The Girl in the Glass: A Novel

I do enjoy Susan Meissner's books! The character development is so good and believable. In this one her dream of seeing the city of Florence, Italy comes to pass in an unexpected way. Marguerite falls in love with the city and all it contains including the art, the people and the history. It honestly made me feel I was there with her and now I feel compelled to see it. Do yourself a favour and treat yourself to this good read.

Susan Meissner's, The Girl in the Glass: A Novel, is like taking a trip to Florence, Italy without having to change your dollars into lira. As I read through the gentle and lovely novel, with its evocative images, I longed to sign up for a course in speaking Italian.As with at least some of her other books (I've read the wonderful SHAPE OF MERCY, and A SOUND IN THE TREES) Susan writes two intersecting stories: a voice from the past, Nora, a Medici princess; and Meg, a contemporary young woman who has dreamed of visiting Italy since childhood. As a child, her Italian grandmother's paintings and stories filled her mind with an imaginary Florence that seemed to call to her. Her father promised to take her one day, and came close a few time. Finally, they set a date...and he fails spectacularly.Taking a risk, she goes anyway and through the fiascos that follow, forms wonderful new relationships. She stays with a new friend, Sofia, who claims to hear the voice of a Medici princess in the paintings and sculptures of her time. Does she or doesn't she? While they stay together, they learn more about each other and grow closer as they tour Florence in search of a sculpture Meg remembered from one of her favorite paintings. Meissner explores the themes of love and friendship, understanding, and trust.Moments with Meg and her mother are sometimes poignant, sometimes abrasive. She questions her other relationships, past and present. Why did she break off her engagement? How does she feel about her ex-fiance's wedding? As new men enter her life she asks, is it love, or is it only the projection of my need? (Or is it Florence?)It would not be a Susan Meissner book without such thoughtful exploration. We travel with Meg as she finds her way, imperfectly, but with kind and honest intensions, to a satisfying destination. This book is well worth the journey. (And if you have not read "The Shape of Mercy", it is among my favorite reads of all time.

Three women come to terms with the reality of their family circumstances even as they hold onto the magic of their own dreams. Nora Orsini, an actual historical figure from Renaissance Florence and a Medici, Marguerite, the book editor, and her potential client Sofia, each face crises brought on by family circumstances within the backdrop of the beautiful Florence, Italy (the book is a little bit of a travel memoir for Florence). The book plot moves a little sluggishly, going back and forth between Nora's memoir and current account of Marguerite and Sofia, but the last third or so of the plot ramps up as Sofia is confronted with the truth of her life. Having spent a week in Florence in 2017, I used Google maps to identify locations in the book and relive the delights of this magical city.

The Girl in the Glass was one of those rare books that I did not want to end! The first page captivated my attention and kept me engaged all the way through. Meissner's descriptions of art are poetic, and her details about cuisine are luscious. I felt like I was in Florence, Italy, peeking through a window at the characters' lives. Her writing style is beautiful and the tale she weaves is a complex one that will keep you wondering and guessing until the very end.Sofia was by far my favorite character and her story brought tears to my eyes. The interweaving of Nora and Meg's stories was seamless and provided for exciting suspense. The setting of Florence is magical as seen through Meg and Sofia's eyes. In addition to art history and suspense, the book has a little romance too. Meg remains indecisive about potential love interests until the very end, so you will be surprised! There are so many little gems of wisdom in the book too and it's simply inspirational.This is the first book I've read by Susan Meissner, but it won't be the last. I'm looking forward to reading Lady in Waiting, A Sound Among Trees and many more!

I confess this book was not what I expected. Yes, there is predictability but also enough intrigue to hold one’s interest. The characters are picturable and the story is well told. It’s the kind of book I like for Summer: easy to pick back up when interrupted and it’s gently uncomplicated. I enjoyed it immensely!

Susan Meissner's writing is among the top echelon. She can really bring a story to life w/ well-drawn characters and settings. This book takes place mostly in Florence, Italy. It made me want to go to Florence. Meg Pomeroy has always dreamt of travelling to the birthplace of her Grandmother who told wonderful stories of her childhood in a city that she loved. Meg's journey to find her family's history brings her in contact w/ memorable people and places.

The Girl in the Glass by Susan Meissner is my first reading of this writer. Meg works as an editor of travel books. She goes to Florence & meets the writers of two books, but discovers one of them is a little off balanced (Sofia) and the other (Lorenzo) is a major distraction. I confess, I could not keep the three women (Meg, Sofia, & Nora) separated, since each told their stories in first person with only a header for Nora. Meg's love is reduced to one final sentence. For Meissner fans, I'm sure this was a hit. I don't hate it, but it's not my preferred reading experience.

I loved this book.. and find all Susan Meissner books so interesting ..and brings to life her characters