I really really liked this book!! I am from the DC area, went to school near Baltimore, live in MD now and have ties to WV and knew about the greenbrier prior to reading this so the setting appealed to me. The entire location and time periods were all super interesting to me and just made the story that much more rich. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this but did find the "reveal" to be less 'wow' than the buildup, although also realistic. I wish I had connected with some of the characters a bit more, and I really wanted more about Sylvia and Alan post "incident". Overall this was a great book though, will definitely recommend to my groups!!

An amazing debut! My favorite historical fiction books bring me into a time and place unfamiliar to me and expose me to new, interesting stories. In the Shadow of the Greenbrier follows a family across four generations and their connection to the Greenbrier resort, their Jewish faith, and each other. I was quickly hooked in to the story and couldn’t wait to find out the book’s central mystery. I’ll be talking about this book for a while and can’t wait to see what Emily Matchar does next!

In the Shadow of the Greenbrier by Emily Matchar is a wonderful historical fiction that involves The Greenbrier Hotel.

As a WV resident born and raised, I know a lot about this hotel, and it was great to read an intriguing novel involving this landmark.

This book weaves its story between several characters within the same family throughout multiple decades, and ties it all together in the end.

The author did a great job weaving a story in between multiple generations, voices, and integrating numerous concepts revolving around relationships, family, secrets, love, loss, religion, and forgiveness. She presented it in a way that was not overwhelming, yet was intricate enough to keep my interest. There is history, mystery, suspense, and I really enjoyed it.

4.5/5 stars


Thank you NG and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/12/24.

With the history of the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, this multigenerational novel begins. Spanning the years from the beginning of the 1900's until the 1990's, one family 's history is told through different periods while the resort is built. A unsolved mystery brings all the characters of the story together . Knowing so little about the Greenbrier, I was fascinated with this book. Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction.

"In the Shadow of the Greenbrier" by Emily Matchar is a spellbinding exploration into the depths of human nature and the mysteries concealed within history's shadows. Set against the backdrop of the enigmatic Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, Matchar introduces us to a cast of characters who are as fascinating as they are flawed. The story follows a young investigative journalist, as he embarks on a quest to unravel the hidden secrets of the Greenbrier's past as well as several generations of his family surrounding the well-known resort.

The author's meticulous research is evident throughout the book, creating an authentic atmosphere that brings the Greenbrier and its historical context to life. One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to transport the reader to a different era. Matchar's vivid descriptions create an immersive experience, making it easy to lose oneself in the world of the Greenbrier, imagining the grandeur and splendor of the past.