Review of Trapped in Glass
Posted: 17 Nov 2021, 09:25
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Trapped in Glass" by Pam Records.]
Trapped in Glass, written by Pam Records, is a well-woven story that revolves around two sisters of Polish ancestry, Halina and Patcja, who live in Hegewisch, a Polish-American community on the south side of Chicago. During their childhood, around 1920, a man named Auggie owned a tavern called The Corner. After he disappeared, Joey, Patcja's first husband, took over the place. Then Joey went missing, and Patcja and Bear (her second husband) took control of the tavern. As one can see, a lot of mystery surrounds the ownership of this tavern, and there is something unknown buried in a patch of cement in the basement. The plot thickens when a detective shows up asking questions about Joey's disappearance. But no spoilers are allowed!
What I most liked about the novel was its narrative structure. I thought that the author's use of language was captivating, and the story was touching. I enjoyed reading about how Halina learned the art of healing from Baba, a Gypsy healer. Halina's commitment to the art of healing, especially her relationship with Baba and their mystic connection, colors the narrative. I liked the supernatural elements involved; they added texture to the story. Also, Halina came across as a relatable and true-hearted character, and I appreciated it.
There are also several interesting secondary characters. Halina had a crush on Nicky, who used to work for Auggie. He gave her money for nursing school and disappeared, though. Also, Margret, who worked as a waitress at the tavern, and Stach, who Baba liked and claimed was her nephew, are well-developed characters.
Additionally, I enjoyed the story's cultural backdrop. The sisters' story intertwines with bootleggers and Prohibition-related power disputes between rival criminal groups. The mysterious saga unfolds against a vividly painted historical context involving Chicago's infamous gang wars. I felt that the author did a great job of conveying Prohibition and its ramifications. The description of the life of immigrants in Chicago was also engaging. I particularly liked the narration of how the sisters often heard the news of partitioned Poland, and their parents frequently reminisced about the good old days in the Old Country.
Lastly, I gladly rate Trapped in Glass 4 out of 4 stars. There is no noteworthy negative point in this entertaining book. Also, the editing seemed clean and professional, for I found no errors. I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially America during Prohibition. However, it is not a fast read. If you dislike long and detailed stories, you might not like this one.
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Trapped in Glass
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Trapped in Glass, written by Pam Records, is a well-woven story that revolves around two sisters of Polish ancestry, Halina and Patcja, who live in Hegewisch, a Polish-American community on the south side of Chicago. During their childhood, around 1920, a man named Auggie owned a tavern called The Corner. After he disappeared, Joey, Patcja's first husband, took over the place. Then Joey went missing, and Patcja and Bear (her second husband) took control of the tavern. As one can see, a lot of mystery surrounds the ownership of this tavern, and there is something unknown buried in a patch of cement in the basement. The plot thickens when a detective shows up asking questions about Joey's disappearance. But no spoilers are allowed!
What I most liked about the novel was its narrative structure. I thought that the author's use of language was captivating, and the story was touching. I enjoyed reading about how Halina learned the art of healing from Baba, a Gypsy healer. Halina's commitment to the art of healing, especially her relationship with Baba and their mystic connection, colors the narrative. I liked the supernatural elements involved; they added texture to the story. Also, Halina came across as a relatable and true-hearted character, and I appreciated it.
There are also several interesting secondary characters. Halina had a crush on Nicky, who used to work for Auggie. He gave her money for nursing school and disappeared, though. Also, Margret, who worked as a waitress at the tavern, and Stach, who Baba liked and claimed was her nephew, are well-developed characters.
Additionally, I enjoyed the story's cultural backdrop. The sisters' story intertwines with bootleggers and Prohibition-related power disputes between rival criminal groups. The mysterious saga unfolds against a vividly painted historical context involving Chicago's infamous gang wars. I felt that the author did a great job of conveying Prohibition and its ramifications. The description of the life of immigrants in Chicago was also engaging. I particularly liked the narration of how the sisters often heard the news of partitioned Poland, and their parents frequently reminisced about the good old days in the Old Country.
Lastly, I gladly rate Trapped in Glass 4 out of 4 stars. There is no noteworthy negative point in this entertaining book. Also, the editing seemed clean and professional, for I found no errors. I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially America during Prohibition. However, it is not a fast read. If you dislike long and detailed stories, you might not like this one.
******
Trapped in Glass
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
when a detective w mysterious motives begin to find beried secret the book is full of old secrets , betrayal and the momentum of the book kicks in as you continue reading I will recommend it to history lovers 
thank you for the lovely review!