The Chemistry of Tears (2012) by Peter Carey explores two intertwining stories. The first follows Catherine Gehrig, an art restorer and horologist who, grieving the death of her lover, becomes consumed with restoring an enigmatic automaton. As she assembles the object, she uncovers the 1854 diary of Henry Brandling, the second narrative’s protagonist, who commissions the automaton in a desperate attempt to cure his terminally ill son. The novel delves into themes of grief, obsession, and the intersection of human creativity and technological destruction. Through the restoration process and Brandling's journey, Carey reflects on the dual nature of machines—both as feats of human ingenuity and as instruments of environmental harm. The novel's ambiguous ending leaves questions about the true purpose and origins of the automaton.
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