Its appeal, for many, will be rooted in that familiarity, a meeting of long-refined expectations.

But inClock Danceits lacking in potency.

With few exceptions including a fascinating encounter with a gun-wielding hijacker theres not much room for spontaneity.

book

Credit: Knopf

Clock Danceis perhaps ultimately an argument for seeing an uneven story of high potential through to its conclusion.

She bonds with Cheryl, and the two grow together.

(Theyre still plenty good company.)

ann-tyler

NIKLAS HALLE’N/AFP/Getty Images

She has a tenderly devastating denouement with her father.

And shes able to slowly exist apart from Peter as her own person.

Tyler still hits her marks.

But this time out, that isnt quite enough.B