Hey all!
As I mentioned in a recent podcast episode, I finally got my hands on the newest Emily St. John Mandel book The Glass Hotel. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, given the other Mandel title I’ve read (more than once, actually) is Station Eleven, which is about a terrifying virus that ravages like 99% of the worlds population and leaves the survivors to rebuild lives and communities in the aftermath. I do NOT recommend that you pick up Station Eleven right now, in 2020, as it hits a little too close in this time of Coronavirus. However, I do recommend that you read it in other, better times, because the storytelling is amazing. And the same is true for The Glass Hotel.
TGH opens with a few, mysterious, unfinished snippets, and even as you continue into the stories of each character, you aren’t sure until the end which one you’re reading about in those early paragraphs. Getting into the heart of the book, we delve into the stories of Paul, an always-teetering-on-the-edge addict, and his half sister Vincent, who is struggling to find her place and purpose in the world. In addition, we come to know a myriad of other characters, who cross paths with one or both of them over the decades covered in this book.
If you’re a reader who needs an AHA! moment, this book will probably disappoint you. There are lots of lovely moments, and some not so lovely moments. There is lots of reflection and family drama, and actual scandal. There is sincere friendship and there are imagined connections. The characters are really interesting people, and while I’m not sure I would be friends with any of them, I found their stories compelling and I read this one really quickly. Pay attention to the timeframes indicated at the beginnings of the chapters, because a couple of times I found myself trying to figure out *when* we were in the story, Overall, this one gets a thumbs up from me…and I hope Emily St. John Mandel has some more beautiful storytelling up her sleeve.
Much of this book takes place in locations that I imagine would require a drink that warms you to the core…enjoy with your favorite sipping whiskey.
Jaclyn