Review of Against the Glass
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- Erin Dydek
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Review of Against the Glass
In 1966, young Candy Krzyzanowski was determined to break the mold of the traditional female role. But her plans to go to college and pursue a career conflicted with her mother's plans for her: get married and produce the Janus heir. For thousands of years, the women of her family competed to be the first to birth a daughter in January to receive the coveted family heirloom, the Janus coin necklace.
That dream shatters when she must terminate her pregnancy through an illegal abortion. Her body broken, Candy falls into a devastating depression. Her traumatic experiences under the hands of a heartless black-market surgeon make her wonder if there is a better choice for women when it comes to health care. A compassionate doctor encourages her to find a new path in the medical field. Unfortunately, the process to become a female doctor in a male-dominated field may be just as daunting as the unsterile conditions that left her broken in the first place.
Against the Glass is a historical fiction novel written by Linda M. Habib that follows Candy's emotional journey to find her place in an ever-changing world. The visual elements of this book enthralled me. Habib wove an inspirational tale and filled each scene with various themes and images centered around the fragile nature of glass and the delicate balance of life. I loved how the storyline incorporated so many reflections of glass, whether it was the glassy surface of the ice-skating pond, the glass particles within the kaleidoscope, or even the glass jars that housed Candy's insect specimens in her early days studying entomology. The writing was poetic and realistically painted the struggles a young woman faced trying to step outside the mold and find equality with men.
I also loved Candy's personality. She faced many tragic and heart-wrenching scenarios, yet she worked hard to overcome the challenges and truly grow as a character. It was easy to cheer her on despite the horrible things that were said and done to her, and I loved seeing her push through to face the pain head-on time and time again. The hardest part to read was the abortion that she experienced. It was the grittiest part of the book but highlighted the horrid conditions that were one of the only options for women who became pregnant out of wedlock. Another character I adored was Candy's best friend, Brenda. Although she played a minor role in the overall story, I loved her feisty attitude and contributions to the historical changes throughout the story's progression.
I enjoyed each of the four sections of the book and found very few minor errors. Against the Glass made me appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of the women who paved the way for me to attend college and have the opportunity to pursue a career. Therefore, I give this excellent novel four out of four stars.
I'd highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction about women's rights and gender equality and those who appreciate thematic literature with a full-circle conclusion. The author includes scenes of abortion and verbal abuse better suited to a mature audience and those not triggered by such events. I found Against the Glass to be a fascinating book that I am glad to have had the opportunity to review.
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Against the Glass
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Through alternate points of view, the story develops and provides insights into the thoughts of numerous characters. Readers will find themselves rooting for Sarah as she navigates a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists because of her apparent desire to learn the truth about Mia's abduction. We are able to identify with each character personally thanks to Habib's deft character development, which gives their challenges and driving forces a sincere, relatable feel.
The descriptive and evocative writing style transports the reader to the coastal setting and vividly depicts the emotions of the story. The story has more depth because of Habib's skill at capturing the subtleties of human emotions, particularly grief and resiliency. The tension is gradually increased while yet allowing for adequate moments of meditation and introspection to give readers time to digest what is happening.
The novel's examination of the intricacies of friendship and human bonds is one of its strongest points. Habib explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the effect of secrets on relationships via the interactions of the characters. The dialogue is genuine and true to the characteristics of the characters, which adds to the sincerity of their interactions.
However, while "Against the Glass" is overall an engaging read, there are times when the pacing is a bit slow and some plot points could have been further developed to give the story more depth. In addition, dealing with some minor episodes can make the reader want to finish more.
To sum up, Linda M. Habib's "Against the Glass" is a gripping novel that skillfully combines mystery, drama, and emotional depth. With well-crafted characters and an engaging storyline, the book offers a rewarding reading experience. Fans of suspense and complex character-driven stories will find this novel a delightful addition to their reading list. Linda M. Habib's exploration of human nature and the intricacies of relationships will impress readers long after turning the last page.