
A young boy is born into a family that reveres an imposing name—Christopher Mark Antony Burton—passed down through generations like a solemn heirloom. From his earliest days he bears the weight of that legacy, feeling the pressure of expectations while his own spirit longs for something simpler. When he finally sheds the cumbersome title at school, the relief is immediate, and the nickname “Chris” becomes his new banner, opening the door to friendships and a fresh sense of self.
Just as Chris begins to enjoy his newfound freedom, a chance encounter with a mysterious group of clockmakers draws him into a world of meticulous craft and hidden stories. Their workshop, filled with ticking wonders, offers him more than a hobby; it becomes a place where time itself seems to pause, giving him space to explore who he truly wants to become. The early chapters blend humor, family dynamics, and the quiet magic of a trade that may hold the key to his future.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (334K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-10-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1872–1968
A prolific American writer, she filled her stories with New England life and returned again and again to the Cape Cod world she imagined in the villages of Belleport and Wilton. She also wrote accessible nonfiction for younger readers on everyday industries and inventions.
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