If the Ponzi scheme that is the foundation of this book is like a rock dropped in a pond, the "plot" of The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel is all about the ripples - perhaps concentric, perhaps not connected, eventually subsiding back into the quiet of the pond. I loved Station Eleven by the author. Unfortunately, this book suffers from the high expectations set by the other. I am puzzled by this book but still look forward to seeing what Emily St. John Mandel writes next.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/06/the-glass-hotel.html

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If you are interested in a book that focuses on alternate reality, this is a read for you. Through many layers it explores how grief affects others, the impact of actions prompted by greed and the dreams of a better life that can be gained through great wealth..

Like real life, it focuses on humans and how the actions of various characters affect others. For nineteen years, the author weaves this character driven tale to demonstrate how their choices and decisions impact on those around them. From selfish motivations to living with past mistakes, the reader has us looking at who we really are through the lives of its characters.

Don't look for a plot because you will only find brief character glimpses demonstrating how these humans interact. Most of us know about Ponzi schemes which give rise to dreams of untold wealth. Of course, this is not reality because possessions disappear and lives are destroyed.

Meet Vincent, a bartender at Hotel Caiette, located in Vancouver. Jonathan Alkaitis is the hotel owner who directs the scheme. Leon is a retiree who believes Alkaitis about the monies he will receive. There is more, much more to discover in this read. It's not easy to understand. It's all in the details which the author cleverly lays out for readers to interpret.

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