The Glassblower by Petra Durst-Benning

[brownbear]

The Glassblower is the first book of a trilogy by German author, Petra Durst-Benning, and her English language debut. The book is set in the village of Lauscha in Germany in the 19th century. The people of Lauscha earn their living by blowing glass. Each family specializes in a different type of glassware. The actually blowing is done by the men while the painting and packing is done by the women. The Steinmann household is no exception to this rule. But when until the sole remaining parent, Joost Steinmann, passes away suddenly, the three Steinmann daughters, Ruth, Johanna and Marie are left to fend for themselves in a man's world. Without the security of a steady income and with no inheritance, they must look deep within themselves for the strength to secure their future and fulfill their dreams.

While the Glassblower falls into the category of historical fiction, it is mainly historical in the setting and description of the way people lived during a certain period of time and a in a certain place. Despite the fact that it refers to the invention of glass Christmas ornaments, it is not a retelling of historical events through a fictional eye. Although it has a bit of the bodice-ripper in it, it is nonetheless a very enjoyable read-the kind of book you can't wait to pick up again and have trouble putting down. I will be glad to read the second book in the trilogy when it comes out in English.