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The Glass House: A darkly atmospheric novel perfect for reading groups from an award-winning writer
1963: At the stark and isolated modernist mansion of controversial political philosopher Richard Acklehurst, the glittering annual New Year party has not gone quite as planned. Considered a genius by some, and something far darker by others, by the end of the evening Acklehurst will be dead in mysterious circumstances that are never fully explained. And although the popularity of his work waxes and wanes over the coming years, a core of acolytes remains true to his vision.
1999: Richard Acklehurst's remains are defiled in the country graveyard where they have lain undisturbed for over thirty years, forcing his daughters - Aisling and Stella, teenagers at the time of his death - to return to their childhood home where they must finally confront the complex and dark dynamic at the heart of their family.
Moving from the West of Ireland, to Dublin, London, Florence and back, The Whispering House is a captivating and compelling tale of two sisters and their secrets, of love, regret and vengeance.
1999: Richard Acklehurst's remains are defiled in the country graveyard where they have lain undisturbed for over thirty years, forcing his daughters - Aisling and Stella, teenagers at the time of his death - to return to their childhood home where they must finally confront the complex and dark dynamic at the heart of their family.
Moving from the West of Ireland, to Dublin, London, Florence and back, The Whispering House is a captivating and compelling tale of two sisters and their secrets, of love, regret and vengeance.
384 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 2, 2024
4 - 5 stars
Galway, 1963.
In a modernist steel and glass mansion in Galway, lives notorious and controversial right wing philosopher Richard Acklehurst and his teenage daughters, Aisling and Stella. People from all parts of Europe make their way to The Glass House to seek him out, to hear his views; it’s as if he’s holding court. On New Year’s Eve 1963, a planned glittering party is cancelled due to wild and snowy weather, and during that subzero night, Acklehurst has a fall outside and freezes to death. Fast forward to 1999, when his defiled body is shockingly dug up from its abandoned graveyard site and the area is daubed in graffiti. The two sisters returned to Galway where past and present collide and where they may finally confront their dark family history. The story alternates between 1963 and 1999 and is principally from the perspective of Aisling.
I really enjoy the author’s previous two books and now it’s three for three as this one enthrals me from beginning to end. First of all, Rachel Donohue writes beautifully. It’s often understated , in a less is more fashion and she writes with sensitivity for her characters and readers. There are some powerful images that really stand out amongst the prose. The plot is excellent and we are definitely taken on a rollercoaster ride with Aisling and Stella, with plenty of shocking discoveries and disclosures, secrets that will make their way out with time, lies (some of which are for the ‘right’ reasons) and with justifiable vengeance. It’s riddled with tension and suspenseful moments making it a hard novel to put aside.
The characterisation is exemplary, indeed, it is a character driven mystery thriller. At the centre of the Galway universe is Richard who is a complex man. Initially, he seems to have some light in his personality but then you see he has a pitch black dark and rotten soul. His daughters are in his shadow and witnessing their interactions with him, their battles for survival, how they unravel and the impact he has over their lives even after death, is truly fascinating. These are very good character studies, none of them are run of the mill people and how they interact with each other is gripping.
The novel is dark, it’s emotional, sad and thought provoking and builds to a good ending. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Corvus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Galway, 1963.
In a modernist steel and glass mansion in Galway, lives notorious and controversial right wing philosopher Richard Acklehurst and his teenage daughters, Aisling and Stella. People from all parts of Europe make their way to The Glass House to seek him out, to hear his views; it’s as if he’s holding court. On New Year’s Eve 1963, a planned glittering party is cancelled due to wild and snowy weather, and during that subzero night, Acklehurst has a fall outside and freezes to death. Fast forward to 1999, when his defiled body is shockingly dug up from its abandoned graveyard site and the area is daubed in graffiti. The two sisters returned to Galway where past and present collide and where they may finally confront their dark family history. The story alternates between 1963 and 1999 and is principally from the perspective of Aisling.
I really enjoy the author’s previous two books and now it’s three for three as this one enthrals me from beginning to end. First of all, Rachel Donohue writes beautifully. It’s often understated , in a less is more fashion and she writes with sensitivity for her characters and readers. There are some powerful images that really stand out amongst the prose. The plot is excellent and we are definitely taken on a rollercoaster ride with Aisling and Stella, with plenty of shocking discoveries and disclosures, secrets that will make their way out with time, lies (some of which are for the ‘right’ reasons) and with justifiable vengeance. It’s riddled with tension and suspenseful moments making it a hard novel to put aside.
The characterisation is exemplary, indeed, it is a character driven mystery thriller. At the centre of the Galway universe is Richard who is a complex man. Initially, he seems to have some light in his personality but then you see he has a pitch black dark and rotten soul. His daughters are in his shadow and witnessing their interactions with him, their battles for survival, how they unravel and the impact he has over their lives even after death, is truly fascinating. These are very good character studies, none of them are run of the mill people and how they interact with each other is gripping.
The novel is dark, it’s emotional, sad and thought provoking and builds to a good ending. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Corvus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2025
Really enjoyed - writing mesmerising in parts and became so invested in the people. Last chapter beautiful - had to read a few times.
January 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
The Glass House is Irish writer Rachel Donohue’s third book. I read and didn’t love The Temple House Vanishing so I went into this one with a certain amount of trepidation but I need not have, it’s a very enjoyable novel.
It’s less thriller and more suspenseful historical fiction, with a dual timeline of 1963 and 1999. Sisters Aisling and Stella were raised in a modernist glass house in Co Galway by their father Richard Acklehurst, a renowned commentator and philosopher. Acklehurst hosts glittering parties at their mansion with guests travelling from all over Europe to attend, and on one such night in 1963, everything changes forever.
In 1999, Acklehurst’s remains have been disturbed and graffiti daubed in several places, forcing the sisters to return home and confront their family’s dark past.
Moving between Galway, Dublin, Florence and London, this is a story of family secrets and buried trauma, which always rises to the surface despite best efforts to suppress it. It’s wrapped up in rather lovely prose that kept me turning pages. I wasn’t as engaged by the 1999 timeline and the detective angle but enjoyed the story as a whole nonetheless. An atmospheric wintry read. There are some disturbing themes here so drop me a DM if you’d like content warnings. 3.5/5⭐️
*Many thanks to @gillhessltd @corvusbooks for the #gifted advance copy. I love the cover, it’s so eye-catching.
The Glass House is Irish writer Rachel Donohue’s third book. I read and didn’t love The Temple House Vanishing so I went into this one with a certain amount of trepidation but I need not have, it’s a very enjoyable novel.
It’s less thriller and more suspenseful historical fiction, with a dual timeline of 1963 and 1999. Sisters Aisling and Stella were raised in a modernist glass house in Co Galway by their father Richard Acklehurst, a renowned commentator and philosopher. Acklehurst hosts glittering parties at their mansion with guests travelling from all over Europe to attend, and on one such night in 1963, everything changes forever.
In 1999, Acklehurst’s remains have been disturbed and graffiti daubed in several places, forcing the sisters to return home and confront their family’s dark past.
Moving between Galway, Dublin, Florence and London, this is a story of family secrets and buried trauma, which always rises to the surface despite best efforts to suppress it. It’s wrapped up in rather lovely prose that kept me turning pages. I wasn’t as engaged by the 1999 timeline and the detective angle but enjoyed the story as a whole nonetheless. An atmospheric wintry read. There are some disturbing themes here so drop me a DM if you’d like content warnings. 3.5/5⭐️
*Many thanks to @gillhessltd @corvusbooks for the #gifted advance copy. I love the cover, it’s so eye-catching.
February 9, 2025
The Glass House is less of a ‘whodunnit’ and more of a ‘whydunnit’ that’ll draw you in from the first page. This captivating blend of thriller and historical fiction may embrace the art of the slow burn, but it pulsates with atmospheric raw emotion and heart-wrenching intensity.
Set over a dual timeline from the 1960s to 1999, our story, which traverses Galway, Dublin, Florence and London, weaves the past and present together as our central characters review their own histories, unravelling layer after layer.
At the heart of the story are sisters Aisling and Stella, who grew up entrapped in their striking modernist house, an isolated imposing glass and steel structure, in rural Galway.
Their formative years are shaped by their warm-hearted housekeeper, Siobhán, while their enigmatic father, Richard Acklehurst, a celebrated social commentator and philosopher, casts a long shadow over their lives. Known for his lavish parties that attract guests from across Europe, Acklehurst’s connections to controversial figures leave an indelible mark on his family, making life with him both enthralling and challenging. Yet everything shifts dramatically during a fateful evening in 1963.
But these sisters lived in a house full of secrets, and when they return to their home in 1999, after Acklehurst’s remains are disturbed and graffiti daubed in several places, they have no choice but to confront and unveil the past.
With a deeply gothic ambience, the novel envelops you in a chilling sense of impending doom, set against a backdrop of wintry landscapes, an eerie house, and unexpected visitors. The Glass House is a darkly haunting tale filled with disturbing undertones of evil and poignant revelations. Recommended.
Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate that gorgeously eye-catching book cover!
Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read via NetGalley; as always, this is an honest review.
Set over a dual timeline from the 1960s to 1999, our story, which traverses Galway, Dublin, Florence and London, weaves the past and present together as our central characters review their own histories, unravelling layer after layer.
At the heart of the story are sisters Aisling and Stella, who grew up entrapped in their striking modernist house, an isolated imposing glass and steel structure, in rural Galway.
Their formative years are shaped by their warm-hearted housekeeper, Siobhán, while their enigmatic father, Richard Acklehurst, a celebrated social commentator and philosopher, casts a long shadow over their lives. Known for his lavish parties that attract guests from across Europe, Acklehurst’s connections to controversial figures leave an indelible mark on his family, making life with him both enthralling and challenging. Yet everything shifts dramatically during a fateful evening in 1963.
But these sisters lived in a house full of secrets, and when they return to their home in 1999, after Acklehurst’s remains are disturbed and graffiti daubed in several places, they have no choice but to confront and unveil the past.
With a deeply gothic ambience, the novel envelops you in a chilling sense of impending doom, set against a backdrop of wintry landscapes, an eerie house, and unexpected visitors. The Glass House is a darkly haunting tale filled with disturbing undertones of evil and poignant revelations. Recommended.
Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate that gorgeously eye-catching book cover!
Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read via NetGalley; as always, this is an honest review.
January 22, 2025
This a very well written, dark and disturbing read. It is one of those cleverly written books that gives you hints and nudges but it is what isn’t said that is just as important at times. The writing and story just guides you as you start to think about is before you. The characters and their relationships are incredibly well written with great depth and feeling. This is one of those books where the story and characters will live on in my mind long after the final pages have been read.
August 24, 2025
One of the best books I read this year.
It resonates more than ever because of the back-peddelling society seems to be enduring.
Two sisters, children of a fascist hiding behind philosophy, who suffer for it and have to learn to live their lives in spite of him, doing what they can to upset the way of life he wanted so badly, and succeeding. Because though his ideas take root and grow and grow as the years go by (fascists are cowards that hide until it's safe to come out and show their true colours, like we see today), their lives are lead by love and justice and compassion.
It resonates more than ever because of the back-peddelling society seems to be enduring.
Two sisters, children of a fascist hiding behind philosophy, who suffer for it and have to learn to live their lives in spite of him, doing what they can to upset the way of life he wanted so badly, and succeeding. Because though his ideas take root and grow and grow as the years go by (fascists are cowards that hide until it's safe to come out and show their true colours, like we see today), their lives are lead by love and justice and compassion.
Read
September 17, 2025#Gifted
The Glass House is the third novel from bestselling Irish author Rachel Donohue.
Like her previous two books, there’s a creepiness to this one that drew me in; I read it during a heatwave but it has strong Autumn/Winter vibes, so if you’re creating a reading list for the next few months, I’d recommend adding in The Glass House.
Set over two timelines, we meet sisters Aisling and Stella.
In 1963 they’ve just moved to a secluded but architecturally significant house in the Galway countryside with their eccentric (at best) writer father. Richard Acklehurst is a controversial figure that writes philosophical political pieces, heavily verging on fascism, and so regularly has parties of like-minded people to his home.
His daughters are often a second thought, except for beautiful Stella, who he parades in front of his guests. Aisling manages to escape to Trinity college where she makes new friends, but after bringing the group home with her for winter break, a shocking event takes place that changes their lives forever.
In the present day timeline, 1999, Acklehurst’s grave has been defiled, and with other strange goings-on in the small town, Aisling and Stella are forced to return home to face long buried secrets.
In these sections of the book, the local Gardaí are the main characters, so it’s an interesting switch-up in terms of protagonists and also it becomes more of a detective story, which I really enjoyed.
This is a very atmospheric read, and there’s a great use of pathetic fallacy here as it’s often dark and heavily snowing when some of the worst deeds are taking place. As I mentioned above, it’s ideal for Autumn/Winter!
I also felt the mirroring of the rise of fascism taking place currently, and that of both timelines in the book was really well done.
A timely and engrossing read; recommend!
With many thanks to @gillhessltd @corvusbooks for my copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
The Glass House is the third novel from bestselling Irish author Rachel Donohue.
Like her previous two books, there’s a creepiness to this one that drew me in; I read it during a heatwave but it has strong Autumn/Winter vibes, so if you’re creating a reading list for the next few months, I’d recommend adding in The Glass House.
Set over two timelines, we meet sisters Aisling and Stella.
In 1963 they’ve just moved to a secluded but architecturally significant house in the Galway countryside with their eccentric (at best) writer father. Richard Acklehurst is a controversial figure that writes philosophical political pieces, heavily verging on fascism, and so regularly has parties of like-minded people to his home.
His daughters are often a second thought, except for beautiful Stella, who he parades in front of his guests. Aisling manages to escape to Trinity college where she makes new friends, but after bringing the group home with her for winter break, a shocking event takes place that changes their lives forever.
In the present day timeline, 1999, Acklehurst’s grave has been defiled, and with other strange goings-on in the small town, Aisling and Stella are forced to return home to face long buried secrets.
In these sections of the book, the local Gardaí are the main characters, so it’s an interesting switch-up in terms of protagonists and also it becomes more of a detective story, which I really enjoyed.
This is a very atmospheric read, and there’s a great use of pathetic fallacy here as it’s often dark and heavily snowing when some of the worst deeds are taking place. As I mentioned above, it’s ideal for Autumn/Winter!
I also felt the mirroring of the rise of fascism taking place currently, and that of both timelines in the book was really well done.
A timely and engrossing read; recommend!
With many thanks to @gillhessltd @corvusbooks for my copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
November 20, 2024
3.5
I really enjoyed this read. It was very character driven and I found I really liked following the sisters lives after the death of their father. It is quite a sad book but I think it shows the reality of life for some people.
Thank you Corvus Books & Netgalley for the arc!
Pub date- 6th February 2025.
I really enjoyed this read. It was very character driven and I found I really liked following the sisters lives after the death of their father. It is quite a sad book but I think it shows the reality of life for some people.
Thank you Corvus Books & Netgalley for the arc!
Pub date- 6th February 2025.
July 2, 2026
Short and snappy writing style that I personally appreciate. The beginning did a good job of teasing up the main plot driver and giving just enough information to keep you guessing. I enjoyed the back and forth of present and past and was pretty engrossed for the whole book. Back half dragged on a bit too long for me once you had already figured out The Who/how/why part of the whodunit. Another book about Ireland that I thoroughly enjoyed
July 10, 2026
Not sure how I feel about this book yet. Absolutely beautifully written, raises the question of should the art be judged separately to the artist. Also the long term effects of personal trauma not only on the victim but on those around them. Trigger warning for SA although not graphic.
Read as part of my book club and will be having a Q&A with author in a couple of months
BC
Read as part of my book club and will be having a Q&A with author in a couple of months
BC
March 31, 2025
An enjoyable and unusual story, quite beautifully written
February 17, 2025
Great story . Well told . Quite dark .
Did Not Finish
July 3, 2025I read 146 pages and I honestly could not go on , I really didn't like the writing style, any of the characters and I was bored.
You get them now and again but had to DNF this one.
You get them now and again but had to DNF this one.
July 18, 2026
The Glass House by Rachel Donohue is a fantastic novel that has kept me addicted to its pages since I opened the book.
Aisling and Stella are the daughters of a powerful philosopher whose views and career have made their childhoods into a circus of secrets. Though they live in Ireland they belong to neither here nor there, and that's how their lives will seem to remain.
In years that follow Aisling and Stella find themselves haunted by the shadow of their diabolical father and his many minions that attempt to keep his fascist, socialist, dictator like thoughts in the present. Sometimes it takes a long time for the truth to come forward, but when it does, there is peace for some with its telling.
The Glass House goes between the 50s, 60s, onwards from the point of view of Aisling, and then the 90s from the point of view of Detective Murray.
This switch in perspective is cleverly written and something I enjoyed in Donohue's first book, The Temple House Vanishing. As the point of view alternates we are seeing a real life account of the past paired with an unraveling present. As a reader we are learning what the present day is only just discovering and often factors they are yet to discover.
As much as the story is about Aisling and Stella's lives they don't endure the madness alone, as they undergo a night they will always be haunted by they have Jonathan and Noaise to turn to, who where their on that dark and cold winters night.
The plot, what can I say, life is complicated, full of expectations, shaddows to live in and a happiness we are trying to chase. As I have found with Donohue's writing, there is always a philosophical touch that leaves you with beautifully written lines that make her books what they are.
Though this book spans across many years, and many seasons, I'd say as autumn bleeds into winter would be the most effective time to enter this book.
The Glass House is a book where the past is ever lingering at your closed window. You may close your curtain and turn a blind eye, but its their, unrelenting and stagnant.
Despite the exotic people of post war 50s, the hazy 60's, explorations of the 70's, maturing 80's, and all revealing 90's of this book, there is some realistic validation in the tale, of finding a life of your own even if that life breaks all societal views.
I have loved every minute of this book as I have Rachel Donohue's previous books; 'The Temple House Vanishing' and 'The Beauty of Impossible things'.
Aisling and Stella are the daughters of a powerful philosopher whose views and career have made their childhoods into a circus of secrets. Though they live in Ireland they belong to neither here nor there, and that's how their lives will seem to remain.
In years that follow Aisling and Stella find themselves haunted by the shadow of their diabolical father and his many minions that attempt to keep his fascist, socialist, dictator like thoughts in the present. Sometimes it takes a long time for the truth to come forward, but when it does, there is peace for some with its telling.
The Glass House goes between the 50s, 60s, onwards from the point of view of Aisling, and then the 90s from the point of view of Detective Murray.
This switch in perspective is cleverly written and something I enjoyed in Donohue's first book, The Temple House Vanishing. As the point of view alternates we are seeing a real life account of the past paired with an unraveling present. As a reader we are learning what the present day is only just discovering and often factors they are yet to discover.
As much as the story is about Aisling and Stella's lives they don't endure the madness alone, as they undergo a night they will always be haunted by they have Jonathan and Noaise to turn to, who where their on that dark and cold winters night.
The plot, what can I say, life is complicated, full of expectations, shaddows to live in and a happiness we are trying to chase. As I have found with Donohue's writing, there is always a philosophical touch that leaves you with beautifully written lines that make her books what they are.
Though this book spans across many years, and many seasons, I'd say as autumn bleeds into winter would be the most effective time to enter this book.
The Glass House is a book where the past is ever lingering at your closed window. You may close your curtain and turn a blind eye, but its their, unrelenting and stagnant.
Despite the exotic people of post war 50s, the hazy 60's, explorations of the 70's, maturing 80's, and all revealing 90's of this book, there is some realistic validation in the tale, of finding a life of your own even if that life breaks all societal views.
I have loved every minute of this book as I have Rachel Donohue's previous books; 'The Temple House Vanishing' and 'The Beauty of Impossible things'.
March 8, 2025
Elegant but distancing literary mystery
—
Centred on two specific events in the lives of Aisling and Stella Acklehurst, this novel couches the horrors of its subjects in elegant but distancing prose. In 1963, in a modern house in the West of Ireland, Aisling and her friends discover the reality of Stella’s relationship with their infamous philosopher father. In 1999, the sisters are drawn back to the eponymous Glass House when their father’s grave is desecrated. As their long-dead father’s legacy approaches a renaissance, the sisters must take action to reveal the truth of their father to a world that only knows his thoughts and not his actions.
This was a hard read to get into, beginning as it does with a long opening section of the sisters growing up without a mother and in the shadow of their world-famous father. Character-driven throughout, the moments of action are mostly off-page so when they do appear in the text, they are so much stronger, particularly given how Aisling’s narration in the past of 1963 and the other voice in the present of 1999 do not allow us into the thoughts of the sisters or any other cast member. As self-aware as Aisling’s voice appears to be, I could only fathom the surface of her motivations and actions.
The subject matters sneak up on you so this might be a difficult read for those who might be triggered by these. To give them here would spoil the book, but the warnings are available elsewhere.
—
Centred on two specific events in the lives of Aisling and Stella Acklehurst, this novel couches the horrors of its subjects in elegant but distancing prose. In 1963, in a modern house in the West of Ireland, Aisling and her friends discover the reality of Stella’s relationship with their infamous philosopher father. In 1999, the sisters are drawn back to the eponymous Glass House when their father’s grave is desecrated. As their long-dead father’s legacy approaches a renaissance, the sisters must take action to reveal the truth of their father to a world that only knows his thoughts and not his actions.
This was a hard read to get into, beginning as it does with a long opening section of the sisters growing up without a mother and in the shadow of their world-famous father. Character-driven throughout, the moments of action are mostly off-page so when they do appear in the text, they are so much stronger, particularly given how Aisling’s narration in the past of 1963 and the other voice in the present of 1999 do not allow us into the thoughts of the sisters or any other cast member. As self-aware as Aisling’s voice appears to be, I could only fathom the surface of her motivations and actions.
The subject matters sneak up on you so this might be a difficult read for those who might be triggered by these. To give them here would spoil the book, but the warnings are available elsewhere.
May 7, 2026
Rachel Donohue's narrative is told in such an enthralling way, flipping from the perspective of Aisling- the protagonist whose life we are witnessing unfold over thirty years- and Murray- the police officer uncovering the dark layers of the Acklehurst family along with the readers. The Glass house can definitely be described as a page turner.
The setting was beautiful, the isolated Irish countryside juxtaposed with the bustling cities of Dublin, London and Florence. And of course the house itself was unique - you almost had to wrestle with your mind to create the picture for you. The dynamic of the characters is something I particularly enjoyed in this novel, each flawed in their own way and continuously drawn together, their trauma spanning decades and intertwining their lives again and again, making you really invested in their stories. The final line in which Stella declares that despite it all, everything comes back to Love - twists the overused theme in a dark and atmospheric way. The book was certainly not a romance, Donohue did not write about unconventional love, she wrote unconventionally ABOUT love, in all it's tragedy and turmoil.
The setting was beautiful, the isolated Irish countryside juxtaposed with the bustling cities of Dublin, London and Florence. And of course the house itself was unique - you almost had to wrestle with your mind to create the picture for you. The dynamic of the characters is something I particularly enjoyed in this novel, each flawed in their own way and continuously drawn together, their trauma spanning decades and intertwining their lives again and again, making you really invested in their stories. The final line in which Stella declares that despite it all, everything comes back to Love - twists the overused theme in a dark and atmospheric way. The book was certainly not a romance, Donohue did not write about unconventional love, she wrote unconventionally ABOUT love, in all it's tragedy and turmoil.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2025
Despite the darkness of some of the subjects, I found this an engrossing read that centres around a family, and the secrets hidden.
Centred around an Irish family in Galway, we meet a father and his 2 daughters, Aisling and Stella, and Aisling does most of the narrating. Theirs is an unconventional upbringing, their mother passed away, and their father uses money to build 'The Glass House' where he raises the girls and becomes a controversial writer. And this story is set over 2 timelines, 1963, and 1999 when the girls return home and confront hidden ghosts that have plagued them over the years.
There are some dark subjects featured, and it shows the impact that fame/infamy brings to a family and how that impacts their life as they try to escape it and discover hidden secrets that shatter their belief. The author writes with compassion and shares a haunting story for the women to confront. highly recommended!
Centred around an Irish family in Galway, we meet a father and his 2 daughters, Aisling and Stella, and Aisling does most of the narrating. Theirs is an unconventional upbringing, their mother passed away, and their father uses money to build 'The Glass House' where he raises the girls and becomes a controversial writer. And this story is set over 2 timelines, 1963, and 1999 when the girls return home and confront hidden ghosts that have plagued them over the years.
There are some dark subjects featured, and it shows the impact that fame/infamy brings to a family and how that impacts their life as they try to escape it and discover hidden secrets that shatter their belief. The author writes with compassion and shares a haunting story for the women to confront. highly recommended!
July 9, 2025
Another gripping read from Rachel Donohue!
The Glass House is the story Aisling and Stella who live with their father, Richard Acklehurst in the West of Ireland. He is a well renowned writer, loved by many as a political philosopher, and hated by others.
He dies suddenly on the evening of his New Years Eve party on 1963 and the girls lives continue to be lived in the shadow of his fame, especially as it is considered he dies in his prime and had so much more to offer.
Fast forward to 1999 when his grave is desecrated and home vandalised… who would do such a thing and are their secrets from his past about to be revealed.
A gripping read, sometimes no one really knows what goes on away from the spotlight and how much hurt can be caused in private, by people who are loved by their public.
Wonderful main characters an enjoyable book.
The Glass House is the story Aisling and Stella who live with their father, Richard Acklehurst in the West of Ireland. He is a well renowned writer, loved by many as a political philosopher, and hated by others.
He dies suddenly on the evening of his New Years Eve party on 1963 and the girls lives continue to be lived in the shadow of his fame, especially as it is considered he dies in his prime and had so much more to offer.
Fast forward to 1999 when his grave is desecrated and home vandalised… who would do such a thing and are their secrets from his past about to be revealed.
A gripping read, sometimes no one really knows what goes on away from the spotlight and how much hurt can be caused in private, by people who are loved by their public.
Wonderful main characters an enjoyable book.
July 25, 2025
Ah, no. No. Very elegant and lyrical and serious and tasty, tightly written. But, no. Not at all.
A couple of weighty topics are poured into bowls....
the family issues in one, global issues in another. A gap of 3 decades is added. And they're mixed together but they don't blend. As a story, there's no melody, the characters strain to charm and interst us, the writer tries to recreate the bars and coffee shops of 1960s Dublin but makes no attempt to capture its sensibilities. And there's far too much snow, far, far too much snow for Ireland. It doesn't make the book the scandi noir it's maybe trying to be and like everything else in the book, tries too hard and doesn't work.
A couple of weighty topics are poured into bowls....
the family issues in one, global issues in another. A gap of 3 decades is added. And they're mixed together but they don't blend. As a story, there's no melody, the characters strain to charm and interst us, the writer tries to recreate the bars and coffee shops of 1960s Dublin but makes no attempt to capture its sensibilities. And there's far too much snow, far, far too much snow for Ireland. It doesn't make the book the scandi noir it's maybe trying to be and like everything else in the book, tries too hard and doesn't work.
February 6, 2025
I found this to be an okay read, Donohue has written an atmospheric, tragic read and I enjoyed immersing myself into their dark world. At the same time, not a lot happens and I found the read to be laborious and hard going at times.
I liked the main characters of Aisling, Stella, Jonathan and Naoishe, they are very likeable and they have a haunting story to tell. The other characters serve their purpose well.
This book was okay it was just lacking something for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for an advance copy.
I liked the main characters of Aisling, Stella, Jonathan and Naoishe, they are very likeable and they have a haunting story to tell. The other characters serve their purpose well.
This book was okay it was just lacking something for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for an advance copy.
May 20, 2026
This is a story about two sisters, Stella and Aisling who live in the Glass House with the famous philosopher father, Richard Acklehurst. He holds parties at which many people come to listen to his views.
The story jumps between 1963 when at a New Year's Eve party the father falls outside and freezes to death and 1999 when his grave and the chapel are vandalised with graffiti.
I enjoyed reading this book, but did leave it for a week or so in the middle, and had to reread some of it to get back into the book
The story jumps between 1963 when at a New Year's Eve party the father falls outside and freezes to death and 1999 when his grave and the chapel are vandalised with graffiti.
I enjoyed reading this book, but did leave it for a week or so in the middle, and had to reread some of it to get back into the book
November 10, 2024
I found this quite a sad read .Aisling and Stella live in a modernistic house in West Ireland with their Father a cold narcissistic man with Nazi leanings. When he dies unexpectantly Aisling and Stella are free to live their lives but it is not as easy as they thought .Set in two timelines 1963 and 1999 and mostly told buy Aisling The Glass House is a story full of love secrets, lies and regret .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC
January 9, 2025
I found this book to be a bit of a disturbing read but quite well written. The characters were okay but I thought the plot a little thin. I did like the way the relationships changed over time but still stayed true to their roots. It will probably be a popular read but it lacked something for me as I seemed to be one step ahead of the plot for most of the time. With thanks for an e_ARC to read and review.
March 21, 2025
The Glass Room is sparse and understated for how much drama and trauma there actually is in it. I found it absorbing and compelling, though perhaps it ran out of steam a little in the last chapters, when there were still some revelations, but much less of the sinister tension, mystery and sense of looming doom that make the first half sing. 3.5 stars.
May 11, 2026
I felt confused a lot of the time. Maybe I just didn’t like her writing style, I felt disconnected and confused as to who the different characters were, the ending was underwhelming. The plot of the book sounded very interesting to me but it fell flat. I would still try and read more from this author though.
October 28, 2025
Although elements of the story didn't ring true, it still kept me interested right to the end. The characters were well developed and I was invested in their reactions and how different events affected them. Worth a read.
April 1, 2025
A compelling read which kept me in my seat until the very end. However the ending quickly devolved into a pantomime-soap opera which took away from the overall story.
April 10, 2025
i loved it 🤍
May 1, 2025
A really compelling tale wound tightly around the lives and loves of two sisters unable to slough off ideological and paternal poison.
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