Through a Glass Darkly: A Novel
Karleen KoenKarleen Koen's sweeping saga contains unforgettable characters consumed with passion: the extraordinarily beautiful fifteen-year-old noblewoman, Barbara Alderley; the man she adores, the wickedly handsome Roger MontGeoffry; her grandmother, the duchess, who rules the family with cunning and wit; and her mother, the ineffably cruel, self-centered and licentious Diana.
Like no other work, Through a Glass Darkly is infused with intrigue, sweetened by romance and awash in the black ink of betrayal.
From Library JournalLondon caught up in the feverish excitement of the South Sea Bubble and Paris under the licentious influence of the Duc D'Orleans make a glittering background for Koen's first novel.
Much of the plot - young noblewoman in love with and married to charismatic older man enters society and is disillusioned and many of the characters willful, innocent heroine; adored, autocratic grandmother; and loveable, reckless brother are standard fare. Historic detail, though abundant and accurate, is often marred by didactic presentation. Still, there is action and intrigue enough to win a following who will demand this and further volumes in what is sure to become another sweeping saga.
Review"A brilliant historical novel, a lovely romance, a gripping character study ...there's something for everyone inThrough A Glass Darkly!" -- --Richmond Times-Dispatch**