Through A Glass Darkly

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Summary: Could not sleep for reading this book....WONDERFUL
Review: This book took me right into the early 1700's. I was never one for reading but i couldn't put this book down. I learned more about this time period than i did in highschool. The people in the book are so real its like they are a part of you. This author throws in so many twist that you are constantly being surprised. I doubt i will ever find another author that can hold my attention like Mrs. Koen has. This is a must read for any fan of the 1700's time period

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Summary: My Favorite Historical Novel
Review: This is a wonderful book. I love it. I read it every year or so. I first bought the hardcover and now I have the paperback too. This is the kind of story that you become a part of. When I re-read it, it's like visiting old friends. For years after I first read TAGD I searched for a new Koen novel. I am thrilled to find out a new one exists.

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Summary: Another Gone With The Wind, Forever Amber
Review: Through A Glass Darkly is a book that will never leave you. The story is another one of those historical novels that makes you forget what century you are currently living in, not to mention you will find your self forgetting about your daily duties till you have completed this book. I highly recomend this soon to be classic and then pass it on to someone else! PS...Get ready for a plot that gives you such a surprise it will take your breath away.

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Summary: ~~Enchanting Novel Finds Loyal Fan~~
Review: Seven years ago, when I was fourteen years old, I picked up this novel and absolutely fell in love with it. The style and detail of each character made the reader care not only about Barabara's fate but everyone as well. As an aspiring writer myself, I understand the importance of establishing a strong connection between the reader and the characters. This in effect allows there to be a level of suspense which carries the reader from beginning to end. The ability to create that sort of relationship is not an easy task. If you are unfamiliar with Koen's work, Through A Glass Darkly is the perfect introduction. She takes the time for you to understand the main characters and let's the drama unfold for itself. This is not merely a romance, but an interesting historical critique which revolves around the dynamics of a very dysfuntional family. Overall, I have always considered Karleen Koen to be an amazing author because she has taken the time and effort to polish her craft. The only disappointment is the little amount of information known about her, and the small number of novels published. To my knowledge,I have read all the books she has published thus far:Through A Glass Darkly & Now Face to Face. If there are any other publications of her work I eagerly await to read them.

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Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable read
Review: By far one of the best novels I have read in years. Characters are skillfully drawn against an accurate and engrossing portrait of eighteenth century England. Barabara is a true heroine, a woman who is balanced, believable and completely endearing. A must read! Author must make this story a trilogy.

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Summary: Rare and Precious Gem of a Novel
Review: In 1988, when i read 'Glass' for the first time, I was fifteen years old, no older than Barbara, the heroine of Koen's masterpiece novel. Eleven years later, I have read this novel no fewer than ten times. I am amazed at the constant source of magic that is TAGD. Each read brings me deeper into the world of Barbara and her protective grandmother...each read brings me deeper into the realm of what it was to live and breathe in the eighteenth century. TAGD is a masterpiece and a forceful read. Easily one of the best novels ever written. My letter from Ms. Koen is framed and hanging on my wall :)

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Summary: Annoying
Review: This book was nothing more than annoying. The author's writing style was not bad, which is the only thing that allowed me to be able to finish the book. The majority of the characters are unlikable, the heroine in particular. She was nothing more than a whiny little crybaby. I won't be able to force myself to read the sequel. This book's style came across as more of a romance than an historical fiction novel. There is no possible way this book could ever compare to Gone with the Wind.

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Summary: Beautifully written hirstorical fiction
Review: Surely this is one of the most well written novels of the past two decades. The characters and the plot are engrossing. Karleen: why hasn't it been made into a movie?

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Summary: Excellent & reviting! A most thoroughly enjoyable read!!
Review: The story was very diverse and the caracatures were spellbinding. There was a flow in the plot and a gentleness in the presentation of the main character. Although, long at times, the book makes for very interesting reading throughout. The authour has used unique prose and plots to balance the intensity of the story. Indeed, a most classic and ingeniously written novel.

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Summary: Couldn"t put it down
Review: This book makes you remember what it's like to be so young & in love. The characters were wonderful; you grew to love, or even hate them.Although Barbara is young, she portrays that rare quality that few have in that forgiveness goes with true love. I read constantly, but this is one of my all-time favorites! It should be made into a movie. Unfortunately, the sequel didn't have the impact I would have liked. However, I hope Ms. Cohen will try again. She is a wonderful writer.