Join Queermunity's co-founder Fizzy in finding out why she has rated Natasha Pulley's The Watchmaker of Filigree Street a full 5 Stars.
Haven’t you always wanted to read a sensational 19th Century, steampunk, queer, magical realism adventure? Well, you’re in luck as Natasha Pulley’s The Watchmaker of Filigree Street (2016) is all of those things and more.
The novel follows Thaniel, a telegraphist for the Home Office who narrowly escapes a deadly explosion, saved by a pocket watch which inexplicably appeared in his house just days before. He traces the watch back to the mysterious and enigmatic watchmaker Keita Mori, who the police suspect may have had more to do with the explosion than he’s letting on. Meanwhile in Oxford, physicist Grace Carrow does everything she can to pursue her studies of ether whilst avoiding the watchful eyes of her father, whose only wish is for her to marry. These three characters are quickly embroiled in an adventure of epic proportions, as Pulley spins a tale of magic, love, betrayal, and intrigue.
"Her prowess in storytelling is matched only by her ability to portray the most beautiful queer relationships."
Pulley is an author I’d trust with my life. I've read everything she’s written and plan to read anything and everything she might produce in the future. Her sequel to Watchmaker (The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, 2020) is equally smart and thrilling, as is her second novel The Bedlam Stacks (2018) - ideal if you’re after an Indiana Jones-esque adventure through the magic of 19th century Peru. She tells masterful stories which are so clever and intricate that you pick up something new on every reread. Her prowess in storytelling is matched only by her ability to portray the most beautiful queer relationships. All of her books mean more to me than I can say and I cannot recommend them enough!
If all of this isn’t enough to convince you, do it for the wonderful Katsu - a sock-stealing clockwork octopus!
Article Written By Fizzy Meredith
(She/Her)
Photo courtesy of Fizzy's bookcase.