Book Review—The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

Wow! Where to begin is the question!  The Glass Hotel is an amazing mystery/psychological fiction novel that has layer upon layer of plot development with many characters and interconnecting storylines.  The story begins with Vincent (a woman) in the water.  We learn that Vincent has a troubled half-brother, Paul. Both Vincent and Paul are floundering through life in their twenties.  Vincent is bartending at the Hotel Caiette (the “glass hotel”), and helps Paul get a job there, too.  One night the owner of the hotel, Jonathan Alkaitis, comes to the bar while Vincent is on duty.  At the end of the night, Jonathan passes his card and a tip to Vincent, which changes her life.  Paul’s life is also changed that night in a different way.  

The book focuses on themes of wealth, regret, and consequences and the author handles those themes in unique ways.  There are many surprises in this book.  If you read Station Eleven by Mandel, a few of the characters appear in this novel.  This book is a piece of masterful writing, and even though there is a lot going on, Mandel manages to make it flow for the reader.  I highly recommend The Glass Hotel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


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