36 pages • 1 hour read
Paul HardingTinkers
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Tinkers by Paul Harding follows George Washington Crosby, a man on his deathbed, as he reflects on his past and family history. His memories intertwine with those of his father, Howard, a traveling salesman with epilepsy. The narrative explores themes of mortality, memory, and the bonds between generations amidst George's passion for clock repair and Howard's struggles and eventual departure. The story addresses epilepsy, seizures, and hospital commitments.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Paul Harding's Tinkers dazzles with its poetic prose and deep exploration of memory and time. Reviewers praise its lyrical language and intricate portrayal of the human condition. However, some find its fragmented narrative and slow pace challenging, potentially alienating readers seeking a more conventional plot. Despite this, its emotional depth and artistic merit resonate strongly.
Who Should Read Tinkers?
Readers who enjoy intricately woven narratives, deep philosophical inquiries, and rich, descriptive prose will appreciate Paul Harding's Tinkers. Fans of Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead and Annie Proulx’s The Shipping News will find comparable introspection and a focus on the subtle complexities of life in this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.