36 pages 1 hour read

Emily St. John Mandel

The Glass Hotel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel follows the life of Vincent, who is deeply affected by her mother's disappearance and becomes involved with Jonathan Alkaitis, a financier running a massive Ponzi scheme. The novel explores themes of capitalism and economic disparity, leading up to Vincent’s mysterious disappearance from a shipping vessel. The book grapples with topics such as addiction, loss, and the emotional impact of financial ruin.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Emily St. John Mandel's The Glass Hotel receives praise for its immersive narrative and richly developed characters, weaving a complex story of deceit and moral ambiguity. However, some readers find its nonlinear structure confusing. The evocative prose and thematic depth generally overshadow any structural criticisms, affirming Mandel's literary prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Glass Hotel?

Readers who appreciate intricate narratives and character-driven plots will enjoy Emily St. John Mandel's The Glass Hotel. Fans of Station Eleven by the same author, as well as those who enjoyed The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt or A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, will find similar appeal in this novel.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Psychological Fiction

American Literature

Topics

Business / Economics

Arts / Culture

Class

Themes

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Society: Economics

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice