13 Clocks ~James Thurber
–1950, New York Review
–124 pages
–5/5 stars
Something very much like nothing anyone had ever seen before came trotting down the stairs and crossed the room.
“What is that?” the Duke asked, palely.
“I don’t know what it is,” said Hark, “but it’s the only one there ever was.”
In his wonderful introduction, Neil Gaiman calls James Thurber’s classic 13 Clocks, “…probably the best book in the world.” He goes on to say, “And if it’s not the best book, then it’s still very much like nothing anyone has ever seen before, and, to the best of my knowledge, no one’s ever really seen anything like it since.”
While I personally couldn’t go so far as to say it is the best book I’ve ever read, I can unequivocally say that it is indeed like nothing I’ve ever seen before and its charm captivates you from the very beginning and makes you want to read it straight through to the end as soon as you possibly can.
In the foreword, author James Thurber reports, “I wrote this book in Bermuda, where I had gone to finish another book. The shift to this one was an example of escapism and self-indulgence. Unless modern Man wanders down these byways occasionally, I do not see how he can hope to preserve his sanity.”
More than many books I have read, the Gaiman’s introduction and Thurber’s foreword had me hankering to get right into the story. 13 Clocks came my way recently as part of an unexpected surprise gift from my friend Scott. If this had been the only thing in the package it would have been a much treasured package.
13 Clocks is a wonderful, magical fairy tale that is certainly unlike any others that I’ve read. I have read fairy tales for children and fairy tales for adults and certainly the best authors can pen a tale within this genre that appeals to both. 13 Clocks was different for me in that I was never quite sure if it was meant to be written for children or adults. Its familiar plot and quick progression certainly possesses all the hallmarks of a children’s tale, but the frankly sinister moments and the play on words reached out to me as an adult in ways it never would have had I discovered this tale as a child.
“Once upon a time, in a gloomy castle on a lonely hill, where there were thirteen clocks that wouldn’t go, there lived a cold, aggressive Duke, and his niece, the Princess Saralinda. She was warm in every wind and weather, but he was always cold. His hand were as cold as his smile, and almost as cold as his heart. He wore gloves when he was asleep, and he wore gloves when he was awake, which made it difficult for him to pick up pins or coins or the kernels of nuts, or to tear the wings from nightingales.”
The whole story is like that, filled with the most wonderful turns of phrase and the most richly worded imagery. 13 Clocks straddles the line between darkness and light in a way that makes it a real page-turner.
The book itself is a high quality piece of art. Evidently James Thurber’s eyesight was too poor by the time he wrote 13 Clocks to provide his own illustrations, so he asked his friend Marc Simont to provide them. Simont’s illustrations are just as interesting to ponder as is the story itself in that they are at once perfect for the tale being told and yet also completely out of character with the more darker elements. I just love it. As a whole package, this book is a real treasure.
If you are looking for a quick adventure worth taking I suggest visiting your local bookstore or library for a read of 13 Clocks. Although I did not do this myself, I do believe 13 Clocks would be an absolute delight to read aloud. It has a lyricism that begs to be heard.
The back of the book describes 13 Clocks as “a work of dark and delicate whimsey for the ages.”
I couldn’t agree more.
After Neil Gaiman wrote about this one on his journal I added it to my wishlist. I haven’t gotten to it yet, but your review made me bump it up on the list. I’ll have to go hunting for a copy now. I love all things whimsical so this sounds right up my alley.
I have loved this book all my life. When I was little, I wanted to grow up to look just like the picture of Saralinda…(sigh),
And lots of the words are still in my head:”,,,the Duke is fond of kittens. He like to turn them inside out and use their fur for mittens!”
I’m so glad it is finding new friends.
I’ve been wanting to read this for a long time, as my favourite children’s book is Thurber’s Many Moons, which is really wonderful, although it’s the only one I’ve read by him.
First Neil, then Ana, and now you. NO WAY this won’t be a delight!
I think I am going to have to read this one. It sounds fabulous. Great review. You have definitely sold it to me.
Vivienne: You really should. Track it down at your local library and give it a shot. I think you would enjoy it.
Debi: It all begins with Neil. LOL! You and the kiddos would enjoy this one. I was thinking of you and a handful of other friends specifically when I was talking about reading this one aloud.
Claire: I’m going to see if my library has Many Moons as I would certainly love to read more of his work.
Charlotte: I am glad they re-released it, and in a version with an intro by one of my favorites. The friend who sent it to me is the one who introduced me to Neil Gaiman’s work, so this is an extra special gift.
Chelle: This is chock-full of whimsy!!!
*sigh* another book on my TBR pile. Someone else had reviewed this recently – Nymeth did – and so it was already on my radar. Now I know I MUST have this, especiallly because of how you described it as dark with whimsy. Perfect. Plus the illustrations too. Lovely review, Carl! As always!
Susan: Thanks, I appreciate it. I think I do recall Nymeth posting about this one recently and enjoying it. She has good taste in books.
Thanks for the great review! I’d completely forgotten that I wanted to add this book to my wishlist, but it’s on there now. 🙂
Thanks for this! I’ve had this book on my to-read list for ages, and forgotten about it. Heading out to Powells now to pick it up, looking forward to it!
Stacey: I hope you enjoy it, it really is a whimsical treasure.
Memory: Glad to help. I had completely forgotten that Nymeth reviewed this awhile back and it sounded really good then.
Sounds wonderful. Love the art. Do you mind if I borrow it from you to read to my kiddo’s?
Jeff: Not at all, I’ll try to remember to pull it out for tonight.
I loved this book! I’m not at all surprised you did too 😀
It was so fun, wasn’t it Nymeth? Jeff borrowed it last night to read to his kids. I may have to read it aloud to Tori and Mary when I get it back, they really enjoy being read to.
Sounds great, and I love the artwork you’ve posted. I really like those weird books that just work, although you aren’t really sure why 🙂
“I really like those weird books that just work, although you aren’t really sure why :)”
Me too Fence!
Well….if a Neil Gaiman’s recommendation isn’t enough to make me want to pick up a book, your recommendation certainly is!! I have faith in you, Carl!! And this sounds like a wonderful book that I must find …immediately!!
Thanks Stephanie! You can put Nymeth in there too who reviewed this before I did and gave it high marks.
“This is a story that demands to be read aloud.” That’s what I posted before I went back for a second read and saw that you’d made the same assessment.
The quotations you provided made me call my friend Peedy out of hiding on my desktop and put him to work. You do know about the Deskbot program, right? Peedy’s a green parrot who will read whatever I ask, while I sit back and sip coffee or do my nails. I often have him read my blog entries to me before I post. If you gave him the text, he’d read War and Peace to you. When he’s not working, he munches on crackers and rocks out with headphones and sunglasses.
He’s just terrific for people who live alone, or tend to be roaming at 3 a.m. when no one wants to read to them. You can find him at deskbot.com. He’s free, with a customizable voice. He seems to like The 13 Clocks, too 😉
When I was a kid I read “13 Clocks” in a book combined with “The Wonderful O”. It was a book with two covers and by flipping the book you read the second story. I remember being fascinated by that too.. I might just read these books again, just for the love of words.
Thanks for the review Carl.
Ian: You’re welcome. I can certainly see why the two books in one thing would be fascinating to a kid. Heck, it can be fun now! I have Thurber’s book, Many Moons waiting for me at the library and I’m looking forward to picking that up today.
Shoreacres: That is so cool. I have never heard of Peedy. What a great concept though, especially for folks with some eyesight issues, and those who like to be read to! I’ll definitely check that out because it sounds quite fun. Now if I could customize his voice to sound just like Neil Gaiman reading that would be perfect! 😉
Thanks for this review! I have put this on my list of read-alouds for my kids. Sounds like something we’ll all enjoy. 🙂
Darla: I think you will. I picked up his book Many Moons, also illustrated by Marc Simont, and it looks to be a fun children’s book.
Oh this was one of my most favorite books as a kid! I loved it so much. And I read it my children as well. It ranked up there along with The Phantom Tollbooth. It’s wonderful to see a new edition of this terrific classic!