The Shadow in the Glass

I cannot get over how annoyingly stupid the main character of this is. Granted seven wishes in return for her soul, her first wish is for a single pair of shoes? This plays into some of the worst stereotypes of ditzy women. And what makes it even worse is how delighted by this outcome she is. Unfortunately, her general decision making doesn't really significantly improve. This is a huge shame as the basic concept of a Faustian pact for your soul in return for 7 wishes is an intriguing one. The twisted outcomes of each wish give a delightfully cynical overtone to it all and the prose is well written. Unfortunately the inanity of the main character is just unforgivable.

The Shadow in the Glass is probably best summarized as Faust meets Cinderella with an idiot as the main character. A frustrating read.

This Gothic beauty has a nod to the Cinderella fairy tale. Eleanor/Ella finds herself living in the grand Granborough House under the care of Mrs Pembroke after her mother's death. Mrs Pembroke promises her a life of privilege and wealth but unfortunately after her death Ella finds herself sleeping in the maids quarters at the top of the house, wearing a scratchy woollen uniform and serving Mr Pembroke rather than becoming a member of the family that Mrs Pembroke had promised her. During the evenings Ella would sneak into the library, a place that she used to share with Mrs Pembroke, and read some of her cherished books. One night Ella discovers the black-eyed woman, a fairy godmother? A temptress? Who promises to grant Ella seven wishes and in return wants her soul if and only when all seven wishes have been granted. Ella finds herself caught in a cycle of turmoil as she tries to change the fate of her future and is left to deal with the consequences of her wishes.

This was a fascinating read and one I really enjoyed. Although there was an element of the Cinderella tale woven into the story line it was a magical, mystical read for adults. I loved the historical feel to the novel and the dilemmas that Ella finds herself in. I found myself routing for Ella to escape the confinements of Mr Pembroke's household and started to wonder if the black-eyed woman was responsible for Ella's wishes or whether there was another innocent or sinister reason behind these events. I was completely hooked.

I loved the characters, especially Ella, Leah and Aoife. Although Ella's actions and choices were questionable you knew that she was acting on behalf of her friends and just wanted to achieve a better life for them all. I truly had no idea how the story would end and was constantly surprised by the twists and turns that panned out. I loved the spooky, Gothic feel of the novel, it is dark and very atmospheric giving you a real insight into the streets of Victorian London. I could feel the grime and loud, dangerous bustling streets come alive as Ella was sent on errands, dodging beggars and thieves.

Harwood took twelve years to write this novel and I can truly say I loved every word on the page.