This is the second of Emily St. John Mandel’s books that I have read. The first was “Station Eleven.” I loved both of them!

“The Glass Hotel” just came out (released March 2020) and the first takes have all been “good but not great.” I can understand the criticism to an extent. This story is one of white collar crime, corporate fraud, and shady “investments.” The story doesn’t resolve in the way that most people want or would expect. I think that is the genius of the story.

I love the way that Mandel writes. I love the way that these intersecting lives are expounded and diverge and converge into the story. The story is a cautionary tale of bad choices, broken lives, and compromised decisions.

If you are looking for a feel-good beach novel with a little bit of diversion and escape, this novel probably isn’t for you, but if you want to be sucked into a story of an alternate reality that could conceivably be your own life made of a white lie here or fudging a number or date there where the web of deceit closes in all around you, then reach for this novel. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Get a copy of “The Glass Hotel” by Emily St. John Mandel on Amazon.