A Haunting Journey with "Glass Girls": A Review
When I first stumbled upon Glass Girls by Jennifer Shokoohi, the allure of a ghostly tale seemed like the perfect companion for a rainy weekend. Little did I know, this debut novel would serve up a hefty emotional ambush instead—a tangled web of gothic vibes and family drama that left me both gasping and nodding along in recognition.
Glass Girls pulls us into the world of Alice Haserot, a former child medium who has spent years trying to escape her eerie past. You know the type—finding every excuse to avoid family gatherings just to dodge that familiar tension. I felt an immediate connection to Alice, who’s thrust back into her haunted reality thanks to her sister Bronwyn, who breezes back into her life, armed with ominous warnings about their daughters and an unshakeable family curse. This story beautifully blends horror and magic with a hearty dose of sibling baggage, reminding us of the quirks of our own dysfunctional families—because who doesn’t have their share of drama during holiday dinners?
One of Shokoohi’s strengths lies in her ability to craft vivid flashbacks that make us not only feel but also experience Alice’s past—soaked in both wonder and cruelty. While I’ll admit the book starts off a bit slow, with a thorough exposition that sometimes felt tedious, the momentum picks up like a rollercoaster once the ghosts make their entrance. And oh, the twists! I found myself perched on the edge of my seat, breathlessly anticipating what lurked around the corner.
Alice is so messily relatable—dodging her problems like a pro, yet displaying a vulnerability that makes you root for her. And then there’s Bronwyn, the fierce sister you’d take a bullet for, armed with a blend of sarcasm and passion. Their relationship serves as the emotional core of the book, and watching them grapple with their shared trauma was both gut-wrenching and oddly cathartic. The real horror doesn’t just come from the supernatural; it’s the deep-seated dread that accompanies family reunions. If you’ve ever faked illness to escape dinner at your aunt’s, you’ll feel right at home here.
Shokoohi’s writing strikes a raw chord—so much so that I found myself ugly crying into my pillow at 2 a.m. It’s an exploration of family trauma and survivorship that feels strikingly real, leaving me introspective and almost compelled to text my own sister as an apology for years of petty grievances (sorry for stealing your favorite Barbie!).
If I had one tiny nitpick, it would be that sluggish beginning. The rich world-building is commendable, but I longed for the ghosts well before they arrived. Nonetheless, the payoff is delightful. The touches of witchcraft—tarot cards, séances—sparked a whimsical urge in me to host a spooky girls’ night, perhaps conjuring a few laughs and hexes along the way.
In the end, Glass Girls is far more than just a mere ghost story; it’s an unforgettable journey through horror, heart, and magic. Ideal for readers who relish a tale that makes them laugh, cry, and double-check their locks at night, this novel resonates long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re in the mood for a read that layers laughter over tears and leaves a cozy chill down your spine, don’t pass this one up. Just remember to keep your phone nearby—you might want to reach out to that family member you’ve been avoiding. You never know—it might just save you from a ghostly reminder later on.