The Analysis of the Book “The Watchmaker’s Doctor”

How many times have this topic of discussion come up in your conversations? On too many occasions for me. A serious reflection would transport your thoughts to recollections of regrets and wrong decisions. Rarely would one prefer to think of the happier moments and relive it. That said, you wouldn’t want to dawdle on these reflections much, as the only option available to us in this brief life is to live with these memories, make the best of the present time and anticipate a fulfilling set of future experiences.

In The Watchmaker’s Doctor, Anaya, a thirty-five-year-old Doctor, has a bipolar disorder. She lives with the constant regret of not seeking preventive treatments in her teenage years, which resulted in her dropping out of school and wasting precious years before she got her medical degree. In the present time, she calls on her patients at St. Jude’; and on one morning, while visiting her long-standing patient, Greg, a watchmaker, she is generously offered the gift of a wristwatch, right before she meets with a road-accident and dies. But lo!

The magical watch instantly turns back time and transports her to the precise moment of her appointment with Greg. She, now, has to make a swift decision, as to, whether she prefers dying tragically at the assigned time, or travel backward to her teenage years and carefully undo the events responsible for her current regrets. It is naturally not a complex decision in anyone’s opinion. Rarely would one intentionally embrace the former.

Predictably, she chooses to go back in time by eighteen years; but as she lives through her past again, will she be able to evade her previous mistakes? Can she gently help her struggling family and beloved friends in their time of need, considering, she is already familiar with past events? Will she cautiously shun the company of undesirable acquaintances who were harmful for her mental and physical health? Will she deliberately choose a different path for her career? How will she cope with her illness this time around?This compelling narrative can be categorised under the ‘New-Adult’ genre. It focuses heavily on bipolar disorders and its possible symptoms.

It was refreshing to read the author‘s particular take on the general attitude towards mental health and the catastrophic consequences of not seeking necessary assistance at the right time. The notable passages scientifically describing Bipolar I, II and depression were informative; and the importance of being properly evaluated during the hypo-manic period was enlightening.This published novella is well-structured, and the writing technique is easy flowing. This splendid narrative is a fast-paced as it merely has approximately 80 pages.

The intriguing plot is satisfactorily organised. It deals with one selected topic at a time, providing insight and expounding on the protagonist‘s notable actions and resulting consequences systematically. Additionally, the book comes with an official playlist of songs for every chapter, and mentions corresponding text to highlight the meaningful connection between memorable phrases and song lyrics. It was delightful to recognise some of my old favourite numbers listed therein.Anaya’s unique adventures will continue in the author‘s next novella, The Watch Seeker. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.