The Glass ChAteau, Stephen P. Kiernan
The Glass ChAteau, Stephen P. Kiernan
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

The Glass ChAteau
A Novel

Author: Stephen P. Kiernan

Narrator: Raphael Corkhill

Unabridged: 14 hr 29 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperAudio

Published: 06/20/2023


Synopsis

From the critically acclaimed author of Universe of Two and The Baker’s Secret, a novel of hope, healing, and the redemptive power of art, set against the turmoil of post-World War II France and inspired by the life of Marc Chagall“[A] spellbinding fable of sanctuary, art, and recovery.” — Booklist (starred review)World War II is over. Amid jubilation in the streets of France, however, there are throngs of people stunned by the recovery work ahead. Every bridge, road, and rail line, every church and school and hospital, has been destroyed. Disparate factions—from Communists, to Resistance fighters, to those who supported appeasement of the Nazis—must somehow unite and rebuild their devastated country.Asher lost his family during the war, and in revenge served as an assassin in the Resistance. Burdened by grief and guilt, he wanders through the blasted countryside, stunned by what has become of his life. When he arrives at le Château Guerin, all he seeks is a decent meal. Instead he finds a sanctuary, an oasis even though everyone there is as damaged as him. The people there are calming themselves, and recovering inch by inch, by turning sand into stained glass, and then into windows for the bombed cathedrals of France.The chateau is a volatile place, and these former warriors are as hard, and fragile, as glass. Each man carries secrets from the war too -- Asher has chosen to hide his Jewish faith so he will not be expelled by the devout Catholics who own the chateau. But all of the damaged men are guided by women of courage and affection. And Asher turns out to have a gift for making windows. As the secrets of the chateau’s residents become known one by one, they experience more heated conflict and greater challenges. Yet when they work together in common purpose, they put their fighting aside. And as Asher recovers, he finds a way to turn the recovery of broken men into the healing of a broken country. 

About Stephen P. Kiernan

Stephen P. Kiernan is the author of the novels The Curiosity, The Hummingbird, The Baker's Secret, Universe of Two, and The Glass Chateau. A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, he spent more than twenty years as a journalist, winning many award before turning to fiction writing. He has also worked nationwide on improving end of life medical care through greater use of hospice. Kiernan lives in Vermont.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Blaine on September 13, 2023

World War 2 has ended but the casualties have not! So many people have hidden scars and secrets from the war and in The Glass Chateau author Stephen P. Kiernan follows the story of former French resistance fighter Asher as he wonders his land trying to find peace, to escape the ravages of war, the f......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on August 10, 2023

Delicious. And not only because of Brigitte's incredible cooking. This was a lovely book to savor, which is kind of odd since it deals with postwar trauma--BEAUTIFULLY. It would have been a five-star story for me except that: 1) I never understood why Asher was so reluctant to share his Judaism. Yes,......more

Goodreads review by Cheri on September 07, 2023

In "The Glass Chateau," Stephen Kiernan once again showcases his unparalleled ability to weave a rich tapestry of narrative artistry. Set against the backdrop of an enigmatic and dreamy chateau, the novel delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the perennial struggle......more

Goodreads review by Richard on August 01, 2023

Thank you to Goodreads, William Morrow books, and the author for sending me an advanced review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I went into this book not knowing anything about the book. I now think after reading it that was a great approach. The book has a little bit of everything......more

Goodreads review by Donna on June 27, 2023

A slow and steady multiple faiths historical fiction with copious amounts of detailed information on the art of stained glass windows. @WilliamMorrowBooks......more