The Glass Woman :Book Review




Title: The Glass Woman
Author: Caroline Lea
Genre: Thriller/Gothic fiction

It was interesting to read a thriller set in 17th century Iceland. 

The Glass Woman is a story about a young woman who travels with her husband to another strange village and survives some bizarre experiences. 

After her father's death, Rosa and her ailing mother are struggling to survive. Rosa receives a marriage proposal from Jon-a trader and a headman of another village. Since this alliance would help in saving her mother, Rosa agrees and accompanies her husband to his village. Rosa encounters strange vibes in her new home. Her husband is cold, aloof and away for long hours. He warns her against acquainting herself with anyone from the village. She begins to hear noises in the attic, which she is forbidden to enter.   She is also privy to the rumors by the villagers regarding Anna's (Jon's first wife) mysterious death. 

Who or what is in the attic? How did Anna die? What is the reason behind the villager's and Jon's queer behavior? The story traverses through some ancient beliefs interspersed with witch craft and eventually unveils the mystery.

The Glass Woman is certainly a gripping and a compelling read. The tone is dark and eerie which tends to remind one of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca.  Rosa's character depicts some spunk in certain parts evoking the rears' admiration. In other parts,  our hearts go out to her for succumbing to loneliness and home sickness. 

The descriptive writing style enables readers to actually feel the harsh winters in Iceland. This is one of those books where the landscape of Iceland becomes the main character. Gory and barbaric in certain parts, this is one chilling thriller which has a gothic feel to it. It can be read in one setting. 




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