The Glass ChAteau: A Novel

Written by Stephen P. Kiernan

Narrated by Raphael Corkhill

From the critically acclaimed author of Universe of Two and The Baker’s Secret, a novel of hope, healing and the redemptive power of art, set against the turmoil of post–World War II France and inspired by the life of Marc Chagall

One month after the end of World War II, amid the jubilation in the streets of France, are throngs of people stunned by the recovery work ahead. Every bridge, road and rail line, every church and school and hospital, has been destroyed. Disparate factions—from Communists, to Resistance fighters, to federalists, to those who supported appeasement of the Nazis—must somehow unite to rebuild their devastated country.

Asher lost his family during the war, and in revenge served as an assassin in the Resistance. Burdened by grief and guilt, he wanders through the blasted countryside, shocked by what has become of his life. When he arrives at the Château Guerin, all he seeks is a decent meal. Instead he finds a sanctuary, an oasis. The people there are every bit as damaged as he is, but they are calming themselves and recovering, inch by inch, by turning sand into glass, and glass into windows for the bombed cathedrals of France.

It’s a volatile place, and these former warriors manage their trauma in different ways. But they are helped by women full of courage and affection. Asher turns out to have a gift for making windows. He decides to hide the fact that he is Jewish so the devout Catholics who own the château will not expel him. As the secrets of the château’s residents become known one by one, they experience more heated conflict and greater challenges. And as Asher kindles his talents for glasswork, his recovery will lead the way for them all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jun 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781443470964

Stephen P. Kiernan

Stephen P. Kiernan is the author of the novels The Curiosity, The Hummingbird, The Baker's Secret, Universe of Two, and The Glass Chateau. A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, he spent more than twenty years as a journalist, winning many award before turning to fiction writing. He has also worked nationwide on improving end of life medical care through greater use of hospice. Kiernan lives in Vermont.