Bibliography: Dolamore, Jacklyn. (2009). Magic Under Glass. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 978-1599904306
Plot Summary: In her home country, Nimira’s mother was an artist, but after her death, Nimira leaves to look for better life. Instead, she finds herself singing and dancing in a low class music hall. That’s where she is discovered by the mysterious and handsome Hallin Parry. Parry makes her an offer she can’t refuse–come live with him and sing with his piano playing automaton. But many secrets lurk in Parry’s home, not the least of which is the automaton itself.
Critical Analysis: I really did enjoy this book. The scenes where Nimira first comes to Parry’s home and is given good food and beautiful clothes contrasted with the subsequent scenes of exploring that same home and discovering puzzling and troubling items are very well written. And the scenes with the automaton have a sense of joy and discovery that leaps off the page. The evil villains are sufficiently creepy and definitely bad, and the mysterious woman in the upper floors of the house raises as many questions as fears. The plot flows along well, and when the action picks up, it is relentless and exciting.
But…for me, I am left wondering and wanting more. What was the point of saying that this book isn’t set in an alternate England and instead making up a new world but then not giving hardly any details of the world building? I am reminded by readers of historical fiction who ask if this story can be set and told in the present day, then how much is the historical setting really adding? It also seems to me we find out more about almost all the characters in the story except Nimira. I know part of the is perhaps setting up for a sequel, and even though we are not told much, I still found her charming, but still. And finally, perhaps a small point but I felt like the fairies under the dome where mentioned so often that the author was foreshadowing that something more was there, so in the climatic moment when nothing happened, I have to admit I was disappointed.
And yet there is an exoticness to Nimira and a gothic feel to the story as a whole. Girls will love the romance, and the magic and the automaton add another layer to the story. I am looking forward to the sequel to see if any of my concern might be addressed there.
Cover Controversy: The cover at the beginning of this post is from the British edition. Searching online will turn up much buzz about the white washing of the cover. One such article from Entertainment Weekly can be read here. A new cover is forthcoming from Bloomsbury.
Review Excerpts: “Debut author Dolamore draws heavily on Jane Eyre and its themes of sexual and class prejudice for her plot, reshaping the source material with skill.”–Publisher’s Weekly
“…vivid and rousing debut…Unlike similar and heftier tomes, this tale is kept under tight control with brisk pacing.”–Kirkus Reviews
Readalikes: Sorcery and Cecelia or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermier. Two girl cousins in early 1800s England find themselves face to face with evil magic.
The Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle. Twin sisters share their debut season in Victorian England while hiding their magic. But when faced with mystery and romance, a little magic might come in handy.
Reviewed from publisher provided advanced copy. Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
