‘GLASS GIRLS’ By Danie Shokoohi – Book Review

I have my “tried and true authors,’ my “go to” authors if you will. However, I am always on the lookout for new ones to add to my repertoire. Glass Girls by Danie Shokoohi is a book that intrigued me immediately after reading the synopsis. It is the debut novel from Danie Shokoohi, published by Gillian Flynn Books. I know we aren’t supposed to judge books by their covers, but I love this gorgeous cover!

What did I think of this book? Read on in my spoiler free review.

Synopsis

Alice Haserot thought she’d escaped the curse. For sixteen years, she’s lived far from her family and the ghosts she used to conjure. But her past isn’t so easily left behind.

When Alice discovers she’s pregnant and her estranged sister, Bronwyn, turns up on her doorstep, her carefully built new life begins to unravel. Bronwyn offers an ultimatum: one of her daughters is trying to possess the other, and only Alice has the power to save them. If Alice refuses, Bronwyn will go to their abusive mother and expose her location.

Forced to confront the terrors of her childhood, Alice returns home to face the inheritance of her family curse. Tautly paced and gorgeously written, Glass Girls explores the deep, complicated bonds of family and the shadows that follow us, no matter how far we run.

My Thoughts:

Glass Girls did not disappoint. I read this book in about a day and a half. If I didn’t need to go to work or eat or sleep, probably would have read entire book the same day. The book is impressive. It’s hard to believe this is Danie Shokoohi’s debut novel. I was surprised by all the emotions I felt throughout this book. I will mention that this book does deal with some heavy topics and may possibly be triggering for some. There are descriptions of abuse, self harm, and depicts quite a bit of paranormal and poltergeist activity. None of it is gratuitous and it’s all necessary to the story.

This book is definitely on the darker side. I thought it was the perfect balance of thriller and horror. The story follows sisters Alice (known as Isabeau as a child) and Bronwyn. Their childhood in the Little House was harsh, mostly due to their mother, Gisele. The was still magical moments in this childhood despite the dark cloud of both Gisele and the curse of the Glass boy, Killian. The story is told mostly through narratives, often flipping perspectives from past to present. The story is definitely clear even with the flipping back and forth. The basis of the story is, the Glass girls receive “all the gifts,” while the Glass boys are cursed. It is the price to pay for the “gifts”

It poignantly shows family relationships and sometimes the trauma we endure not only helps forms the person you become, but how you choose to deal with trauma and hopefully begin the healing process.

Danie Shokoohi’s writing is compelling, and honestly I could hardly put the book down. I needed to know what happened. The witchcraft elements were also fascinating to read and as indicated by the publisher’s note, a fresh take on witches. This very much a character driven story, which is always a favorite of mine. Mystery, supernatural horror, witchy elements, the bond of sisters and family trauma. These were all blended together to develop a plot that draws you in and doesn’t let go .

Final Thoughts:

If you enjoy darker stories, rich in character with a fresh take on female witches and ghost stories, this book is for you. Danie Shokoohi is definitely on my list of authors. I can’t wait to read her next book. Glass Girls is available on most online platforms and on Gillian Flynn Books. You may also follow Danie on her Instagram.