The Hand of Glory

The Hand of Glory transports readers to 1850s Melbourne, where two young people's quests become intertwined. Sylvia Hoveden arrives from Britain searching for her missing brother, while Anje Otsoa pursues the person responsible for his parents' death. The novel combines historical fiction with elements of mystery and supernatural folklore against the backdrop of colonial Australia. Through alternating perspectives, the story follows both protagonists as they navigate the dangers and secrets of Melbourne's streets. This award-winning young adult novel mixes themes of justice, family bonds, and the power of truth. Its exploration of revenge versus redemption raises questions about the costs of seeking vengeance and the possibility of finding peace.

There are limited public reviews available for The Hand of Glory. The reviews found focus on its incorporation of French folklore and supernatural elements. Readers appreciated: - Detailed historical setting in 1800s France - Integration of magic with the mystery plotline - Character development of protagonist Lucien - Authentic dialogue and period details Common criticisms: - Plot pacing in first third of book - Some found supernatural elements predictable - Secondary characters need more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (from 8 ratings) Amazon: No reviews available A review on AustLit notes the book provides "an engaging exploration of French folklore." One Goodreads reader commented that "the magical elements feel natural within the historical context" while another mentioned "slow start but picks up momentum." Limited review data makes it difficult to determine broader reader consensus about this book.

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🏆 The Hand of Glory joins Sophie Masson's impressive collection of over 70 published books, spanning multiple genres and age groups. 🌏 The novel's setting of 1850s Melbourne coincided with the Victorian gold rush, which transformed the city from a small settlement into a bustling metropolis in just a few years. 🔍 The term "Hand of Glory" refers to a macabre occult object from European folklore - a pickled hand of a hanged man believed to have magical properties. 🏛️ Colonial Melbourne of the 1850s was nicknamed "Marvelous Melbourne" due to its rapid growth and wealth, becoming one of the richest cities in the world during that era. 🎭 Author Sophie Masson draws from her French-Australian heritage to create stories that often blend different cultural traditions and mythologies.