The Glass Woman

The Glass Woman follows Rosa, a young woman in 1686 Iceland who marries Jón Eiríksson, a wealthy stranger from a northern village. After moving to his remote homestead, Rosa encounters hostility from the villagers and discovers her new husband harbors dark secrets about his past and his previous wife's death. In a harsh landscape of endless winter, Rosa must navigate her isolation and growing fears about Jón, while strange noises from the attic above their bed plague her nights. The villagers' whispered rumors and her husband's unpredictable behavior force Rosa to question everything she thought she knew about her new life. The novel shifts between Rosa's perspective and Jón's, creating a complex portrait of marriage, power, and survival in a time when women had few rights and superstition ruled daily life. Set against the backdrop of witch trials and religious persecution, The Glass Woman explores themes of truth, trust, and the price of secrets in a closed society.

Readers note the book's atmospheric portrayal of 1680s Iceland and detailed historical elements. Many praise Lea's descriptions of the harsh landscape and isolation that builds tension throughout the story. Liked: - Rich sensory details and gothic tone - Complex relationship dynamics - Historical accuracy about life in 17th century Iceland - Strong female protagonist - Effective slow-burn pacing Disliked: - Some found the pacing too slow, especially in the middle - Several readers wanted more supernatural elements based on the marketing - Multiple reviews mention predictable plot twists - Some felt the ending was rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) "The writing is beautiful but the story dragged in places" - Goodreads reviewer "Excellent atmosphere but I guessed the main reveals early on" - Amazon review "Perfect winter read, but needed more ghost story elements" - BookBrowse review

The Mercies by Kirsty Logan A story of witchcraft accusations and female survival in 17th-century Norway brings the same harsh Nordic setting and exploration of superstition found in The Glass Woman.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent The tale of a woman condemned for murder in 1830s Iceland captures the same blend of historical facts, folklore, and isolation in a Nordic setting.

The Familiars by Stacey Halls Set in 1612 Lancashire during the witch trials, this historical narrative echoes The Glass Woman's themes of marriage, power, and women's persecution.

The Good People by Hannah Kent Set in 19th-century Ireland, this story of folklore, superstition, and a woman's struggle against her community mirrors the atmospheric tension of The Glass Woman.

The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell A gothic tale set in a 17th-century manor house shares The Glass Woman's elements of psychological suspense and supernatural undertones in a historical setting.

🔹 The novel takes place in 1686 Iceland during a time when witch trials were a dark reality - between 1625 and 1685, around 170 people were executed for witchcraft in Iceland, with the majority being men, unlike other European witch hunts. 🔹 Author Caroline Lea visited Iceland multiple times to research the book, immersing herself in the culture and landscape, including staying in traditional turf houses similar to those described in the novel. 🔹 The "glass woman" of the title refers to both the protagonist's fragile health and the old Icelandic belief that some people possessed the ability to see through walls - a folklore element woven into the story. 🔹 The book draws on authentic historical practices, including the tradition of kvöldvaka (evening wake), where Icelandic families would gather during long winter nights to tell stories while working on crafts and household tasks. 🔹 Traditional Icelandic food featured in the book, such as hákarl (fermented shark) and svið (singed sheep's head), are still eaten in Iceland today and are considered important cultural delicacies.