I didn’t really start reading Susan Meissner until The Shape of Mercy. The dual contemporary and historical story line hooked me completely. It’s still one of my favorite books. And though I have thoroughly enjoyed Susan’s books since then–Lady in Waiting and A Sound Among the Trees–neither has challenged The Shape of Mercy as my favorite Susan Meissner book. Now The Girl in the Glass has done just that.
The Girl in the Glass is another amazing tale of past and present–with a third story between the two woven in for good measure. It’s an emotional journey about family and belonging, reality and fantasy, memory and expectation, love and friendship. It’s a tale that leads you gently along and just when you think you know where it’s going, it surprises you, leaving you breathless to keep reading. The characters, both past and present, are so real I expect to find them on the streets and in the cafes of Florence, Italy, should I ever get to go there. And if I never do, I still feel as if in some small way I’d visited it while in the pages of this book.
Besides a compelling story and characters, the book is full of rich language and images, the kind you want to slow down and savor, if you can let go of the characters for a few minutes (which I couldn’t!). When I grow up, I want to write as beautifully and masterfully as Susan Meissner.
Guess what? I have a giveaway for an autographed copy of The Girl in the Glass! One entry each for a comment on this post or on my facebook author page or tweeting this blog post (be sure to tag me @AnneMateer so I see it!) between now and midnight Saturday. If you love real characters, beautiful prose and travel (even vicariously!), I promise you’ll love this book!
I adored this book! The larger-than-life Italian characters and the setting were wonderful. I have to agree, this one ranks up there as a favorite Susan M. book. No need to enter me. I have a copy, but I’ll put it on FB.
Thanks, Carla! I know you loved this one, too. Such a great story!
I love reading. I would love to win this book. Sounds like a book I would enjoy!
I can’t imagine anyone not loving this book, Donna. It’s beautiful!
It’s always great to meet a new author that is recommended by someone that we already read. They give us insight and wet our whistle – causing us to cover up with a blanket on a rainy day and delve into new adventures. This would be oneto keep the interest from the very start and give us additional history.
Sorry, Judy! I found your first comment caught in my s.p.a.m. filter! And it was too wonderful of an image not to share with everyone! I love snuggling under a blanket on a rainy day to read!
The write up makes me want to become better acquaninted with the you girl and her life. To join in her adventure. I have had my interest peeked.
I’m so glad my little ramblings sparked an interest, Judy. Reading is such an emotional experience for me that sometimes I fear my “reviews” are more confusing than helpful, so I appreciate knowing that other readers get what I’m trying to say!
I’ve read and enjoyed almost all of Susan’s books. I haven’t yet read this one and I don’t think I have read Lady in Waiting. I have greatly enjoyed all I read.
You’ll love this one then, MaryAnn!
Book sounds really good would love to win.
Thanks, Lourdes! I saw your tweet, too! 🙂
Would love to win
Thanks, Debbie!
I would love to win this book! It sounds like an awesome read!
You are entered, Megan! 🙂
I would firstly like to thank you for a fantastic post that was really interesting. I would be so greatful if you could possibly put my name forwards for the book giveaway, as it is something that i would love to have the oportunity of reading and reviewing! Thank you so much x
*Apologies that i am not on Facebook or Twitter*
Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
No problem, Miss Lucinda. You are entered!