3.99
Part of "The Meaning of Night" series
"The Glass of Time" by Michael Cox is a gripping and atmospheric novel that combines elements of gothic fiction, mystery, and historical drama. The story is set in the late 19th century at Aldercombe, a grand but crumbling estate in England, where two women's lives become intertwined across time. The first woman is Esperanza Gorst, a young and naive Spanish woman who is hired as a lady's companion to the wealthy and eccentric dowager countess of Aldercombe. Esperanza is drawn into the dark secrets and scandals of the family, and she soon finds herself in grave danger. The second woman is Emma Lyon, a maid at Aldercombe in the 1820s who becomes embroiled in a dangerous love affair with the young and impetuous heir to the estate. Emma's story is told through her diary, which Esperanza discovers hidden in the walls of the house. As Esperanza reads Emma's diary, she becomes increasingly obsessed with the past and the fate of the young maid. She begins to see ghostly apparitions and hears strange noises, leading her to believe that Emma's spirit is trapped in the house. Cox masterfully weaves together the two storylines, building tension and suspense as the reader is drawn deeper into the mysteries of Aldercombe. The novel explores themes of class, gender, and power, as well as the blurred lines between reality and imagination. "The Glass of Time" is a beautifully written and evocative novel that will appeal to fans of gothic fiction and historical drama. Cox's attention to detail and richly drawn characters bring the world of Aldercombe to life, making it a place that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book...
Michael Cox
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'The Essex Serpent' is a captivating novel that shares the historical and gothic elements found in 'The Glass of Time'. Set in the late 19th century, this book follows the story of Cora Seaborne, a widow with a keen interest in paleontology, who moves to Essex and becomes entangled in the myth of a serpent-like creature lurking in the marshes. The novel explores themes of science, religion, and love, offering a hauntingly beautiful narrative.
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For readers who enjoyed the intricate plot and character dynamics in 'The Glass of Time', 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is an excellent choice. This psychological thriller follows a group of classics students at a small, elite college as they become increasingly obsessed with and entangled in the darker aspects of Greek culture. The novel's richly drawn characters and complex narrative will keep you engaged and guessing until the very end.
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Rebecca
'Rebecca' is a classic gothic novel that shares the haunting atmosphere and mysterious elements of 'The Glass of Time'. The story follows a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves into his estate, only to be haunted by the memory and influence of his first wife, Rebecca. The psychological tension and eerie setting will keep you on the edge of your seat, much like 'The Glass of Time'.
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'The Woman in White' is a classic sensation novel that shares the gothic atmosphere and mysterious elements of 'The Glass of Time'. The story follows a drawing master who becomes embroiled in a complex plot involving a mysterious woman in white and a wealthy family's dark secrets. The novel's intricate plot and richly drawn characters will transport you to a different era, much like 'The Glass of Time'.
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