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Glimpse
The city authorities have abandoned the D-Zone as damaged beyond repair. It’s a no-go area where ongoing earthquakes threaten to destroy what’s left. But Jonah and Bas and everyone else trying to survive in the devastation there can’t leave—they’re ‘illegals’, without citizenship, without rights.
Jonah can see the quakes—before the ground shudders and grinds, before the buildings fall. Glimpsing is a rare ability and a great survival asset. It has attracted the attention of the entertainment company GlimpseCorp and the cult movement People for a New Nation. Both are desperate to control and cash in on this remarkable power.
When Bas joins People for a New Nation and disappears, Jonah knows his friend is in great danger. And he knows that GlimpseCorp, with its reality TV program, offers a way to save him—and a way to bring new hope to the people of the D-Zone.
But Jonah’s plan puts everything, including his own life, at risk.
Glimpse is a compelling adventure, an intriguing story of conflict, power, manipulation, love and friendship, set in richly imagined world that is in many ways very much like our own.
Jane Higgins won the 2010 Text Prize for her debut novel The Bridge. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. Glimpse, her third novel for young adults, draws on her experience of the 2010–12 earthquakes, which killed 185 people and caused major damage to the city.
Jonah can see the quakes—before the ground shudders and grinds, before the buildings fall. Glimpsing is a rare ability and a great survival asset. It has attracted the attention of the entertainment company GlimpseCorp and the cult movement People for a New Nation. Both are desperate to control and cash in on this remarkable power.
When Bas joins People for a New Nation and disappears, Jonah knows his friend is in great danger. And he knows that GlimpseCorp, with its reality TV program, offers a way to save him—and a way to bring new hope to the people of the D-Zone.
But Jonah’s plan puts everything, including his own life, at risk.
Glimpse is a compelling adventure, an intriguing story of conflict, power, manipulation, love and friendship, set in richly imagined world that is in many ways very much like our own.
Jane Higgins won the 2010 Text Prize for her debut novel The Bridge. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. Glimpse, her third novel for young adults, draws on her experience of the 2010–12 earthquakes, which killed 185 people and caused major damage to the city.
Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
2 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Jane Higgins
17 books22 followersJane was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Over the years, she has traveled away, but she returned in the 1990s; she and her husband, Paul, live there still, even though the ground now shakes at regular and unnerving intervals and has done since the earthquakes of September 2010 and February 2011.
Growing up, she read a lot of classic science fiction, fantasy and myth, and was captivated by the astonishing beauty and strangeness of the universe and by the writers who explored it – in fiction and non-fiction. She tried some exploring of her own, in the company of the very cool people in the Canterbury Astronomical Society – people who made their own telescopes and tracked the patterns of the solar system from their own backyards. She watched Dr. Who (almost, but not quite, from the beginning), Star Trek (favourite episode: The Trouble with Tribbles – great, because so silly) and The Prisoner (great, because so weird), and kept reading. She went to university and completed a degree in astronomy and mathematics and thought about spending her life sitting on a mountain being an astronomer.
A trip away to Europe, post-degree, derailed those ambitions. Seeing serious poverty and serious preparations for war for the first time was a powerful experience. She came home to study social science and learn from some amazing people about its concrete expression in the world through campaigns against poverty, oppressive labour laws and racism in New Zealand and elsewhere.
She became an academic at the University of Canterbury then at Lincoln University, specializing in research with young people about their lives. She wrote a lot of non-fiction for academic journals, kept reading and finally had a go at writing a novel.
She was lucky to be part of the inaugural intake of the Hagley Writers’ Institute – more wonderful people, including tutors and fellow scribblers. In their company, The Bridge grew from a short story into something longer and more complicated.
She still works as a researcher with young people, still reads, still writes (and still watches Dr. Who).
Growing up, she read a lot of classic science fiction, fantasy and myth, and was captivated by the astonishing beauty and strangeness of the universe and by the writers who explored it – in fiction and non-fiction. She tried some exploring of her own, in the company of the very cool people in the Canterbury Astronomical Society – people who made their own telescopes and tracked the patterns of the solar system from their own backyards. She watched Dr. Who (almost, but not quite, from the beginning), Star Trek (favourite episode: The Trouble with Tribbles – great, because so silly) and The Prisoner (great, because so weird), and kept reading. She went to university and completed a degree in astronomy and mathematics and thought about spending her life sitting on a mountain being an astronomer.
A trip away to Europe, post-degree, derailed those ambitions. Seeing serious poverty and serious preparations for war for the first time was a powerful experience. She came home to study social science and learn from some amazing people about its concrete expression in the world through campaigns against poverty, oppressive labour laws and racism in New Zealand and elsewhere.
She became an academic at the University of Canterbury then at Lincoln University, specializing in research with young people about their lives. She wrote a lot of non-fiction for academic journals, kept reading and finally had a go at writing a novel.
She was lucky to be part of the inaugural intake of the Hagley Writers’ Institute – more wonderful people, including tutors and fellow scribblers. In their company, The Bridge grew from a short story into something longer and more complicated.
She still works as a researcher with young people, still reads, still writes (and still watches Dr. Who).
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 17, 2023
In this book people who glimpse can predict earthquakes, they have visions a few minutes before it hits, just enough time to give a warning and get to a safer place. There’s plenty in this story from a resilient group of people who live in the D-zone; to a mysterious cult called PANN, people for a New Nation predicting the rise of a new nation on the seventh anniversary of the big one; an evil corporation called GlimpseCorp that exploits glimpsers for Tv ratings, local crime gangs, and more.
It was a compelling read particularly in the latter chapters as the anniversary arrives.
It was a compelling read particularly in the latter chapters as the anniversary arrives.
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November 3, 2023The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Glimpse
‘An ideal introduction to dystopian fiction for young teens…Engaging, thoughtful and elegantly written.’
Books+Publishing
‘A fascinating and fast-paced story of conflict and power, manipulation and society, set in a richly imagined world…Glimpse is another fire cracker from an author who draws inspiration from the real world to tell thrilling stories that will captivate readers.’
NZ Booklovers
‘An exciting adventure.’
Readings
‘Another memorable title, another stunning cover, and a truly audacious concept, grounded in reality…A standalone tribute to the community of [Jane Higgins’] beloved Ōtautahi.’
NZ Listener
‘If you are looking for a brilliant, fast-paced and riveting read, here it is…Generous in complex themes, the brilliant prose leads the reader through issues of detention camps, illegal migrants, gang warfare and specifically, strength and survival…The best book I’ve read this year.’
Kids’ Book Review
‘Highly recommended.’
ReadPlus
‘This dystopian, cli-fi novel is packed with action…Some of the themes that weave through the story include family, friendship, self-esteem, grief and accepting change.’
Magpies
‘Higgins crafts a cast of diverse and compelling characters, their witty exchanges and unwavering camaraderie tugging at the reader’s heartstrings…This unique novel is an enthralling exploration of a world defined by its vulnerabilities and strengths, as well as the indomitable spirit of those who challenge the injustices. Glimpse is a clever and powerful novel.’
CBCA Reading Time
‘Glimpse is a novel that demonstrates conflict between loyalty and freedom of life. The Demolition Zone is full of action, clashing loyalties and lies. This book is perfect for people who like conspiracies and crime, mixed with a bit of sci-fi.’
Rose, Year 7, Good Reading Magazine
‘An ideal introduction to dystopian fiction for young teens…Engaging, thoughtful and elegantly written.’
Books+Publishing
‘A fascinating and fast-paced story of conflict and power, manipulation and society, set in a richly imagined world…Glimpse is another fire cracker from an author who draws inspiration from the real world to tell thrilling stories that will captivate readers.’
NZ Booklovers
‘An exciting adventure.’
Readings
‘Another memorable title, another stunning cover, and a truly audacious concept, grounded in reality…A standalone tribute to the community of [Jane Higgins’] beloved Ōtautahi.’
NZ Listener
‘If you are looking for a brilliant, fast-paced and riveting read, here it is…Generous in complex themes, the brilliant prose leads the reader through issues of detention camps, illegal migrants, gang warfare and specifically, strength and survival…The best book I’ve read this year.’
Kids’ Book Review
‘Highly recommended.’
ReadPlus
‘This dystopian, cli-fi novel is packed with action…Some of the themes that weave through the story include family, friendship, self-esteem, grief and accepting change.’
Magpies
‘Higgins crafts a cast of diverse and compelling characters, their witty exchanges and unwavering camaraderie tugging at the reader’s heartstrings…This unique novel is an enthralling exploration of a world defined by its vulnerabilities and strengths, as well as the indomitable spirit of those who challenge the injustices. Glimpse is a clever and powerful novel.’
CBCA Reading Time
‘Glimpse is a novel that demonstrates conflict between loyalty and freedom of life. The Demolition Zone is full of action, clashing loyalties and lies. This book is perfect for people who like conspiracies and crime, mixed with a bit of sci-fi.’
Rose, Year 7, Good Reading Magazine
June 5, 2023
Thank you to Text Publishing for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Insightful, gripping and challenging.
Glimpse is a dystopian novel about Jonah and Bas, two best friends who have grown up in a broken world. Broken by the earthquakes that ravage the place they call home.
I found that this novel started out a bit slow but picked up around the halfway point. In this novel, people are gifted with ‘glimpses’; these glimpses are warnings that an earthquake is about to come crashing through the city. Jonah is gifted, he uses his sight for good and is able to give warnings so people can prepare for the approaching earthquakes.
But years ago, he was wronged by PANN - an organisation that manipulated him and then left for good. But now they’re back, and Jonah isn’t willing to let anyone else fall for their lies. But Bas gets swept up in empty promises, and then he goes missing. Jonah knows he must do everything in his power to stop the leaders of PANN from ruining more lives, but it’s easier said than done.
I felt like the premise of the story was really promising, but the finished piece was missing something that could’ve made for a stronger storyline. I also felt like the story dragged on towards the end, which was a little disappointing.
In saying this, Glimpse is perfect for fans of a dystopian novel full of twists and turns and a storyline that’ll have you gripped from the start.
Insightful, gripping and challenging.
Glimpse is a dystopian novel about Jonah and Bas, two best friends who have grown up in a broken world. Broken by the earthquakes that ravage the place they call home.
I found that this novel started out a bit slow but picked up around the halfway point. In this novel, people are gifted with ‘glimpses’; these glimpses are warnings that an earthquake is about to come crashing through the city. Jonah is gifted, he uses his sight for good and is able to give warnings so people can prepare for the approaching earthquakes.
But years ago, he was wronged by PANN - an organisation that manipulated him and then left for good. But now they’re back, and Jonah isn’t willing to let anyone else fall for their lies. But Bas gets swept up in empty promises, and then he goes missing. Jonah knows he must do everything in his power to stop the leaders of PANN from ruining more lives, but it’s easier said than done.
I felt like the premise of the story was really promising, but the finished piece was missing something that could’ve made for a stronger storyline. I also felt like the story dragged on towards the end, which was a little disappointing.
In saying this, Glimpse is perfect for fans of a dystopian novel full of twists and turns and a storyline that’ll have you gripped from the start.
October 8, 2023
Clever, thoughtful examination of corruption and greed in a post-disaster world.
This negative representation is balanced by depictions of brave loyal characters who stand up to injustice and fight for their community.
Also, a good (tight) length.
This negative representation is balanced by depictions of brave loyal characters who stand up to injustice and fight for their community.
Also, a good (tight) length.
September 6, 2024
Read as a class novel study. Book wasn’t too bad.
January 29, 2024
Standard ya, with the very interesting glimpse concept. The evil corporation is evil, the slums are slums, and the hero is basic but it's fun and has potential. I especially like the lack of relationship drama.
June 13, 2023
There have been years of shaking. The ground is eternally ruptured, still bleeding silt and taking buildings a wall at a time. People have learned to live with this shaking, at first hoping it will finally stop, and now hoping to survive each one.
A particularly bad area of Jonah’s city has been named the D Zone – short for demolition. Either by the quakes themselves or the authorities. Nobody is supposed to be living there. It’s been marked for destruction. But years after the first quakes, D Zone has it’s own population of families. Many have no official papers which are required for assistance of any kind. If you are found without the required documentation, you and your family vanish from D Zone never to be seen again. Your neighbours know where you’ve gone though. Into a prison far from home with no hope of release.
But D Zoners are tough, resilient and loyal, and have built a new life from the rubble. Law is also a fractured thing, and different for each gang that rules the separate parts of D Zone. The thriving market place is neutral however, and where Jonah and his friends work and meet.
Some people have developed a special skill. Jonah is one of them. He can feel when a quake is about to hit. This skill is called a Glimpse, and this internal warning system although taxing on the Glimpser, can save lives. This skill can also make you rich and famous and is sought after by many.
When Jonah sees signs of a group called PANN in the market, he is instantly wary and angry. Years before this group had come to D Zone, and left nothing but broken dreams and heartbreak behind. Jonah was one of the biggest losers. He tries to warn his fellow D Zoners and is surprised his best friend Bas is being sucked in by PANN, but nothing Jonah says seems to have any effect.
This time PANN is not on its own, and the battle to move them on almost impossible. It’s been seven years since the very first quakes. Seven years of struggle. PANN is promising a way out and too many people are listening.
Can Jonah save his friend, his family and his community before it is too late?
From the award winning author of the powerful The Bridge, Glimpse is penned from her own experiences in the Christchurch (NZ) earthquakes. Just like The Bridge, I was taken into a dystopian world, and gripped early by this story and the powerful writing that delivers it.
Several times I would stop and reread a brilliant sentence that captured the essence of the character’s lives. Glimpse is a scenario in a perfectly possible future of corporate greed and organisations willing to prey on the vulnerable, all with a fantastical element of seeing events just before they happen.
Fast moving, beautifully written and authentic. I could almost feel the ground shaking, the roar of wrenched steel and concrete, and the dust filling the air. Glimpse has been written in tribute to the many rebuilding the city of Christchurch.
Age – 13+
A particularly bad area of Jonah’s city has been named the D Zone – short for demolition. Either by the quakes themselves or the authorities. Nobody is supposed to be living there. It’s been marked for destruction. But years after the first quakes, D Zone has it’s own population of families. Many have no official papers which are required for assistance of any kind. If you are found without the required documentation, you and your family vanish from D Zone never to be seen again. Your neighbours know where you’ve gone though. Into a prison far from home with no hope of release.
But D Zoners are tough, resilient and loyal, and have built a new life from the rubble. Law is also a fractured thing, and different for each gang that rules the separate parts of D Zone. The thriving market place is neutral however, and where Jonah and his friends work and meet.
Some people have developed a special skill. Jonah is one of them. He can feel when a quake is about to hit. This skill is called a Glimpse, and this internal warning system although taxing on the Glimpser, can save lives. This skill can also make you rich and famous and is sought after by many.
When Jonah sees signs of a group called PANN in the market, he is instantly wary and angry. Years before this group had come to D Zone, and left nothing but broken dreams and heartbreak behind. Jonah was one of the biggest losers. He tries to warn his fellow D Zoners and is surprised his best friend Bas is being sucked in by PANN, but nothing Jonah says seems to have any effect.
This time PANN is not on its own, and the battle to move them on almost impossible. It’s been seven years since the very first quakes. Seven years of struggle. PANN is promising a way out and too many people are listening.
Can Jonah save his friend, his family and his community before it is too late?
From the award winning author of the powerful The Bridge, Glimpse is penned from her own experiences in the Christchurch (NZ) earthquakes. Just like The Bridge, I was taken into a dystopian world, and gripped early by this story and the powerful writing that delivers it.
Several times I would stop and reread a brilliant sentence that captured the essence of the character’s lives. Glimpse is a scenario in a perfectly possible future of corporate greed and organisations willing to prey on the vulnerable, all with a fantastical element of seeing events just before they happen.
Fast moving, beautifully written and authentic. I could almost feel the ground shaking, the roar of wrenched steel and concrete, and the dust filling the air. Glimpse has been written in tribute to the many rebuilding the city of Christchurch.
Age – 13+
April 28, 2023
Glimpse by Jane Higgins is a dystopian adventure set in a earthquake ravaged land with people being left to fend for themselves and survive the best they can. Centred around a group of teenagers, the story leads us through many conflicts and power struggles, but also focuses on the importance of loyalty and friendship.
Well developed story line that moved rapidly with interesting characters that keep the reader involved and hoping for positive outcomes.
An interesting young adult sci-fiction story that gives insight into surviving earthquakes and the after tremors as well as dealing with forces trying to dominate others.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Text Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#Glimpse #Netgalley
Well developed story line that moved rapidly with interesting characters that keep the reader involved and hoping for positive outcomes.
An interesting young adult sci-fiction story that gives insight into surviving earthquakes and the after tremors as well as dealing with forces trying to dominate others.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Text Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#Glimpse #Netgalley
Want to read
April 15, 2023Fantastic adventure thriller sent in a dystopian urban environment. A cult, dangerous earthquakes and a divided nation. It packs a punch with racy adventure and commentary on society and how humans treat each other. A great read. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
June 23, 2023
Topical and relevant for our school library and students who have families who lived through the earthquakes. A good intermediate read but not my favourite this year.
June 12, 2023
4.5*
"May I suggest that, for the next few days at least, you do not underestimate the bigotry of zealots"
"May I suggest that, for the next few days at least, you do not underestimate the bigotry of zealots"
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews