Cover Image: The Glorious Between

The Glorious Between

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Member Reviews

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I loved it, but on the other, I found it so frustrating. The narrative jumps back and forth between time and leaves the reader utterly unsure of what is real and what is imagined, what is current, what is past, and what is future. Although, based on other reviews, maybe that’s just me.

I cannot deny the poetry of the writing, with imagery that is beyond vivid, and the spirituality woven into every aspect of it well worth pondering. It is enlightening and inspirational and includes many Khalil Gibran-esque sayings (in addition to his own, “beauty is a light in the heart”). Perhaps this quote most accurately captures the whole of the story: “Memories, true and false, distort the truth of our existence. Not that there is any solid truth to be had; there is no such thing as unbiased ‘truth’ in our minds, nor within our reason, and particularly not in our hearts.”

And although I love poetry, I also need logic and realism to hold a story together. This was not ‘simply’ some epic poem held together by a theme with a wandering plot—or perhaps, that’s exactly what it was. The thing is, I was so confused, I just don’t know. Like Emily, I could not distinguish reality from fantasy, and this translated into a reluctance to continue reading. I had to work too hard. By the end, I think Emily and Patrick and Alessandra understood exactly what had happened or was happening, but I didn’t. I cannot give this 5 stars because I cannot unequivocally recommend it, but I cannot give it any less than 5 stars because it was so beautifully written. What a conundrum. I’ll have to give it 4 because, at this point, my brain hurts.

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This is an emotional and well=written story. A strong and surprisingly good first novel. I hope it finds an audience. There are a number of high-rated review, which are well-deserved. Recommended.

I really appreciate the review copy!!

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I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A world between life and death exists in a peaceful happy household.

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This book is well written but it was a slow read. It just didn't hold my interest. Not enough happening. I didn't care about the characters.

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Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC. I am sorry i did not finish this book because it was too strange.. Emily is dying and has lost big chunks of her memory. Her boyfriend is a neurologist and tries to tell her the stories she has forgotten.

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The Glorious Between is more than a 5 star read !

The book is beautifully written, well edited and draws you slowly but surely into Emily's world.

Emily seems wise beyond years , she knows she is dying , can barely remember today let alone her past but she is so much more than that. Emily captures your heart, she will make you smile, you will cheer her on , you will cry with her and be frustrated with her.

Patrick who is the love of her life is beyond patient and understanding . He spends hours besides Emily's bedside and lovingly narrates his life story that includes his mother Alessandra who has magical powers.

Emily lives her life caught up in the stories , they are glorious and hopeful just like Emily herself.

One of my favourite quotes in the book is :"You get up (in the morning) because you have hope and love in your life. If you had no hope, you would not get out of bed ever"

I seldom as a reader will reread a book but The Glorious Between is a book that I will read several times because there is just so many life lessons and hope in this wonderful book.

Emily , Patrick and Alessandra's story will stay with me and I will think of them often for a long time .

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