Glass Hearts

by Terri Paul

A remarkable first novel that centers around Serene, a young girl whose father has vanished from their small Hungarian village just before World War I, leaving his beleaguered Jewish family to fend for themselves. Serene is 5 1/2 years old when we meet her in 1913. For the next six years, she seeks through dreams and visions to recover her father and to deal with the conflicting values and beliefs of her tightly knit family and the society which is unraveling around her.

322 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading it, however I didn't really like any of the characters except the mother and aunt/new uncle. The kids seemed uncontrolled and spiteful. I would think with all of the things they were going through, they would be been more clingy and needy rather than nasty and uncaring. If I were a mother left alone with 4 kids, I think I would have disciplined them better, although this is a different country and time, so maybe that's the way they were. The ghosts were a little odd but I guess we were seeing a child's imagination? It was just a little odd. It was well-written and kept my interest, though.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glass Hearts is a captivating story, about the bonds of family and the personal struggles that come with war. I enjoyed how Terri Paul portrays this little village through the eyes of young Serene, who sees her world full of fantastical visions and Old World magic. It works very well against the all too realistic backdrop of WWI, and makes the moment when the war finally comes to their village that much more jarring. Enchanting, touching, and entertaining, Glass Hearts is a page-turner you'll be reluctant to put down.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a little girl growing up in Hungary around the time of the first world war. Her father has left, and she's not sure if he's dead or has gone to America. While the story's ending falls a little flat, the rest of the book is well-crafted and interesting. Serene, the main character, is one you won't forget.

[Dan Mushalko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wondrously great read, traversing the real and imagined history of a young girl whose family is preparing to emigrate to the United States at the tail end of World War I from Eastern Europe. Paul has an uncanny knack for interweaving the magic a pre-teen sees in the world with the gritty reality of actual history.

[Dr Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very captivating read. Serene sees the world around her differently and, through her, we see differently as well. Terri Paul does an exceptional job at blending a beautiful mixture of the real and surreal.

[Hannah]

I started this book a while ago and then forgot about it. Finally finished though, and it was definitely worth it!