Memories of Glass

Author: Melanie Dobson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: 09/03/2019
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Reminiscent of Diane Ackerman’s The Zookeeper’s Wife, this stunning novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland’s darkest history and bravest heroes.

1942. As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese’s son and hundreds of other Jewish children who await deportation in a converted theater in Amsterdam. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese’s dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and their entire mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape.

Seventy-five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West’s Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon’s great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life—and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

Illuminating the story and strength of these women, award-winning author Melanie Dobson transports readers through time and place, from World War II Holland to contemporary Uganda, in this rich and inspiring novel.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas
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Rich in historical detail and populated with complex, colorful characters, Melanie Dobson’s new book Memories of Glass drew my attention in and wouldn’t let go. Her impeccable research and storytelling talents shine and give a powerful picture of life in Amsterdam during the German occupation of WWII. The heartbreaking events and the endless courage of the resistance during this era touched me deeply.

This is a dual-time story, set in WWII Amsterdam and contemporary Uganda and Portland. Dobson has deftly woven the two storylines together so that the tales unfold layer by layer. The characters are skillfully drawn and realistic, and the writing is gripping. I had a bit of a challenge keeping all the characters straight and within their proper timelines, especially when I wasn’t able to read it in one sitting, but it all came together well.

This story paints a picture of courage, faith, sacrifice, love, and a healing only God can give. I would recommend it to those who enjoy inspiring historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishing. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

This is the first time I've read a book by Melanie Dobson, and it won't be my last. Memories of Glass is a keeper and will stay with you long after you finish it.

I will admit, at first, I was a little confused as the chapters jumped around to different characters with different storylines. But after I got everyone sorted out, I read on wondering how they were all going to come together. Dobson surprised me more than once with little mysteries I thought I had figured out (only to be wrong). I loved that about this book! It kept me on my toes.

Each character was well-developed and grew in not only their inner strength but their faith as well. The ending was very moving, and I'm surprised this hasn't been made into a movie yet.

The author also captured the period well, and she was very good at making my anxiety levels creep up when the characters were in danger. I loved this book and can't say enough good things about it. Do yourself a favour and add it to your reading list!

I received a copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley.

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