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: 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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