DNF at 15%.
Life is too short to read boring books.
I read Station Eleven last year — which, admittedly, was a slow book … but, was also an epic book. It struck me as unique – thoughtful – and gorgeously written. I loved its atmosphere and wild beauty.
Like Station Eleven, The Glass Hotel is a gorgeous book. Really, it’s gorgeous.
I also found it mind-blowingly dull.
I couldn’t connect with any of the characters or their stories — their motivations and behaviours were so bizarre — and the central conflict (the 2008 financial crisis, a ponzi scheme) is one of the least interesting things … well, ever. I couldn’t bring myself to care.
My final irk was the setting. I’m from the west coast — I’m a local — and nothing about the place described in the book resonated as “home”. I’m not sure which Vancouver Island / Vancouver St. John Mandel visited to do her research … but, it certainly wasn’t mine.
The details:
- The Book: The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
- Published: 2020, HarperCollins Publishers
- My Copy: Library copy
- Read date: October 3-8, 2020
- Rating/5: DNF
The Geeky Jock 
That’s too bad. I liked Station Eleven, especially the way it slides around in time. I have spent some time in the Midwest, and I thought she captured well the feel of a summer in Michigan with no AC. If I remember right, Station Eleven also had some scenes on the West coast (the San Juan Islands?), and I don’t remember those being jarringly unrealistic, but then, they were minor parts of the book.
Have you read I Heard the Owl Call My Name, and do you feel it’s a better portrayal of the West coast?
I think you would like this one! There are lots of characters and time jumps involved 🙂
Part of Station Eleven takes place on the coast — or, if my memory serves me right, at least references the coast. I don’t remember the references as being jarring, but I think it’s because it was less a location and more a reference. Definitely different than basing your novel somewhere.
I haven’t heard of I Heard the Owl Call My Name! I’m going to see if it’s available at my library!
I hope you enjoy it!
And I’ll keep my eye out for Glass Hotel.
If you find it, I’d love to hear what cover they’re featuring in your region 🙂 I think there’s three variants of the cover … I can never figure out their rationale for selling which cover in which location.
Covers. the important part of the book 😉
I had the same issues. I just couldn’t relate with or connect to the characters.
YES! I’m so glad I’m not the only one! – This book has so many high reviews and people RAVING about the characters!