Map of Glass, A
Urquhart, JaneJerome is a young earth-artist spending a few months on an island in Lake Ontario. But his idyll is shattered when he discovers a man frozen in the ice near the shore. One year later Sylvia, the dead man's lover, appears at his studio driven by the need to recount her story to the stranger who discovered him. A tender and haunting story unfolds which stretches long and wide, a story that begins with Sylvia's childhood and mysterious illness and ends with her lover's tragic death. [Taken from book cover.]
Comments from Groups
We all felt that, while it wasn't 'an easy read', it was well worth persevering with. We had one of our most interesting discussions for some time, as everyone had differing views. Tauranga 023 Half the group thought the book did not really go anywhere, and the other half thought it was great. We all had a most interesting discussion on the characters and the meaning of art! Havelock North 005 This book caused a great deal of discussion. Did Sylvia have a 'condition' - perhaps Asperger's or mild autism? Were her recollections her own fantasy as her husband suggested? Her relationship with her husband was an unusual one, and she seemed to be trapped in the family home. The author constructed and crafted this story beautifully, using some unusual and poignant language. Thoroughly enjoyed by all. Carterton 001 We felt we have missed some of the metaphors as we did not find that it flowed, and we had differing opinions on why various characters were the way they were! We would do better a second time, but we didn't like any of the characters very much! Definitely a good book for reflection and good character studies. Overall a good discussion book. Rawene 001 A beautifully written book, but the characters lacked believability.... Lower Hutt 004
Pages
371
371
Year
2005
2005
Reviews
07-02-2024
Those of us who persevered and finished the book enjoyed it, but it took a while to get into. Was really well-written.
07-02-2024
Not all members of the group read the book, with several finding it difficult to get into. Those who did read it found that there were slower bits at the beginning that were challenging, with some needing to come back to this book after a break. Those who read it found it worthwhile, but a somewhat 'hard' read in places. Some thoughtful aspects, some characters difficult to stay engaged with, but some interesting elements to the story and lyrical writing in places.
07-02-2024
Mixed reviews. General opinion was that they wouldn't want to read it again.
07-02-2024
Nobody enjoyed the book much overall, but the lyrical quality of the writing was appreciated by many.
20-07-2022
Some members thought it was beautifully written, but it all got too much and overall no one really enjoyed it. No one will be looking for other books by this author.