Sometimes a book . . .

Once in a while you fall into a book that puts its spell on you–so well written, the story so compelling, that even when you get to the last page, close the covers, put it down, it stays with you. This morning I finished Stephen Kiernan’s The Glass Chateau, and oh my–it is that kind of book. Kiernan lives in Vermont which makes it even more wonderful to love his work. Earlier I’ve read his A Universe of Two and The Baker’s Secret, both of which are excellent, but this latest novel is the best yet. Every aspect of it works–the setting, characters, historical background, the technical descriptions of making stained glass, the shattered and then healing emotions of the characters, the way the story moves along with great force. Get this book! You’re in for a great reading experience.

As someone who is trying to write fiction, I will return to Kiernan’s novel and try to learn from it. But of course it’s rather daunting to read work that is so expert.