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Falcon in the Glass: A Haunting and Atmospheric Gothic Novel

Ivan Turner

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Published in Falcon In The Glass Susan Fletcher

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Set in a crumbling Venetian palace, Falcon in the Glass by Susan Fletcher is a haunting and atmospheric gothic novel that explores themes of madness, obsession, and the fragility of the human psyche. Originally published in 1970, the novel has since been praised for its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and unsettling atmosphere.

Falcon in the Glass

by Susan Fletcher

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	3801 KB
Print length	:	321 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The story follows the young and impressionable Isabella Campa, who moves to Venice to live with her wealthy uncle, Count Giovanni Giustinian. The Count is a mysterious and enigmatic figure, and Isabella soon becomes fascinated by his vast collection of rare and beautiful objects. As she explores the palace, she discovers a hidden room containing a life-size falcon made of blown glass. The falcon is exquisitely crafted, and Isabella is instantly drawn to it.

Over time, Isabella becomes increasingly obsessed with the falcon. She begins to spend hours staring at it, and she even starts to believe that it is alive. As her obsession grows, Isabella's behavior becomes more and more erratic. She starts to neglect her appearance, and she begins to have strange and disturbing dreams. The Count, who has been watching Isabella's behavior with growing concern, realizes that she is on the brink of madness.

As Isabella's obsession with the falcon spirals out of control, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue. She is pursued by a shadowy figure who seems to know her every move, and she begins to suspect that the Count is hiding a dark secret. Isabella must race against time to uncover the truth before she is consumed by madness and the forces that lurk in the shadows.

Falcon in the Glass is a masterfully crafted gothic novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Fletcher's vivid descriptions of Venice and the crumbling palace create a truly atmospheric setting, and her complex characters are both fascinating and deeply flawed. The novel's themes of madness, obsession, and the fragility of the human psyche are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way, making Falcon in the Glass a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Critical Reception

Falcon in the Glass has been praised by critics for its haunting atmosphere, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Publishers Weekly called it "a chilling tale of madness and obsession," and Kirkus Reviews said that it is "a haunting and atmospheric gothic novel that will stay with you long after you finish it." The novel has also been compared to the works of Daphne du Maurier and Henry James.

Cultural Impact

Falcon in the Glass has had a significant impact on popular culture. The novel has been adapted into a number of films and television shows, and it has been cited as an inspiration by a number of contemporary writers. The novel's themes of madness, obsession, and the fragility of the human psyche continue to resonate with readers today, and it remains a classic of gothic literature.

Falcon in the Glass

by Susan Fletcher

4.1 out of 5