Book Review: The Glittering Hour by Iona Grey

Iona Grey's "The Glittering Hour" takes the reader on a journey to 1920s London as seen through the eyes of a young socialite named Selena Lennox. Jumping back and forth between Selena’s wild escapades as a young woman living in London to the present day life of her daughter, this novel tugs at the heartstrings in all the best ways. Iona Grey captivates readers as Selena navigates the complexities of womanhood in an era designed for men, while trying to remain true to herself. Grey dives into themes of love, sacrifice, and the pressure society put on women back then. It's a story that can warm your heart one moment and absolutely break it on the next page.

A mix of history, romance, and mystery, The Glittering Hour captures all of the emotions in one sitting. Grey's descriptive writing style and character development make this a must-read for anyone into historical fiction. The reader is flawlessly transported back in time to the roaring 20s, living vicariously through Selena and her dear friends.

Not only an entertaining read, The Glittering hour touches on several themes that add depth to an already complex narrative. Woven throughout the entire narrative, Grey delves into the societal expectations of sacrifice and duty during the 1920s. A burden placed mostly on women in that era. Selena, as an upper middle class female, is torn between responsibilities set forth by her parents and the pull of her own desires. Women were expected to fit a certain demure mold that goes against every fiber of Selena’s existence. The novel explores the sacrifices she is willing to make for her family and the consequences of those choices.

As Selena navigates between expectations placed upon her and her own desires, Grey reveals another theme related to self-discovery and identity. Selena grapples with her identity while comparing herself to the other females in her life. Her mother and sister conform closely to societal norms while Flick outright rebels against them. She sees the life her family wants her to live as oppressive and dull. Can she strike a balance? Or is there no inbetween? Those are the questions she struggles with throughout.

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect in The Glittering Hour. Including the fact that it’s the first book in years to bring tears to my eyes. The love you have for the characters at the end is unparalleled. I rooted for each and every person as though I knew them personally. Highly recommend this book to any historical fiction fans.

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