This is a beautifully written historical novel about the sixties, and the impact of the Vietnam war on the lives of those on both sides of the ocean. It is also about brokenness- the many varieties of brokenness that we experience as humans as well as how clocks and time pieces stop working sometimes. I enjoyed the stories of Anh and Bao, and the stories of Jack and his relationship with Tom and Grace and the others. However, I found the stories of Katie, Buddy and Clayton very distracting from the main story.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Timekeepers explores how time, both literally and figuratively, can heal. The majority of the characters are in some way scarred by the Vietnam war. Ahn and her young nephew Bao are Vietnamese refugees who arrive in America having lost both of Bao’s parents on the dangerous boat journey. Jack is a soldier who returns home horribly disfigured after half of his face was literally blown off in combat. These wounded souls cross paths with the Golden family, owners of The Golden Hours watch and clock repair shop. Patriarch Tom meets Jack while visiting his own father at the Veterans’ hospital, and eventually agrees to teach him the trade. Matriarch Grace finds Bao on the street when he’s run from the church where he is living with his aunt and other refugees. The intersection of these lives becomes enriching and in some cases a life saving serendipity

Richman’s writing is both sensitive and visceral. When she describes the incident that causes Jack’s injury, one feels the heat on his face, and when she describes the death of Bao’s parents, it’s absolutely heart wrenching. And , late in the book, when Bao is in danger, I found myself in fear and saying “oh no”. The reader really comes to know and care for all these characters and root for their happy ending.

I loved this book! It brought me back to my elementary school days when we saw many Vietnamese refugees join our classes. I always wondered their back story. I feel like this book easily could have been the story of one of my classmates. Ms Richman has that knack for making you feel as if you are in the setting of the story.
So many heroes and heroines to root for ! This book is not to be missed.

Alyson Richman is one of my favorite authors. Why? Her prose is one of the best I have ever come across - yes, she writes historical fiction, but she does so in a way that when I read it, I feel as if I am reading poetry. All of her books rank among my favorites and I always recommend them, and her latest is no different. Again, she astounds me with the way that she tells a story - her innate ability to transport the reader into her character's lives and circumstances, and the way she strings words together is incredible. I loved "The Timekeepers" and consider it one of the best books I have read in 2024! I urge anyone who is looking for their next unputdownable read to grab this one! Ten stars!!!!