by Esmitty4293 -- The Watchmaker’s Doctor

[Esmitty4293]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Watchmaker’s Doctor" by G. M. T. Schuilling.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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<r><I><s></s>The Watchmaker's Doctor<e></e></I> has been on my "to read" list since it was published, so I was ecstatic to get the opportunity to review it. After finally having the excuse to read it, I have to say that it definitely did not disappoint! I read it in one sitting, which I almost never get to do as a mother and a student.

I have to confess that I didn't know a lot about this book before I dove into its pages. It was really only on my list because I have a fascination with steampunk novels and thought this would fit in perfectly with the collection of such pieces that are already on my bookcase. I don't know that I would still classify this as a steampunk story after having completed it, but there is definitely a heavy time component.

This book is about a woman named Anaya who has to make the difficult decision of whether or not to correct her biggest regret by traveling back through time. As such, it really makes the reader think about a number of existential questions. What constitutes quality of life? Is it okay to play God if the opportunity presents itself? Is there some universal force that maintains a balance between good and bad? Would you want to know how you were going to die? Anaya is forced to reconcile answers for each of these impossible questions in a matter of a couple of minutes thanks to her cryptic watchmaking patient.

The fact that this book attempts to address questions of such gravity is only one of many reasons that I didn't want to put it down. Another was that it also addressed the mental illness bipolar disorder II. As a person who has been close to several individuals with bipolar disorder and an aspiring psychologist, I can't emphasize enough the stigma around this mental illness and the barriers that said stigma puts up. It is usually vastly misrepresented and misunderstood but, if I had to guess, I would say that this author has a close, personal experience with this illness because this portrayal is incredibly realistic. Anaya struggled throughout her life to find a way to manage her illness and made many drastic life choices under the influence of the mistreated illness. The story should highlight to all mental health professionals and patients that proper diagnosis and treatment can make the world a different place. Maybe even for more than one person.

I can't say that this novel matched the style that I had thought it would have, but I can say that I am rating it 4 out of 4 stars. The characters, though many are teenage girls, have refreshingly original personalities. The topics that the author dares to address are both important and interesting. Perhaps the most critical reason that I appreciated Anaya's story is that I think it can give hope to people with mental illness about what your life and relationships can be. My only complaint is that it was to short and I don't want to have to wait for the next book in the series.

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The Watchmaker’s Doctor
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Like Esmitty4293's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Cheryl_93]

I have just read your review and you have completely sold this book to me! It sounds like a gripping read. I will be starting this tomorrow! Cheryl.

[Zimall]

I just finished reading and reviewing this book and it was a good read. It wasn't upto the standard i thought it would meet, but a good one. Thanks for the review.