The Glass Harmonica

Louise Marley's novel tells two parallel stories. One begins in 1761 and concerns a young orphan named Eilish Eam, who earns her keep by playing music on water-filled glasses for passersby on the streets of one of London's poorer districts, until she is discovered by Dr. Benjamin Franklin. Impressed with her talent, he offers her a proper place to stay in exchange for her services in developing and playing his own similar invention, which he calls his glass armonica. The other, which occurs in 2018, follows Erin Rushton, a professional musician whose specialty is an instrument that evolved from Franklin's original device. Erin's brother, the composer of much of her repertoire, is undergoing experimental sound therapy to correct a neurological disorder, and her glass harmonica may provide the key.The tales run concurrently in roughly alternating chapters, converging when each character glimpses or feels the ghostly presence of the other. Erin wonders if she is losing her mind, since the harmonica is rumored to induce madness in sensitive individuals. She also finds herself becoming romantically involved with her brother's doctor. THE GLASS HARMONICA is an uncommon mix of historical fantasy and science fiction drama. I found the chapters set in the past more interesting, and it seems that the author may have as well; Eilish's world is described in rich detail while Erin's feels slightly underdeveloped. I'm not sure that setting the latter in the future was necessary at all. Most of the technological advances are superficial, and the relevant ones could have easily been worked into the present day.While the story is not quite complex enough to warrant the book's page count, and the ending is somewhat contrived, I was thoroughly absorbed in the tale. I recommend it especially if music and musicians are one of your literary fetishes.

I loved this little book. It had some bit of good history to it also. Louise Marley really drew her characters well. I liked the way she presented Benjamin Franklin. As I would read the words, I could actually smell the scents in both the past and the future with her writing. This book drew me in & took me for a trip. The theme of music helping to heal is an interesting & thought provoking one. I will be reading the other books by Louise Marley.

This story intrigues with its portrayal of the power of music and human longing. I love a book that moves me, and Marley's, as usual, does. This story is both sweet and sharp, giving an unflinching glimpse at exploitation and privilege, including a courageously mixed view of Benjamin Franklin. Check out Terrorists of Irustan for another great Marley read.

Louise Marley has proven herself again! An author who has established herself in the genres of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Marley has now added a touch of historical fiction to the mix. The Glass Harmonica combines an expertise in music and medicine with future and past worlds that are meticulously developed. The two characters, Eilish and Erin, are compelling...and the addition of real historical characters such as Ben Franklin and Mozart makes this a convincing and insistant read. Brava!

This book is an excellent, dreamy science fantasy work by a great author. She weaves two parallel story lines across two and a half centuries and creates each world wonderfully. She also integrates historical figures, such as Ben Franklin and Mozart, into the storyline deftly. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction or fantasy, and anyone who enjoys this book should enjoy all of her previous works.