When Jack was birthed into a midwife's home on a cold winter's day, his frozen heart was fitted with a cuckoo clock to keep it going. But this causes all kinds of trouble, namely, that he can never fall in love because of the pressure it would put on his fragile heart. When Jack's finally allowed into town on his fourteenth birthday, he falls in love with a beautiful young singer named Acacia. But Acacia has another lover; one that endangers Jack and his fragile heart. Nevertheless, Jack sets out to win Acacia's heart against all odds, on a path full of troubles, with a heart that can't stand the burden of love.
This novella is a delightful package of lyricism, imagery, unforgettable characters, and an unimaginable plot. From the first page, Jack's voice (speaking from inside his mother's womb) had a colorful childishness that stuck out. The comparisons and vocabulary Malzieu uses reflect Jack's age as it progresses, which was very interesting to read. The images themselves were very powerful; it was almost like a poem in its color and a story in its voice-a perfect mixture if there ever was one. The characters were also well-developed. Acacia's song-bird quality instantly makes her a character of empathy, while Jack's mix of self-sufficiency and naivety is also particularly endearing. The plot flowed quickly and succinctly, without extra fluff. Cuckoo Clock is a fairy tale find; an absolute joy to read.
- Reviewed on: 4/29/2010
- Publisher: Knopf
- Publication date: March 2, 2010
- Genre: Teen Fiction (gothic-punk)
