The World Is Made of Glass

by Morris L. West

The life of C.G. Jung and that of a mysterious woman converge briefly when the distracted woman seeks Jung's professional help, and their past lives reveal parallels of fantasy and obsession

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Novels, Psychology

322 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Morris Langlo West was born in St Kilda, Melbourne in 1916. At the age of fourteen, he entered the Christian Brothers seminary ‘as a kind of refuge’ from a difficult childhood. He attended the University of Melbourne and worked as a teacher. In 1941 he left the Christian Brothers without taking final vows. In World War II he worked as a code-breaker, and for a time he was private secretary to former prime minister Billy Hughes.

After the war, West became a successful writer and producer of radio serials. In 1955 he left Australia to build an international career as a writer. With his family, he lived in Austria, Italy, England and the USA, including a stint as the Vatican correspondent for the British newspaper, the Daily Mail. He returned to Australia in 1982.

Morris West wrote 30 books and many plays, and several of his novels were adapted for film. His books were published in 28 languages and sold more than 60 million copies worldwide. Each new book he wrote after he became an established writer sold more than one million copies.

West received many awards and accolades over his long writing career, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the W.H. Heinemann Award of the Royal Society of Literature for The Devil's Advocate. In 1978 he was elected a fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1985, and was made an Officer of the Order (AO) in 1997.

Morris West died at his desk in 1999.

Reviews

[Patricia Vaccarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a confession to make: This is the 3rd time I have read the World is made of Glass. Australian author Morris West, who also wrote The Shoes of the Fisherman, is one of the greatest writers of the 20th century and I don't think he has been given enough credit for his body of work. I have always been riveted by the World is Made of Glass because the characterization, plot and story is superb. Magda as the brilliant sociopath, medical doctor and wealthy society diva is an incredible depiction of a woman who has major contradictions in her personality. While her strength seems over-the-top, she is still entirely credible and unforgettable as a woman who does want to develop compassion and a conscience, but is clueless as to how to begin the journey to get there. To have this powerful woman seek help from Carl Jung, the father of modern psychoanalysis seems improbable, but the way the story is told makes the reader have a deep understanding and awareness for these two characters' humanity and the existential pain we all face as human beings that is inherent in the human condition. Magda is seeking help because she is falling down the black hole of living a life with no meaning. Ironically, after Jung dismisses her as a patient and as someone he cannot help, she is able to find redemption on her own accord.

[Pedro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una mujer de la nobleza, moderna e independiente, decide consultar con el Dr. Jung sobre algunos problemas. Al trabajar sobre el inconsciente y los sueños se comenzarán a mover piezas inesperadas de memorias olvidadas y dolorosas, no sólo de la paciente sino del mismo Jung.
Una novela que he leído hace muchos años, pero resuena aún hoy en mis sentimientos.
Morris West (1916-1999) fue un escritor australiano que residió gran parte de su vida en Europa y EEUU. Muchas de sus novelas se centraron en historias vinculadas con la Iglesia, destacándose la profética Las sandalias del pescador.

[Ana Guchea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una excelente novela de lectura rápida. Me gustó muchísimo como aborda lo onírico y su interpretación a través del psicoanálisis. Sentí empatía por Magda a pesar de su lado sórdido, ya que su personalidad es muy interesante. Es muy sagaz, sabia, mundana y poderosa. Pero también llena de culpa por su pasado. Por otro lado Jung es un hombre atormentado, débil y se siente intimidado ante Magda, mas allá de que es su psiquiatra.

[Gail Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a continuation of my blog series, Jung and the Novel, taken as an idea from David Ward-Nanney, author of Powder Dreams, (a contemporary novel which features a Jungian style analysis. David was the first to write a blog series on Jungian related novels and inspired me to write this series, as well as to read, Pilgrim by Timothy Findley (which I reviewed in a previous post) and The World is Made of Glass, two novels which feature the noted pioneer of Psychoanalysis, Carl Gustav Jung as a main character.

The World is Made of Glass is written by Australian author, Morris West (also author of The Devil's Advocate) who takes the reader on a wild ride as it does Carl Jung, when an unnamed woman is referred to Jung for psychotherapy. The timing is dangerous and catalytic for both patient and analyst, since Jung has recently broken his strong alliance with his mentor, Freud as well as broken of his intimate relationship with Sabrina Speilrien, even though he still stays in touch with this patient turned lover, in addition to beginning a lifelong working and intimate relationship with Toni Wolff.

Let's just say that both client and rock each others' worlds.

At first it surprised me that any writer would have the guts to employ the esteemed Professor Doctor C. G. Jung as a character in his novel, especially at one of the most fragile times of this highly respected psychiatrist. But when I found out West had also had the guts to feature the devil in a novel, Jung seemed to be an easier subject. West makes Jung so three dimensional, so well -rounded, that we are not only in the therapeutic cocoon of his study at his home at Ksnacht now that he has resigned his University teaching position and his position as a psychiatrist at the Burgholzi clinic, mostly to analysis himself as he faces the crisis of this breaks ups as well as a breakdown of his own psyche.

Beneath the fast paced riveting story, which is as much a detective story as it is a drama, West explores some highly important themes related to the as yet relatively unformed process of analysis transference and counter transference, non-judgmental acceptance on the part of the therapist in order to precipitate trust and healing, the willingness to be flexible and human within the confines of the therapeutic relationship and try whatever method may best suit the highly individualistic nature of their patient and this particular rocky and inflammatory times of their lives.

Like The Devil's Advocate, The World is Made of Glass is an incendiary novel. It never simmers or offers simple heat from banked coals, but roils and flares, igniting not only Jung's passions but also his insights and illumination, even when dealing with the deepest depravities of the human psyche. Despite his Jung's own dissipated state, he attempts to offer healing to this damaged and suffering woman, over an intensive period of days in which they work for almost full day sessions.Since the sessions are held at his him, Emma , Jung's wife also connects with Magda, eventually becoming her friend. West's characterizations of both Emma and Jung, famous and often written about, yet in these pages they come alive, well rounded people with their foibles and strengths fully developed. We laugh at Jung's wit and cringe at his peasant crudeness, we feel sorry for Emma as she must deal with the intrusion of Toni Wolfe on her family, yet we see the potential of her future as both an analyst and a writer.

The story takes place in 1913 and is based on a very brief description of a case Jung writes about in his autobiography, Memories, Dreams and Reflections.Magda Liliane Kardoss von Gamsfeld, as we come to know her, is a wealthy Russian, who has dallied in many aspects of the human existence from managing a highly respected horse breeding farm to traveling throughout Europe during the Belle Epoque to satisfy her ever escalating need for sexual encounters, which as she grows older, must become more dangerous. She is now widowed, estranged from her only daughter, bereft of the one woman who was like a mother to her, and is hunted down by a ruthless and powerful arms dealer, hoping to capitalize and even help instigate the First World War, who is now intent on her death, because she won't become a spy, using her sexual prowess and connections.

This is heady stuff for the doctor living in the relative neutrality and intelligentsia nestled within the pristine beauty of Swiss landscape, even though he's already having dreams of destruction and chaos.

Due to the novel's construction which offers a chapter from offering her services as Magda's point of view alternating with a chapter form Jung's point of view. What a instructive way to learn about the inner workings withing the sacred alembic of the therapeutic relationship.

West has taken on a daunting challenge and rises to it with flare, even shock at times, yet the story is believable, fascinating and an interesting take on the enigmatic figure of Jung. When people would come to visit Jung form all over the world after reading his books, some in such a state of awe, they couldn't speak, Jung would become flustered and even rude, demanding that they just view him as a man. I'm afraid that was how would I be, if I'd been lucky enough to live during that time and meet him. But West did not put Jung on a pedestal, nor was he afraid of Jung's complex mind. West treated Jung as just a man. A man who could be frustrated and blustery, compassionate and wise, defeated and elated. What better way to understand Jung in all his humanity?

[Brian MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seldom write a review. This book requires it. I hadread this book perhaps 20 years ago. I've just reread it and feel compelled to comment. This is a powerful book. The dynamic exchange between our female protagonist Magda and Carl Jung in therapy is gripping. The deep question dealt with here is how on earth we can live and make meaning of life after we suffer great harm and do great harm in consequence of our suffering? How can we forgive, be forgiven, love and hope after we have experienced the evil in the world and in ourselves. The theme is universal and timeless- the struggle of fallen man to live in this world.

[Dillwynia Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book almost 20 years ago to the month in a charity store in Albany, Western Australia. I'm pleased I didn't read it then & waited, although, I will reserve judgement on having to pack it up every time I moved house - a good 15 times now.

I enjoyed the premise - Jung work a brief, enigmatic note on a patient he saw once & West has worked this up into a rattling good tale. Except for the 1st two or three books (yes, I have pulled out those dusty books from the stacks in some Uni library), one of the themes he explores is always the influence of Catholism on people's behaviour. Would the female protagonist consider her sexual awakening through incest acceptable had she been immersed in the Catholic faith, being just one of them. Other themes include incest, social behaviours for sexes and classes, attitudes towards women, etc.

What I enjoyed was the interaction between Magda & Jung and the sexual revolution that was happening in Europe in the end of the 19th Century. The prostitution is very believable, without being titilating or sensationalist and the whole tale is quite probable. The brewing events that will lead to the Great War, also bubbles through the narrative. It is sobering to remind ourselves that people then weren't wondering "if" there would be a war, but more "when"!

West writes in a style that has completely faded from modern literature and story telling. It might be my age, but it is a style I miss and thus return to books that are written by authors that cut their teeth between 1930s and 1950s time & again. Let's just say, they didn't need much manipulation from their editors - unlike many current writers in the popular International Bestseller mould.

[Gaby Varela · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first it was uncomfortable to read such disturbing details, but it was so different from anything I’ve read before. With a big interest in psychology, ended up enjoying it. The last half of the book was especially intriguing with many plot twists and left me wanting to know more about the real life story.

[Oumy · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite book alert. Ed è comico il fatto che ci abbia messo un mese e mezzo a leggerlo, ma mi assolvo con la scusante della salute mentale, visto che di questo si parla nel libro. La storia è a dir poco sconvolgente, dall’inizio alla fine. Mi ricorda Follia, di Patrick Mcgrath, per quanto riguarda la caratterizzazione dei personaggi. Tutti estremamente imperfetti ma altrettanto difficili da giudicare. E tra loro spicca Magda. Magda è il personaggio più interessante che io abbia mai avuto il piacere di conoscere, e la sua caratterizzazione è semplicemente impeccabile (e no, il fatto che più o meno il 70% del libro sia composto dalla sua prima e ultima seduta psicologica non è a garanzia di ciò. Il talento dell’autore è innegabile). Il fatto che sia realmente esistita mi fa rabbrividire, di angoscia e di estati allo stesso tempo. Mi sembra che lei sola porti il peso dell ambiguità morale che caratterizza l’essere umano. “Era tutto quello che noi siamo, nel bene e nel male, riunito in una sola persona - ma aveva però quel coraggio che manca alla maggior parte di noi.” : così la descrive in una lettera Giovanni di Malvasia. Una donna libera e schiava allo stesso tempo, alla ricerca di qualcosa di indefinito ( ho sentito crack baby di Mitski echeggiare ad ogni sua parola come se fosse la colonna sonora della sua vita). Vorrei dire tanto altro su di lei, ma scriverei un altro libro.
Jung è una meritevole controparte, sicuramente il personaggio più facilmente giudicabile, ma non per questo meno affascinante. Il suo rapporto con le donne che lo circondano è tanto contraddittorio come quello con gli uomini, e avrai amato avere una sorta di storia parallela (intesa come un secondo libro) in cui viene ripercorsa la storia della sua vita in modo simile a quella di Magda. Ma sono contenta che, in presenza di un solo libro, sia stata scelta la storia della donna, in quanto, per quanto i due si assomiglino e Jung sarebbe un paziente molto simile a Magda, la specificità della loro dinamica non si potrebbe ricreare con un altro analista.
Come ho già accennato, il libro mette in luce le dicotomie della morale e della psiche umana. Queste parole di Jung sulla sua paziente lo descrivono piuttosto fedelmente: “Solleva questioni per le quali non ho ancora soluzioni adeguate: la natura del male, la logica complicata della colpa, la necessità assoluta del perdono come condizione della salute psichica, l'autorità - o è semplicemente l'amore? - che rende il perdono accettabile e potente.” La questione sulla natura del male è la sostanza del libro, ma il suo messaggio sulla necessità del perdono è la sua ricchezza. Non da indicazioni su dove trovarla (per Gianni, ad esempio, è data dalla fede; per Magda, invece, è rappresentata da Gianni stesso.), e spetta al lettore interrogarsi sulle sue origini. Come per ciò che concerne la terapia psicologica, sulla possibilità o no di trovare la risposta non ci sono garanzie, ma sicuramente un barlume di speranza di cui io avevo tanto bisogno, perché questo libro, come ogni buon libro, mi ha completamente sviscerata ed ora tocca anche a me fare un po’ di introspezione. Lo consiglio a chiunque non sia facilmente impressionabile (se riesce a trovarne una copia). Ideale per chi ama o detesta Freud (strano, lo so) e gli amanti dell’onirico e dell’interpretazione dei sogni.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book, jumping of from a notation by Karl Jung. One of West's best books.

[Nik Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morris West’s novel The World is Made of Glass was published in 1983. I was studying psychology in the early 1980s and bought this since it was a fictional account of one of Carl Gustav Jung’s case histories. I’ve only now got round to reading it!

West was inspired by a very brief and incomplete record of a case in Jung’s autobiographical work Memories, Dreams , Reflections. As West states in his Note: ‘every novelist is a myth-maker. He quotes Jung: ‘I can only make direct statements, only “tell stories”, whether or not the stories are “true” is not the problem. The only question is whether what I tell is my fable, my truth”.’ [Maybe Meghan Markle has read this…!]

The story is told from two viewpoints: Magda Liliane Kardross von Gamsfeld, a beautiful, rich and intelligent woman of dubious morals, and Jung, her psychiatrist.

Jung is married to Emma who is thirty at this time and carrying their fifth child. Jung met her when she was sixteen and wanted to marry her. ‘I loved her then; I love her now; but love is a chameleon word and we humans change colour more quickly than the words we speak’ (p70). These guilt-ridden thoughts relate to his attractive assistant, Antonia Wolff (Toni), who happens to be his mistress.

One of Jung’s beliefs was that synchronicity has psychic foundations. ‘… coincidence, synchronicity, things happening at the same moment in time, without causal connection, but still closely related in nature… in the context of psychic experience’ (p90).

Jung is aware that what he practices is not scientific, ‘Because this sciences of ours, this medicine of the mind, is still in its infancy. The methods are tentative. The procedures are incomplete’ (p127). He’s quite honest with himself some of the time: ‘I lie, too, when it serves my purposes; but then we all lie in one fashion or another because we are not scientists always; we are soothsayers – dealing with arcane symbols and the stuff of dreams’ (p104). ‘My real exploration will be in the undiscovered country of the mind’ (p154).

At this time, 1913, Jung and Freud were at loggerheads and quarrelled professionally, notoriously. It is also when Jung was approaching the beginning of a protracted breakdown. ‘I’m like a leaf tossed in the wind. So, I have no choice but to let myself be swept along by these storms of the subconscious and see where, finally, they drive me’ (p127).

Most of the book is reported speech, either Magda or Jung reminiscing on their troubled past: Jung was raped as a young boy by a family friend; Magda was initiated into sex at an early age, notably incestuously with her father.

There is a battle of wills between the pair – and collateral damage is felt by both Emma and Toni. Symbolism of dreams is paramount to much of Jung’s exploration. Gradually, he learns about a terrible truth that Magda had concealed. This Magda is a figment of West’s imagination and conveyed with great empathy and skill. Inevitably, there are revelations of a sexual nature and sexual obsession and also murder and guilt.

The author’s ability to get into the minds of two disparate yet complementary individuals is a remarkable feat.

West first wrote a play about this relationship, and then followed it with this novel.

The book title is from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays: ‘Commit a crime, and the earth is made of glass. Some damning circumstance always transpires.’

[Miki Mitayn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating characters in a complex, passionately written novel.
West delved into the world of early psychoanalyst Carl Jung. I'm not sure that the portrayal is accurate but it is engaging.
He's also created a conflicted, dangerous and attractive female who becomes Jung's patient.
It's an ambitious novel. Portrayals of contemporary misogyny, class prejudice and antisemitism seem likely to be accurate. The female characters are sympathetically drawn.
It paints the world of early 20th century continental Europe--building up to war--vividly.
I remember (long ago) hearing controversy about this book. West probably broke some ground.
I found it an interesting read and I'll probably read Morris West again. There are a few of his books in the library of the house where I'm staying. I'm expanding my reading (sporadically) of old, white men novelists.

[Demrie Alonzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in 1990, my first year in college, and was pulled into the delicious sexual deviancy of it. Afterall, they wouldn't let us read books like THIS in high school. After a discussion with my teacher following my book report, I realized this book had so much more to it than my initial reaction. Not only is it beautifully written, but it looks at the selfish side of ourselves and whether or not we are evil or merely misguided. Since 1990, I've read this book 4 more times and recently listened to it on Audiobooks. I'm sure it isn't the last time it will come my way.

[David Cromb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story although a little awkward to read. The story is told from the viewpoint of only two people, each with a different story to tell, until they meet up and then the story advances with alternate view points. I got into the story more as it went on.
The subject is a little dry, being focussed on psychiatry and the subconscious, but persistence paid off and I was a satisfied reader at the end. The author being who he is, the book was, of course, very well written.

[Ana Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um incrível romance para quem é fã de Carl Jung e o mundo da psicanálise.
O autor consegue criar uma personagem complexa que se encontra com Jung numa sessão de psicanálise rica em detalhes a qual envolve o leitor de tal forma que não é possível distinguir a ficção da vida real de Jung.
Uma leitura fascinante.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on a shelf, recalled “The Shoes of the Fisherman”, & dove in. It is an intense, troubling book. The characters are well developed. The story is engrossing. The social commentary is disturbing. You must read it and decide for yourself whether you accept the premise of the author or reject it. I am torn.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esperaba mas... leí intensamente la historia de Magda, ansiosa de que llegara el momento del análisis de Jung, pero al final... o es que hay mentes tan trastornadas que no tienen reparo, o Jung estaba mas trastornado que Magda y la aceptó como paciente solo por el dinero...

[Cat Sheely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when it first came out and was fascinated by the way West personified Jung and his imaginative but very plausible telling of the woman's tale. Reading it again 35 years later it looses nothing and is still a well told look into the psychology of manipulation.

[catherine Fouhy · Rating 4 out of 5]

V enjoyable though disturbing read. Morris West is a master storyteller, giving an imagined account of carl jung, and his psychoanalytic and controversial relationship with an actual anonymous female patient.

[Guillermo Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

West took a short excerpt of Jung's diary to write an entire novel that made me love, hate and pity Magda, it's protagonist. A whimsy socialite who one day decided to let out her demons in the office of a tormented psychoanalyst just to make life worse for him. For me, it's West's best novel.

[Jwalshmsw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling

[Donatela Sadriaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.

[Tom Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable holiday read, and interesting history of Carl and Emma Jung, and Toni Wolffe

[Lachlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this novel, but it left me wanting more.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The description was not exactly the same as the main focus

[booktopia · Rating 5 out of 5]

droga psicoactiva.

[Kelly]

I found this book and I was really excited. But having read The Real Jung, I can tell that this isn’t his voice so I’m not able to suspend disbelief and get into the story unfortunately.

[Lane Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very compelling story. The incest was quite jarring but otherwise it was an enjoyable read. The fact that the book is based on actual events (with artistic reconstruction by the author) is incredible.

[Fernanda Martins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morris West surprise us once more with a quality book. Nothing news here as he has the capacity to tell a story based in real facts and turn it into a pleasurable reading. Here we dig into the world of psychoanalysis when this branch of psychology was still in its early years. Very interesting also to discover that even the renewed psychologist (if I can call him this way) as Carl Jung had their own peace of mental disturbance.

[Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read Morris West for a while so while browsing though the library saw this book, saw it had something to do with Jung and though pt why not give it a good.

It is quite a though provoking book, that one feels is a excorisim of sort for the author. Based loosely on some history around the time he sets the book, there are many intestin questions asked about the psychology of man in the book. Not for the prudent.

[Alien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Über C.G. Jung und eine seiner (fast-)Patientinnen, inspiriert durch einen realen Tagebucheintrag.

Ich fand den Roman ein bisschen anstrengend und nicht alle Gedanken waren für mich nachvollziehbar. Aber er gefiel mir doch ziemlich gut. Die bibliographischen Fakten zu Jung scheinen ziemlich akkurat.