36 pages • 1 hour read
Emily St. John MandelThe Glass Hotel
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel follows the life of Vincent, who is deeply affected by her mother's disappearance and becomes involved with Jonathan Alkaitis, a financier running a massive Ponzi scheme. The novel explores themes of capitalism and economic disparity, leading up to Vincent’s mysterious disappearance from a shipping vessel. The book grapples with topics such as addiction, loss, and the emotional impact of financial ruin.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Emily St. John Mandel's The Glass Hotel receives praise for its immersive narrative and richly developed characters, weaving a complex story of deceit and moral ambiguity. However, some readers find its nonlinear structure confusing. The evocative prose and thematic depth generally overshadow any structural criticisms, affirming Mandel's literary prowess.
Who Should Read The Glass Hotel?
Readers who appreciate intricate narratives and character-driven plots will enjoy Emily St. John Mandel's The Glass Hotel. Fans of Station Eleven by the same author, as well as those who enjoyed The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt or A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, will find similar appeal in this novel.