A girl goes on dangerous magical quest to find missing clock tower automatons. I read this book sometime in the mid-1970s. It may have been published from the 1950s-1970s. Statues or automatons have disappeared from the town cathedral or clock tower (I lean toward the clock) and if they are not restored by midnight (?) on a certain day, chaos will ensue. There is a European city feel to the magical yet current-day setting. Toward the very end, some adults are talking, “I’m letting her sleep. ” There is a sense that she has done things which were not quite lawful but she is excused because of her accomplishment. The adults may be a mother and aunt, or maybe aunts only.
Stump the Bookseller
New format, same book stumper solving.
The Wicked Enchantment by Margot Benary-Isbert 1955
KIRKUS REVIEW
In a different vein from The Ark and Rowan Farm which were two stories of post-war German refugees, this takes life under more “”normal”” conditions in the enchanting little town of Vogelsang. But Vogelsang is enchanted too- bewitched- and its temporary predicament is most strongly felt by young Anemone, whose father, Mr. Florus, runs a nursery. When, out of the kindness of his heart Mr. Florus takes in a housekeeper, Ilsebill, and her son, Erwin, the pair turn out to be the wickedest, most cleverly deceptive tyrants Anemone has ever run into. Their arrival coincides with the disappearance of a statue and a gargoyle from Vogelsang’s cathedral. With Ilsebill and Erwin around, Anemone can no longer stand it at home and runs off to her Aunt Gundula who is a painter. But even further complications arise, for the supposed theft of the statues causes a local set-to between the Mayor and Anemone’s three learned uncles, and, before matters are adjusted, more than a few strange events occur. Real story telling, this has clever satire and the ringing clarity of German forest land.
The Wicked Enchantment?
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/margot-benary-isbert-2/the-wicked-enchantment/
This sounds so much like the book I remember! Thank you so much! I appreciate the comments about the hardcover illustrations. The prices for a good hardcover edition are jaw-dropping, but when I get my hands on a copy I’ll confirm whether it’s The One — although I’m 99% certain now.