The Shadow in the Glass by JJA Harwood
A new dark fairy tale set against a Victorian backdrop full of lace and smoke- perfect for fans of Laura Purcell and Erin Morgenstern.
Once upon a time Ella had wished for more than her life as a lowly maid. Now forced to work hard under the unforgiving, lecherous gaze of the man she once called stepfather, Ella’s only refuge is in the books she reads by candlelight, secreted away in the library she isn’t permitted to enter.
One night, while among her beloved books, a fairy godmother makes her an offer that will change her life: seven wishes, hers to make as she pleases.
But each wish comes at a price and Ella must decide whether it’s one she’s willing to pay...
Melding history and fairy tale, this is a dark and intelligent new take on the story of Cinderella that looks at women, the price of labour and the cost of hope.
About the author.
JJA Harwood is an author, editor and blogger. She grew up in Norfolk, read History at the University of Warwick and eventually found her way to London, which is still something of a shock for somebody used to so many fields. When not writing, she can be found learning languages, cooking with more enthusiasm than skill, wandering off into clearly haunted houses and making friends with stray cats.
THE SHADOW IN THE GLASS is her debut novel.
Review
‘The Shadow In The Glass’ is a fiendish Gothic literary take on the genie in the bottle story. It really captured my attention, as I greatly resonated with a girl who takes refuge in books. It has all the classic gothic themes of master and servants, patriarchy, poverty, murder and mystery.
Ella works as a housemaid for a large house in London. But this wasn’t always the case. At one point she called her master, stepfather, and was a young girl of the house. But when her stepmother died she was placed in service for the house rather than being educated and put into society. However, she has one place to hide in and that is the library, albeit secretly, and has access to all the books in which to hide from her life. One night she sees a new book and when she reads it a fairy godmother appears and seems to offer Ella all the things she has dreamt of. But we know this won’t end happily. There is a consequence to each wish and will Ella deem them an equal response to her wish?
Ella as a character was just what this book needs. She has strength but weaknesses, she cares but doesn’t, she is charming but vile, just but unfair. She is a combination of good and evil - but which one wins?! The twist of her once being a ward of the house rather than always being in service was a novel one. It allowed for us to believe that she was educated and enjoyed reading. However, I can imagine her thinking herself better than the other servants, despite her kindness to some. But I can understand completely how being a carer to a dying mother in your early years can shape a person having been that person myself. You can find yourself doing selfish things whilst utterly wanting to help the person suffering in front of you. Those two pulling forces at that age, well….
I really enjoyed the narrative of an out of place genie in the bottle - fairy in the book idea! How temptation can show your real personality and this goes perfectly with the gothic themes that are present. There are moments of light which are needed as there are some dark scenes in the book. Ultimately it’s about a girl who wishes for a better life - whether she gets it…. You will just need to read the book won’t you?!
