Rating: 
Summary: A masterpiece of a novel
Review: I read this book when it first came out and just finished rereading it. This book is so well written I felt like I knew these people and I felt like I was there. A very well researched historical novel that teaches as well as entertains. If you like Gone With the Wind type books, you will love this one. It's hard to put down once you get started!
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Summary: vividly rich characters come to life in this novel.
Review: Through A Glass Darkly is my favorite novel of all time. Simply put this novel is a masterpiece of writing.The setting, 18th-century London and France. The main character, Barbara Alderley, a young girl from a wealthy family is married off to a much older man by the name of Roger Montgeoffry.This is a magnificent tale in which the reader becomes swept up in the turmoil that ensues as the novel progresses. The characters in which there are many come to life due to the wonderful way in which the author Karleen Koen writes them. The novel is overaught with emotion,the description of places and settings in the novel are rich and glorius. You will come to know the characters on an intimate level. Loving some and loathing others. I loved the way in which the author wrote the book to show it's many layers so that you understand the smaller characters in the novel as well as the main ones.This is a gripping and tragic tale but also densely atmospheric. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
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Summary: Not What Its Cracked Up to Be
Review: First off, the historical aspects of this book are perfect. Barbara's Grandmother is a wonderful gem. Would have enjoyed reading her story rather than her granddaughter's. The depiction of stock market manipulation, cleaning recipes and the plague are perfect and accurate.The rest of it was boring and dragged. When the novel was done I chucked it. If you must read this, get it from the library don't waste your money.
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Summary: This fantastic novel inspired me to write my own.
Review: It's true! I read Karleen Koen's novel, Through A Glass Darkly, several years ago and was spell-bound. I have always loved historical romance novels but this one broke the mold, with surprising plot twists and flawed heroines. My first novel, Willing Captive, was published in November 2000. I am proud of it...until I read Koen's novel again, then I feel compelled to work harder and write tighter. This is a fantastic novel. Buy it if you enjoy history and romance (Along the lines of Rosalind Laker novels).
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I have to disagree with the majority of the other reviewers and say that I really don't think much of this book! I expected to enjoy it since my favourite genre is historical romance and I had heard 'Through a Glass Darkly' was similar to Gone With The Wind, but in my opinion it doesn't compare. The research and background were good but the characterisation emphatically was not. The characters were one-dimensional, especially the heroine. She was weak and childish and did not seem to mature as the book progressed. I felt the book could have been much better as it had an interesting theme of marriage between an older man to a much younger woman, and a fascinating setting. But the novel did not fulfil its potential. It also contained explicit sex scenes which were superfluous to the plot and seemed only to be there to make the book sell. As opinions have differed widely on it and the sequel, I would advise anyone thinking about reading it to get it out of the library before deciding whether to buy it!
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Summary: So Glad I Read It
Review: I bought the book for 99 cents at a variety store, taking a chance that it might be good (when good books are really long, I love it). I didn't read it for a while, but when I finally picked it up, I couldn't stop reading it. It completely drew me in, and the different twists it took suprised me, horrified me, saddened me, and made me totally fall in love with it. I sympathized with the antagonists (even the vicious, plotting Diana) and Barbara's Grandmama was so endearing. The heroine, Barbara, was real: silly and unlikeable at times, heartbreakingly honest and real at others. The subplots, such as Therese's own tumultuous life beneath Barbara, added so many dimensions to the story. Much better than the classic, fluffy romance novels. So much historical information, character development, and real emotion from me. I was sad when it ended, and can't wait to track down the sequel.
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Summary: To put away childish things.
Review: I just got done reading this amazing book. It touched my heart and soul. I have renewd my faith in god because of the reading of this book. I find the heart ach expressed to show the true reality of becoming a women. It is not like other romances were things turn out best for everyone. Mrs. Koen leaves you hanging on every word and beging for more!
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Summary: More than just a normal romance novel...
Review: Even though i've been an avid reader of romance novels for some time, I've usually found something lacking. But in this novel it definintly has it all. The heroine and hero is actually portrayed as actual flawed human beings also capable of great love. This story will sweep you back to a time of great decadence and scandel, and how this stories characters live in it is very accurate. Even some of the characters trully existed! Barbara Aderley is a charming women living in a very dysfunctunal family. And even in the face of utter betrayel still finds the strength to love. The feelings between her and her cousin is among my favorite parts of the book. Karleen Koen very eloquently wrote this book and stirred my emotions more than any other novel has and, believe me, and i've read many. The second part of this novel was also very well written but i felt it lacked much of the emotions the first one had. I feel there will be a third installment before the story of Barbara and her search for true happiness is found. This is the greatest of books and a definite classic. Ms. Koen, thanks for giving us this book. AND PLEASE WRITE MORE!!
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Summary: One of the most interesting historical fictions available
Review: "Through a Glass Darkly" is one of the best romantic historical fiction novels around. The basic storyline is about a feisty young girl's rocky marriage to a much older man. Barbara Aderly, 15 and grandaughter of very illustrious British family, is utterly besotted by the wealthy, powerful and handsome Roger Montgeoffrey, Earl of Devane. All her dreams seem to come true when Roger weds her, but if it's too good to be true, then it probably isn't. Barbara travels with her new husband to France (this occurs in the early 1700s), and she is exposed to Roger's society--rakes, harlots and vicious gossip mongers--except these people are the Princes, Dukes, and Duchesses of France. Barbara feels that she can make Roger love her, as she him, and so is oblivoius to anything unsavoury about her husband--including evidence that Philippe, the Prince de Soisson, seems to be more than a friend to Roger.... Barbara is a very human heroine and it's very easy for the reader to relate to her. She is stubborn, and kind, sometimes doing scandalous acts and throwing wild temper tantrums, but always, she has a heart and cares for her loved ones. Roger, the flawed man and husband with all of his deceptions and betrayles to Barbara, still remains a uniquely beloved hero. The novel, in length, is epic worthy but because of the many twists, surprises and relevations in the characters and in the plot, it reads smoothly and easily. And other characters beside Barbara and Roger stand out and capture our hearts. There is Bab's clumsy cousin Tony, the Duke, who suffers painfully from unrequited love for Barabara, Therese who is Babs' maid and her difficult life as a servant--easy prey to aristocratic men, the Duc de Richelieu who is obsesses with having Barbara at all costs, and many more memorable people. This is bittersweet novel about love. Love, as we see, has the power to destroy, as Roger is destroyed. It can also bring out the worst in us like in Richelieu. Or love can mature and make one a stronger person, like Barbara. Through a Glass Darkly is thus, a classic novel. Timeless.
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting and Inspiring
Review: Through A Glass Darkly was an enchanting book. The best book I have read so far. The book was hard to put down, it made me feel that I was there in Barbara's world which made the book fun to read. I loved the book, it was unique and inspiring. The characters became your friend's or enemies that made you feel that you knew them or have met them before. It's a must read for those who want to read an excellent book. I can't wait to read more of her books.
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