Book Description:
Renaissance is a word with hope infused in every letter.
Since she was a child, Meg has dreamed of taking a promised trip to Florence, Italy, and being able to finally step into the place captured in a picture at her grandmother’s house. But after her grandmother passes away and it falls to her less-than-reliable father to take her instead, Meg’s long-anticipated travel plans seem permanently on hold.
When her dad finally tells Meg to book the trip, she prays that the experience will heal the fissures left on her life by her parents’ divorce. But when Meg arrives in Florence, her father is nowhere to be found, leaving aspiring memoir-writer Sophia Borelli to introduce Meg to the rich beauty of the ancient city. Sofia claims to be one of the last surviving members of the Medici family and that a long-ago Medici princess, Nora Orsini, communicates with her from within the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.
When Sophia, Meg, and Nora’s stories intersect, their lives will be indelibly changed as they each answer the question: What if renaissance isn’t just a word? What if that’s what happens when you dare to believe that what is isn’t what has to be?
Since she was a child, Meg has dreamed of taking a promised trip to Florence, Italy, and being able to finally step into the place captured in a picture at her grandmother’s house. But after her grandmother passes away and it falls to her less-than-reliable father to take her instead, Meg’s long-anticipated travel plans seem permanently on hold.
When her dad finally tells Meg to book the trip, she prays that the experience will heal the fissures left on her life by her parents’ divorce. But when Meg arrives in Florence, her father is nowhere to be found, leaving aspiring memoir-writer Sophia Borelli to introduce Meg to the rich beauty of the ancient city. Sofia claims to be one of the last surviving members of the Medici family and that a long-ago Medici princess, Nora Orsini, communicates with her from within the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.
When Sophia, Meg, and Nora’s stories intersect, their lives will be indelibly changed as they each answer the question: What if renaissance isn’t just a word? What if that’s what happens when you dare to believe that what is isn’t what has to be?
My Thoughts:
The Girl in the Glass is the second novel by Susan Meissner I have had the privilege to read. The first story I read by Susan Meissner is A Sound Among the Trees and from the start I was hooked on Susan Meissner's style of writing. I find her writing style unique. In The Girl in the Glass her unique style really made this novel very deep. The prologue introduces Nora Orsini from Florence, Italy in October of 1592. As you enter the first chapter, it is now in San Diego California where Meg is imagining Florence Italy, a place she has never been but is waiting for her Father to take her. Meg's Nonna (Grandma) wanted to take her but she died before she and Meg could go but Meg imagines the Florence, Italy that Nonna describes. In between each chapter we learn more about Nora Orsini's life, family, and Florence in 1500's. Nora is a descendant of the Medici Family. A very wealthy, influential family that had been part of great artists like Michelangelo and DaVinci.
Susan Meissner tells a few stories in this one book: Nora's, Meg's, and Sophia's. The stories are beautifully haunting and in some cases heartbreaking. I was drawn into this story from the beginning and completely enjoyed it. Susan Meissner writes with authority about Italy now and going all the way back to the 1500's, Italian Artist and their art, writing books, and publishing books. I loved all of the characters in this story, felt a kinship with Meg and Sophia. These two women really left a lasting impression. The story lines are wonderful and the descriptions of Florence Italy Susan Meissner writes makes me want to visit Italy even more. I truly felt like I was seeing Italy and the art through Meg and Sophia's eyes. I highly recommend this story to those who enjoy historical fiction, it will not disappoint! I look forward to reading more from Susan Meissner.
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