A review by notesbynnenna
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

5.0

4.5 stars

Like many people, I loved Station Eleven, so I was thrilled when she had a new book coming out. I read this one over the course of two days, and when I finished, I wasn't sure how I felt about the book. But, reflecting on it more now, a day later, I think I really enjoyed it.

I won't even try to describe this book, as there is a lot going on. Like Station Eleven, there is a disparate set of characters whose lives are connected in some way. She also utilizes a nonlinear timeline that's a bit difficult to track, but I didn't mind.

St. John Mandel is really able to create this eerie, unsettling atmosphere throughout, particular at the setting of the hotel. Her writing is just so beautiful and melancholy. I think this book solidified for me the feeling that I will read anything she writes. 

I think if you loved her last book for the writing, you may enjoy this one as well, but if you loved it for the story, this novel is completely different. I feel like normally some elements of this book would bother me (the slower plot and meandering timeline), but there is something about her writing that I find so captivating and transporting. 

Now I'm curious to read some other reviews of this one as I know that people have had mixed feelings!