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The Glass Château
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.
One month after the end of World War II, amid the jubilation in the streets of France, 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 federalists, 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 Chateau Guerin, all he seeks is a decent meal. Instead he finds a sanctuary, an oasis despite being filled with people every bit as damaged as him. But they are calming themselves, and recovering inch by inch, by turning sand into glass, and glass into windows for the bombed cathedrals of France.
It's a volatile place, and these former warriors manage their trauma in different ways. But they are helped by women of courage and affection. Asher turns out to have a gift for making windows, and decides to hide the fact that he is Jewish so the devout Catholics who own the chateau will not expel him. As the secrets of the chateau’s residents become known one by one, they experience more heated conflict and greater challenges. And as Asher kindles his talents for glasswork, his recovery will lead the way for them all.
One month after the end of World War II, amid the jubilation in the streets of France, 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 federalists, 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 Chateau Guerin, all he seeks is a decent meal. Instead he finds a sanctuary, an oasis despite being filled with people every bit as damaged as him. But they are calming themselves, and recovering inch by inch, by turning sand into glass, and glass into windows for the bombed cathedrals of France.
It's a volatile place, and these former warriors manage their trauma in different ways. But they are helped by women of courage and affection. Asher turns out to have a gift for making windows, and decides to hide the fact that he is Jewish so the devout Catholics who own the chateau will not expel him. As the secrets of the chateau’s residents become known one by one, they experience more heated conflict and greater challenges. And as Asher kindles his talents for glasswork, his recovery will lead the way for them all.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 20, 2023
143 people are currently reading
12667 people want to read
About the author
Stephen P. Kiernan
9 books1,014 followersStephen P. Kiernan's latest novel is THE GLASS CHATEAU, out June 20 and available for pre-order now.
Stephen's most recent book is UNIVERSE OF TWO, a love story set in 1944, amid the development of the atomic bomb. Charlie is a young math whiz drafted into the Manhattan Project, where his duty tests his morals. His sweetheart Brenda, prohibited for security reasons from knowing what he's doing, sees these ethical hesitations as weakness, and urges him to be a soldier, be a man. After the war, Charlie feels culpable for thousands of deaths, while Brenda feels guilty for making him contradict his conscience. Together they spend the rest of their lives seeking redemption -- and they find it.
Stephen also wrote THE BAKER'S SECRET, the story of D-Day from the French perspective: what it was like to live in occupied Normandy with no rights, little food and less hope, until one day hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors arrive to fight for liberation.
He's author of THE HUMMINGBIRD, about a hospice nurse whose husband has returned from his 3rd deployment in Iraq with PTSD, and she is determined to help him heal. It is a story about loyalty, patience, and fierce love.
Stephen's first novel was THE CURIOSITY, a scientific thriller and a love story across two centuries. The book came out in numerous foreign editions, and it is currently in development as a television series.
Stephen worked for decades as a journalist, winning over 40 awards. His first book, LAST RIGHTS, was a nonfiction expose of the overly aggressive medical treatment most people receive in the last chapter of their lives, with many suggestions for ways of providing more humane care. His second non-fiction book, the Silver Nautilus Award-winning AUTHENTIC PATRIOTISM, describes the potential for national renewal through nonpartisan civic engagement and volunteerism.
A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa's Writers Workshop, he lives in Vermont.
Stephen's most recent book is UNIVERSE OF TWO, a love story set in 1944, amid the development of the atomic bomb. Charlie is a young math whiz drafted into the Manhattan Project, where his duty tests his morals. His sweetheart Brenda, prohibited for security reasons from knowing what he's doing, sees these ethical hesitations as weakness, and urges him to be a soldier, be a man. After the war, Charlie feels culpable for thousands of deaths, while Brenda feels guilty for making him contradict his conscience. Together they spend the rest of their lives seeking redemption -- and they find it.
Stephen also wrote THE BAKER'S SECRET, the story of D-Day from the French perspective: what it was like to live in occupied Normandy with no rights, little food and less hope, until one day hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors arrive to fight for liberation.
He's author of THE HUMMINGBIRD, about a hospice nurse whose husband has returned from his 3rd deployment in Iraq with PTSD, and she is determined to help him heal. It is a story about loyalty, patience, and fierce love.
Stephen's first novel was THE CURIOSITY, a scientific thriller and a love story across two centuries. The book came out in numerous foreign editions, and it is currently in development as a television series.
Stephen worked for decades as a journalist, winning over 40 awards. His first book, LAST RIGHTS, was a nonfiction expose of the overly aggressive medical treatment most people receive in the last chapter of their lives, with many suggestions for ways of providing more humane care. His second non-fiction book, the Silver Nautilus Award-winning AUTHENTIC PATRIOTISM, describes the potential for national renewal through nonpartisan civic engagement and volunteerism.
A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa's Writers Workshop, he lives in Vermont.
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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 family lost in an instance, as well as the memories of the 19 Germans he killed as part of the Resistance. Through what appears to be a mystical encounter with an old lady and her dog, he is told of the fictional town on Clovide where people go for peace and healing.. When he arrives he find a stained glass making factory that is home to a host of other individuals also trying to recover from the war. From a former town mayor, to a nameless man, a speechless man and others, this group works at developing stained glass for windows as part of their own road to recovery.
The book is inspired by French artist, Marc Chagall who became famous for changing the art stained glass, this factory eventually gets a commission to install new windows at the local cathedral, and we join along in the glass blowing, manufacturing and artistic developments, all of which are hampered by a lack of materials. Friendships are made, some are expelled from the factory, and by the end the backstories are revealed, as awe-inspiring windows are finally installed.. And then there is the character of Marie, a widow who supplies garden vegetables to the community and whose presence provides relief to many at the factory.
A very well developed plot, with fascinating characters who are realistic in the scars they carry and the mysteries they keep hidden. It is a first-rate effort that teaches of love, healing, tolerance, as well as learning how stained glass is made.
The book is inspired by French artist, Marc Chagall who became famous for changing the art stained glass, this factory eventually gets a commission to install new windows at the local cathedral, and we join along in the glass blowing, manufacturing and artistic developments, all of which are hampered by a lack of materials. Friendships are made, some are expelled from the factory, and by the end the backstories are revealed, as awe-inspiring windows are finally installed.. And then there is the character of Marie, a widow who supplies garden vegetables to the community and whose presence provides relief to many at the factory.
A very well developed plot, with fascinating characters who are realistic in the scars they carry and the mysteries they keep hidden. It is a first-rate effort that teaches of love, healing, tolerance, as well as learning how stained glass is made.
Read
April 23, 2023Stephen P. Kiernan's latest book, The Glass Château: A Novel, will be published June 20, 2023. I feel privileged to be an early reader and thank Mr. Kiernan, William Morrow and Edelweiss for this opportunity.
Honestly, I did not know much about the plot of The Glass Château when I began reading. As a fan, I saw his name and immediately downloaded the book. I'm happy to say Stephen P. Kiernan has never let me down and this book is no exception.
It amazes me how an author can write such unique stories as Kiernan's have always been for me. What remains true throughout each that I've read is the quality; the beauty of the language, a plot that engages all of my senses, writing that make me think and most of all, feel.
The story begins at the end of World War II in France and though it is a time for celebration, it is also a time to recover from the horrors of war. Asher, the main character, has much to work through having lost his wife and daughter. He sought their revenge by joining the resistance and has killed many. These two pieces of the man who now stands before me, takes me along on his journey to heal. Hate, guilt, and profound grief are carried on his shoulders and his soul as he struggles to find food, shelter, and somehow, a new life. He wanders for many months eventually finding himself at Chateau Guerin; which at first provides a meal and place to lay his head. Here there are men as broken and lost as he, working through their own sorrows and secrets. Asher is invited to stay and as he works, is fed good food, is able to sleep out of the elements; allows his body, if not his mind, to regain strength and stamina. It will take far more to mend his heart. In turn for his lodging, Asher starts work at the bottom of the chain in the art of making glass, arduous work. The glass will be used for restoration of windows bombed out in cathedrals during the war. In addition to what he is taught, he becomes a part of the men and few women of this community. In turn, most begin to accept him, and Asher becomes known as a storyteller, often being asked to share his stories. He has a knack for this, much like the man who created this character. But, Asher has not shared who he really is and this becomes just one more burden that he carries. I find myself by his side as he seeks to leave his past behind, to find recovery, redemption and the will to live on.
I often wonder the inspiration, the motivation that starts the flow of words which culminates into a book that engages its readers as The Glass Château did me. Because I read an advanced reading copy I cannot quote anything in full. I can tell you Kiernan's idea came after visiting a Marc Chagall exhibition. Like Asher, Kiernan was taken up with the process of making glass which then becomes a work of art. Be certain to read the acknowledgments for a more in depth explanation of this.
The more I like a book, the harder it is for me to describe. I hope I did The Glass Château justice and that you feel it's one you'd like to read.
Honestly, I did not know much about the plot of The Glass Château when I began reading. As a fan, I saw his name and immediately downloaded the book. I'm happy to say Stephen P. Kiernan has never let me down and this book is no exception.
It amazes me how an author can write such unique stories as Kiernan's have always been for me. What remains true throughout each that I've read is the quality; the beauty of the language, a plot that engages all of my senses, writing that make me think and most of all, feel.
The story begins at the end of World War II in France and though it is a time for celebration, it is also a time to recover from the horrors of war. Asher, the main character, has much to work through having lost his wife and daughter. He sought their revenge by joining the resistance and has killed many. These two pieces of the man who now stands before me, takes me along on his journey to heal. Hate, guilt, and profound grief are carried on his shoulders and his soul as he struggles to find food, shelter, and somehow, a new life. He wanders for many months eventually finding himself at Chateau Guerin; which at first provides a meal and place to lay his head. Here there are men as broken and lost as he, working through their own sorrows and secrets. Asher is invited to stay and as he works, is fed good food, is able to sleep out of the elements; allows his body, if not his mind, to regain strength and stamina. It will take far more to mend his heart. In turn for his lodging, Asher starts work at the bottom of the chain in the art of making glass, arduous work. The glass will be used for restoration of windows bombed out in cathedrals during the war. In addition to what he is taught, he becomes a part of the men and few women of this community. In turn, most begin to accept him, and Asher becomes known as a storyteller, often being asked to share his stories. He has a knack for this, much like the man who created this character. But, Asher has not shared who he really is and this becomes just one more burden that he carries. I find myself by his side as he seeks to leave his past behind, to find recovery, redemption and the will to live on.
I often wonder the inspiration, the motivation that starts the flow of words which culminates into a book that engages its readers as The Glass Château did me. Because I read an advanced reading copy I cannot quote anything in full. I can tell you Kiernan's idea came after visiting a Marc Chagall exhibition. Like Asher, Kiernan was taken up with the process of making glass which then becomes a work of art. Be certain to read the acknowledgments for a more in depth explanation of this.
The more I like a book, the harder it is for me to describe. I hope I did The Glass Château justice and that you feel it's one you'd like to read.
February 18, 2023
When you read a lot of books like I do, you realize that there are good books and not so good books. Occasionally you get a surprise and read a GREAT book. A book that is so beautifully written it made me read much slower than usual so I wouldn't miss any of the lyrical sentences. A book with a main character who you know that you'll never forget - one who touches not only your mind but also your soul. A book with a theme that gives you a point of view that you've never read before and makes you think. The Glass Chateau by Stephen P. Kiernan is all that and more. It's one if the best books that I've read in a long time and I know it will be on my top 10 list for 2023.
As the novel begins, the war in France has been over for a month. After the celebrations, the people realized what needed to be done to return to normal. Many people had no homes, every bridge and road had been destroyed, most churches and houses were gone and many families were wiped out. There were many people alone in the world, wondering how to bring life in France back to some kind of normalcy. Asher, a young Jewish man, has lost his wife and daughter and had his business destroyed. In retaliation for the shooting of his loved ones, he has been an assassin in the French resistance. He knows how many people he killed and one in particular haunts his dreams. All Asher wants now is peace and forgiveness. He wanders through the French countryside for a year looking for a place of peace. Several people tell him that peace can be found in Clovide but no one is exactly sure where it is. As Asher travels, he is plagued with doubt and fear combined with extreme hunger but he continues his odyssey. When he finally finds the castle her finds that it is full of a group of men who as damaged as he is but slowly recovering as they work together to make a stain glassed windows for the local Catholic cathedral. When Asher is allowed to stay, he realizes that he must hide his Jewish religion or he fears that they might not let him stay. There is plenty of food and constant work to make the glass. Asher finds that he has an artistic talent and begins to enjoy the process of making glass. Will working with glass - making beautiful glass from common ordinary sand - help Asher find his peace and redemption or are his wounds too deep to be healed?
This is a beautiful well written novel with fantastic characters . I won't forget Asher and his quest for peace. I actually read this book a month ago and I find my mind going back to the story and the characters. To me, that is a sign of a great piece of fiction.
"Victory does not equal peace."
As the novel begins, the war in France has been over for a month. After the celebrations, the people realized what needed to be done to return to normal. Many people had no homes, every bridge and road had been destroyed, most churches and houses were gone and many families were wiped out. There were many people alone in the world, wondering how to bring life in France back to some kind of normalcy. Asher, a young Jewish man, has lost his wife and daughter and had his business destroyed. In retaliation for the shooting of his loved ones, he has been an assassin in the French resistance. He knows how many people he killed and one in particular haunts his dreams. All Asher wants now is peace and forgiveness. He wanders through the French countryside for a year looking for a place of peace. Several people tell him that peace can be found in Clovide but no one is exactly sure where it is. As Asher travels, he is plagued with doubt and fear combined with extreme hunger but he continues his odyssey. When he finally finds the castle her finds that it is full of a group of men who as damaged as he is but slowly recovering as they work together to make a stain glassed windows for the local Catholic cathedral. When Asher is allowed to stay, he realizes that he must hide his Jewish religion or he fears that they might not let him stay. There is plenty of food and constant work to make the glass. Asher finds that he has an artistic talent and begins to enjoy the process of making glass. Will working with glass - making beautiful glass from common ordinary sand - help Asher find his peace and redemption or are his wounds too deep to be healed?
This is a beautiful well written novel with fantastic characters . I won't forget Asher and his quest for peace. I actually read this book a month ago and I find my mind going back to the story and the characters. To me, that is a sign of a great piece of fiction.
"Victory does not equal peace."
June 28, 2023
Stephen Kiernan has never disappointed me. I eagerly look for each new volume.
This story, having to do with post WW II world in which a mish mash of survivors who come together at the Glass Chateau where all help make stained glass windows.
Most of those worker's back stories aren't known to the reader until very late in the book, so, in addition to reading, the reader is formulating hypothesis for each individual.
The amount of research that obviously went into this book seems mind boggling.
Really looking forward to meeting Mr. Kiernan (again) at Booktopia weekend.
This story, having to do with post WW II world in which a mish mash of survivors who come together at the Glass Chateau where all help make stained glass windows.
Most of those worker's back stories aren't known to the reader until very late in the book, so, in addition to reading, the reader is formulating hypothesis for each individual.
The amount of research that obviously went into this book seems mind boggling.
Really looking forward to meeting Mr. Kiernan (again) at Booktopia weekend.
August 18, 2025
[1.5; DNF] The premise was intriguing: World War II survivors struggling to mend their damaged souls by transforming sand into glass. But the excruciatingly slow pacing made the first half of this tale feel as laborious as assembling an intricate stained glass window. Despite the author’s vividly descriptive writing (overly descriptive in many spots), I couldn’t quite make it to the midway mark (too many books, too little time.)
I do give Kiernan points for skillfully exploring the glass-making process. I’ve been fascinated with this art ever since my late parents took me to the Corning Museum of Glass in Central New York when I was a kid.
Still, even this fan of historical fiction couldn’t get into this book.
I do give Kiernan points for skillfully exploring the glass-making process. I’ve been fascinated with this art ever since my late parents took me to the Corning Museum of Glass in Central New York when I was a kid.
Still, even this fan of historical fiction couldn’t get into this book.
January 5, 2024
Asher has survived WWII but the former French Resistance fighter is a broken man. He has lost everything and is haunted by his experiences in the war. He finds himself at Le Chateau Guerin, which becomes a place he finds work and perhaps a place to heal. He joins an interesting group of people who are creating beautiful stained-glass windows to replace those destroyed during the war. Each person is a survivor and like Asher, has secrets they are hiding from one another. While Asher had been a cobbler before the war, he is able to adapt his skills and proves he can be an asset with his creativity.
Stephen P. Kiernan's The Glass Chateau is a moving story that demonstrates how hard it was for people to go on after they'd lost so much. The task of rebuilding was a huge undertaking especially when healing and repentance was needed by many who survived. While slow at times, I was glad I read this book, inspired by the stained-glass work created by Marc Chagall, as it was filled with heart and hope.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Stephen P. Kiernan's The Glass Chateau is a moving story that demonstrates how hard it was for people to go on after they'd lost so much. The task of rebuilding was a huge undertaking especially when healing and repentance was needed by many who survived. While slow at times, I was glad I read this book, inspired by the stained-glass work created by Marc Chagall, as it was filled with heart and hope.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
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, anti-Semitism. Yes, these people are Catholics. But if ever there were a time for understanding . . .
2) So as not to give anything away, I'll just say I'm skeptical the task Asher and his friend set out to tackle at the end of the book would have been possible so soon after the war ended.
Nit picking aside, I loved how the author dealt with the lasting effects of violence and trauma--of all sorts--on the human psyche. Now I want to see that center window!
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, anti-Semitism. Yes, these people are Catholics. But if ever there were a time for understanding . . .
2) So as not to give anything away, I'll just say I'm skeptical the task Asher and his friend set out to tackle at the end of the book would have been possible so soon after the war ended.
Nit picking aside, I loved how the author dealt with the lasting effects of violence and trauma--of all sorts--on the human psyche. Now I want to see that center window!
September 7, 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 between perception and reality.
Kiernan's prose is nothing short of lyrical. Each page is laden with imagery so vivid that the chateau's glittering façade and the shadows lurking behind its walls come alive, pulling the reader into an almost trance-like state. His exploration of characters, especially their internal battles, showcases his profound understanding of the human psyche.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing feels a bit uneven, with certain portions dragging on longer than necessary. A few characters, while integral to the plot, lack the depth and nuance that one would expect, considering the intricate narrative fabric Kiernan has woven.
Despite these minor setbacks, "The Glass Chateau" stands as a testament to Kiernan's storytelling prowess. It serves as a mesmerizing exploration of the dichotomies of beauty and decay, reality and illusion. For those who cherish novels that stay with them long after the last page is turned, this one is a definite addition to their reading list.
Kiernan's prose is nothing short of lyrical. Each page is laden with imagery so vivid that the chateau's glittering façade and the shadows lurking behind its walls come alive, pulling the reader into an almost trance-like state. His exploration of characters, especially their internal battles, showcases his profound understanding of the human psyche.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing feels a bit uneven, with certain portions dragging on longer than necessary. A few characters, while integral to the plot, lack the depth and nuance that one would expect, considering the intricate narrative fabric Kiernan has woven.
Despite these minor setbacks, "The Glass Chateau" stands as a testament to Kiernan's storytelling prowess. It serves as a mesmerizing exploration of the dichotomies of beauty and decay, reality and illusion. For those who cherish novels that stay with them long after the last page is turned, this one is a definite addition to their reading list.
August 1, 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 in it and I really loved the story. It is truly inspiring and I think will be enjoyed by all that read it. I highly recommend this and I am looking forward to reading more books from this author. 5 🌟
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
April 17, 2024
This was recommended and I am glad I decided to read it. Takes place after WWII when everything is broken;buildings, churches and people’s hearts. It is a book about healing, hope and forgiveness. There is beauty, grief and also delicious descriptions of food. The pacing is good and there are points along the way where I had to close my kindle because the topics were hard.
Satisfying read.
Satisfying read.
November 25, 2023
In the months following WWII, Paris resistance fighter needs to redeem himself and restart his life in a special space. It doesn’t happen without interventions.
November 6, 2023
"Asher stood alone in a flattened world. No mission, no assignments, no occupation, no money, no food, no family, no home. He searched his soul for a sliver of faith, any remnant, and found none."Before the war, in the seaside town of Bonheur, France, Asher had a business as his grandfather had ensured he was apprenticed to a cobbler. Asher had a home, a wife, and a daughter. But that was before. For the past 4 years, he was a member of the same Resistance cell as childhood friends. In the aftermath of war, Asher is conflicted, adrift, and wandering. During Asher's wandering, he is directed to Clovide, said to be a place where good things are happening. At Le Château Guerin, Asher introduces himself as Asher Green. Green is not his last name, but a name made up on the spot of needed introduction.
I was introduced to the author's writing by gifted copies from a reader friend of "Universe of Two" and "The Baker's Secret." I knew after one chapter of the 1st book that I would like to read more of his writing. The author's beautiful writing is emotive, and the reader immersed in the setting, and the characters' lives lift off the pages and becomes the very definition of literature's verisimilitude. This novel brings an understanding of post-WWII trauma. They have survived, but they carry grief, guilt, shame, and burdens unspeakable even to each other. "Victory does not equal peace." Victory does not equal peace within a country torn and ripped to shreds by enemy occupation, enemy fire, and resistance against the enemy. But it is more imperative to understand victory in war does not equal peace within one's mind.
I have always loved to view stained glass windows in the churches and cathedrals I have visited since I was a young child. In reading the novel, I appreciated the details of the creation of stained glass windows, broken souls using broken glass: the intricate work, the craftmanship, the conditions in the atelier where such beauty is achieved. The picture of each window unique, the art of each window beautiful beyond words. Each window emanating a message and how wonderous that each message is meaningful to the eye of the beholder perhaps in a different way and yet the same.
Even if you've never read an author's acknowledgments before selecting this novel to read, I encourage you to read the Acknowledgements at the end of this book. You will learn the author's inspiration for this novel and his meticulous research that contributed to the fabric of his storytelling.
February 6, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I would love for it to turn into a series. The setting is wonderful it takes you straight back to France after WWII. The characters are masterfully done. The story is so interesting, and the historical details make me want to learn more. A must read for historical fiction fans!
June 17, 2023
The Glass Chateau follows Asher, a resistance assassin who emerged from hiding a month after the end of World War II. Interspersed with tragic flashbacks of when Nazis had a stronghold over the region and the loss of his wife and child, Asher wanders somewhat aimlessly through the war-torn countryside.
This book reminds the reader of a truth we don’t realize or often forget when war is finished - There is no victory. Those who have lost, those who have killed, the buildings and memories that have been decimated by bombs and bullets - no one wins when a war is complete. So much has been taken that can’t be given back.
Asher becomes a storyteller, of both tragic and uplifting stories. He trades these as he moves through the country. Throughout his wandering, he hears of a place where the war truly has stopped and perhaps rebuilding has begun - a chateau. With nowhere left to go, Asher seeks it out. Upon meeting the tenants of the chateau, Asher learns it’s a place where many people come to heal from the things the war has given them or taken away and the many ways they are scarred. Asher risks losing this potential sanctuary as his instincts from his time as an assassin show up when he least expects.
Overall I enjoyed the read but got a little lost later in the book, attempting to keep up with the lukewarm and sometimes confusing actions between the tenants of the chateau. I had a hard time keeping track of who was mad at who and why. The relationship between Asher and Marie left me feeling a little annoyed but overall disappointed that I had been interested in what would happen in the first place, because nothing really happened. While the other characters experienced growth, I felt Marie was a selfish and odd character, unrealistic most of the time. My other concern is that the author makes Asher seem like he would have never read the news or been educated previously and that brought me out of the book. For example, at one point, Asher thinks “What is a Vatican?” when the Catholics he’s working with. European Jews who participated in WW2 would have known what the Vatican was at that time. The other piece I disliked was Henri/Heinrich’s speech pattern. It was an attempt to show that this person spoke German and was speaking, I’m assuming, broken French. Unfortunately it didn’t land for me and took away from that portion of the book.
I received an advanced copy courtesy of Goodreads giveaways and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book reminds the reader of a truth we don’t realize or often forget when war is finished - There is no victory. Those who have lost, those who have killed, the buildings and memories that have been decimated by bombs and bullets - no one wins when a war is complete. So much has been taken that can’t be given back.
Asher becomes a storyteller, of both tragic and uplifting stories. He trades these as he moves through the country. Throughout his wandering, he hears of a place where the war truly has stopped and perhaps rebuilding has begun - a chateau. With nowhere left to go, Asher seeks it out. Upon meeting the tenants of the chateau, Asher learns it’s a place where many people come to heal from the things the war has given them or taken away and the many ways they are scarred. Asher risks losing this potential sanctuary as his instincts from his time as an assassin show up when he least expects.
Overall I enjoyed the read but got a little lost later in the book, attempting to keep up with the lukewarm and sometimes confusing actions between the tenants of the chateau. I had a hard time keeping track of who was mad at who and why. The relationship between Asher and Marie left me feeling a little annoyed but overall disappointed that I had been interested in what would happen in the first place, because nothing really happened. While the other characters experienced growth, I felt Marie was a selfish and odd character, unrealistic most of the time. My other concern is that the author makes Asher seem like he would have never read the news or been educated previously and that brought me out of the book. For example, at one point, Asher thinks “What is a Vatican?” when the Catholics he’s working with. European Jews who participated in WW2 would have known what the Vatican was at that time. The other piece I disliked was Henri/Heinrich’s speech pattern. It was an attempt to show that this person spoke German and was speaking, I’m assuming, broken French. Unfortunately it didn’t land for me and took away from that portion of the book.
I received an advanced copy courtesy of Goodreads giveaways and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 23, 2023
My goodness. I can hardly communicate how much I loved this book. The countryside of France after WWII left more than buildings to be rebuilt. It left people who had suffered more than they could endure. It left a group of men all with their own secrets to begin making glass for the bombed out churches. This story is not just beautifully written but embraces the knowledge that victory does not mean peace. Peace was still to be fought for in each life. Gorgeous book. And big shout out to the giant brothers Pascal and Euclid whose humorous interludes were perfectly timed.
November 23, 2023
This is quite a thought-provoking book set in France in the aftermath of World War II, that explores the healing power of friendship and art. The main character, Asher, had lost everything in the war, and became a violent resistance assassin. He is tormented by his war crimes. Starving and wandering aimlessly after the war, he happens upon the Chateau, and finds solace and a purpose within its walls, creating glass windows; along with other damaged souls working there, under the guidance of the artist Marc Chagall. As the book progresses, the tragic story of each of the characters during the war is revealed. Stephen Kieran has created a beautiful, lyrical story of redemption and rebuilding after the horrors of war, as his characters slowly find their way back to hope and a new life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Thank you to Goodreads for my complimentary copy of the book through a Goodreads giveaway. The opinions of the review are my own.
August 20, 2024
Could not get into this book.
August 15, 2023
Exquisitely conceived and written, the characters, by novel’s end, seemed like old friends. Stephen Kiernan is a master storyteller. Rich in metaphor, he creates a brilliant master class in glassmaking that offers healing, solace and hope to his inimitable characters as well as the nameless and voiceless survivors of World War II.
January 15, 2024
Post WWII, at a remote French chateau, a diverse group of people repair the damage to their hearts and minds through the building of stained glass windows. A stunning book of love and friendship, war and redemption - solid 5 stars.
July 10, 2023
Not bad but hard to get into at first then a disappointing lack of facts which I guess I expected as he’s a non fiction writer and a bit dry at first until things get oddly romantic.
July 10, 2023
Kiernan is such a wonderful storyteller. His writing is beautiful. This is a wonderful story of hope and the healing that returns to the inhabitants that find their way to the Glass Chateau immediately following the end of WWII.
July 2, 2023
I pre-ordered this book, which is something I never do, but I have been waiting for this one to be published. I got it the day it came out. I even went to a book signing, again, something different for me. The wait was worth it. In his first chapter, Stephen reminds us of the destructive horror of war, and the despair of its immediate aftermath as the survivors cope with their loss. And he does that by introducing us to three former resistance fighters in a small town of France several weeks after World War II has ended. It is a quiet but powerful beginning to his story. From there we follow the journey of one of the fighters, Asher. He wanders the countryside of France looking for a place to heal and live, maybe even work again. During his journey we are introduced to some wonderful complex characters. Asher finds his sanctuary and a way to heal. Don't want to reveal any more of the story, but if you love to explore cathedrals and churches to see stained glass windows you should read this.
September 27, 2023
I ended up skipping from the 30% mark to the least chapter because this book was beyond boring. I was so excited about this because I love Marc Chagall and the blurb said he was the inspiration for this book.
The book follows Asher after WW2 as he’s trying to find his way in a place he no longer recognizes. He ends up in an old church that has been turned into a place where glass is made and turned into windows.
I’m sure I missed a lot by skipping parts, but I found this to be so tedious it was making me sad at the thought of reading it.
The book follows Asher after WW2 as he’s trying to find his way in a place he no longer recognizes. He ends up in an old church that has been turned into a place where glass is made and turned into windows.
I’m sure I missed a lot by skipping parts, but I found this to be so tedious it was making me sad at the thought of reading it.
April 19, 2024
2.5/5
I understand the premise and purpose Kiernan proposed with this novel, however, the execution allows it to fall flat on its face.
The dialogue felt like a rough draft, dry and underdeveloped. I never felt a true humanity in the characters’ tones. The book’s inhabitants themselves were stagnant and plain. I felt the characters had no development and their personalities were exhausted and exhausting.
I’m a bit disappointed as I was very drawn to the novel’s concept. There was much potential for a deeply meaningful story.
I understand the premise and purpose Kiernan proposed with this novel, however, the execution allows it to fall flat on its face.
The dialogue felt like a rough draft, dry and underdeveloped. I never felt a true humanity in the characters’ tones. The book’s inhabitants themselves were stagnant and plain. I felt the characters had no development and their personalities were exhausted and exhausting.
I’m a bit disappointed as I was very drawn to the novel’s concept. There was much potential for a deeply meaningful story.
August 17, 2023
Fictional history at its best especially when the story includes information about the art world. Bravo excellent author, Stephen P. Kiernan! 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 14, 2023
5 fulfilling stars
“’What makes you think I am a storyteller?’ ‘I can hear your brain machine grinding all the way over here. A story to lift our spirits.’ ‘That’s no easy task in these times.’ ‘Do it anyway,’ Euclid growled. ‘Or die.’”
Bravo. The Glass Chateau takes a different path through the glut of WWII historical fiction. It has lovely, crafted writing, compelling characters and a French setting in need of restoration, a plot arc, moral dilemmas, growth, and hope.
Kiernan brings all the senses to the tale. “The sensation was overwhelming – fat, crunchiness, juice…Sinking his teeth into the warm meat, Asher felt his body rejoice in a hundred ways – the sustenance, flavor, the liquid down his chin, the pleasure, when had he last felt pleasure. ‘Now,’ Asher responded, gnawing away. ‘Now I am a wealthy man.’” And ‘A tomato. It had been ages, and this one was a specimen. Asher gave it a good long sniff, and it seemed as though he were smelling the sun itself, and the rain that had fallen in spring. Sitting on a roadside stump, he nibbled into the flesh. Flavor flooded him, nectar so bright and strong he had to close his eyes.”
The pacing was outstanding. The glass craftsmen rushed to get the stained-glass windows installed, running out of raw materials, then they catch their breath with a description of the rain. “Day upon day it had rained, the scent smothering all others. Rain hissed and seethed. It puddled the lowlands. It crossed the fields in sheets, like ghosts made of water…It seemed like a fog insisting on some quiet idea. It softened the paths and draped branches. It bent garden flowers as though they were ashamed.”
The lush writing is descriptive, yet concise. Asher sees a fish leap. “He’d seen his share of seasons and dodged his quota of hooks. Lurking on the bottom through winter starvation, then spring times of abundance, when bugs skimmed on the surface for easy eating. No fool, this fish. Yet his leap was so high, so extravagant, I stood here thinking, he did not do that only to catch a fly. He wanted to see. To find out what goes on up in this roofless realm. I’ve admired this fish ever since, his optimism and ambition, and what the world must have looked like to him; all the greenness, the vastness of possibilities, the brilliance of the sun…’That fish changed my life. He told me that’s all we get; a leap from the unknown into this nonstop miracle, before we plunge back into unknowing. I began to notice the world again.’” My hope is that The Glass Chateau will find many readers who start to notice a new world as they dive into fresh characters, subtle humor, the moral dilemmas of war.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“’What makes you think I am a storyteller?’ ‘I can hear your brain machine grinding all the way over here. A story to lift our spirits.’ ‘That’s no easy task in these times.’ ‘Do it anyway,’ Euclid growled. ‘Or die.’”
Bravo. The Glass Chateau takes a different path through the glut of WWII historical fiction. It has lovely, crafted writing, compelling characters and a French setting in need of restoration, a plot arc, moral dilemmas, growth, and hope.
Kiernan brings all the senses to the tale. “The sensation was overwhelming – fat, crunchiness, juice…Sinking his teeth into the warm meat, Asher felt his body rejoice in a hundred ways – the sustenance, flavor, the liquid down his chin, the pleasure, when had he last felt pleasure. ‘Now,’ Asher responded, gnawing away. ‘Now I am a wealthy man.’” And ‘A tomato. It had been ages, and this one was a specimen. Asher gave it a good long sniff, and it seemed as though he were smelling the sun itself, and the rain that had fallen in spring. Sitting on a roadside stump, he nibbled into the flesh. Flavor flooded him, nectar so bright and strong he had to close his eyes.”
The pacing was outstanding. The glass craftsmen rushed to get the stained-glass windows installed, running out of raw materials, then they catch their breath with a description of the rain. “Day upon day it had rained, the scent smothering all others. Rain hissed and seethed. It puddled the lowlands. It crossed the fields in sheets, like ghosts made of water…It seemed like a fog insisting on some quiet idea. It softened the paths and draped branches. It bent garden flowers as though they were ashamed.”
The lush writing is descriptive, yet concise. Asher sees a fish leap. “He’d seen his share of seasons and dodged his quota of hooks. Lurking on the bottom through winter starvation, then spring times of abundance, when bugs skimmed on the surface for easy eating. No fool, this fish. Yet his leap was so high, so extravagant, I stood here thinking, he did not do that only to catch a fly. He wanted to see. To find out what goes on up in this roofless realm. I’ve admired this fish ever since, his optimism and ambition, and what the world must have looked like to him; all the greenness, the vastness of possibilities, the brilliance of the sun…’That fish changed my life. He told me that’s all we get; a leap from the unknown into this nonstop miracle, before we plunge back into unknowing. I began to notice the world again.’” My hope is that The Glass Chateau will find many readers who start to notice a new world as they dive into fresh characters, subtle humor, the moral dilemmas of war.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2023
Stephen Kiernan never disappoints! This story of life immediately after the end of WWII in a French town is heartbreaking. I've read quite a few books related to WWII, but nothing that describes the aftermath and the attempt to rebuild. All the characters feel very real. Particularly Asher and the grief he carries with him. I can hardly wait to see what is next for one of my favorite authors!
August 15, 2023
Wonderful book. The protagonist is a WW II resistance assassin who heals his mental wounds in a chateau of glassmakers. Based on Marc Chagall's art, the book is itself healing, taking you from today's world into a world of artists and their struggles to survive their own lives and to continue to make stained glass windows for a cathedral in a world of hardship and shortages. I loved this book.
October 31, 2023
This book was fascinating. It’s a convincing historical fiction take on postwar France, designing and making stained glass, and people learning to be kind again. Stylistically the prose kept me on edge, which is just what the setting and events required. Well done.
p.s. I wanted to add this postscript: this book reminded me in many good ways of “Sarum” by Edward Rutherford.
p.s. I wanted to add this postscript: this book reminded me in many good ways of “Sarum” by Edward Rutherford.
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