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.

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.

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.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Serene

- Tinkers by Paul Harding won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, marking it as the first debut novel to win the prestigious award since Jeffrey Eugenides' The Virgin Suicides.
- Harding's Tinkers was published by the small independent press Bellevue Literary Press, highlighting the growing relevance and success of indie publishers in the literary world.
- Paul Harding, the author of Tinkers, was formerly a drummer for the rock band Cold Water Flat before he pursued writing full-time, showcasing his diverse artistic talents.

**George Washington Crosby**  
A skilled clock repairperson whose deep attachment to clocks and family are central to the narrative. His reflections on life and family become the memories that form the plot of the novel.

**Howard Aaron Crosby**  
George’s father and a tinker who shares a passion for fixing objects. He grapples with his epilepsy and its impact on his family relationships.

**Kathleen Crosby**  
Howard’s first wife, a religious and strict woman who raises their four children in Maine. She struggles with feelings of resentment and loss related to her role as a mother.

**Megan Lightman**  
Howard’s second wife, who is kind and supportive in the face of his epilepsy. She represents a period of personal and professional happiness for Howard.

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