House of Glass

House of Glass by Hadley Freeman is a deeply moving memoir that delves into the intricate and mysterious lives of the Glass family. The story begins with Freeman's journey to her late grandmother Sala's apartment, where she stumbles upon a shoebox filled with photographs, letters, and an unpublished memoir. This discovery ignites a decade-long exploration into her family's past, revealing a gripping saga of survival, identity, and resilience.

Sala Glass, a reserved and elegant French expat in America, remains an enigma to Hadley. Despite her fashionable exterior and defiant embrace of her French roots, Sala's experiences during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history were shrouded in silence. Determined to uncover the truth, Freeman embarks on a quest that takes her from Picasso’s archives in Paris to a secret room in a farmhouse in Auvergne, from Long Island to the harrowing grounds of Auschwitz.

Through meticulous research and a compassionate lens, Freeman pieces together the compelling story of the Glass siblings: Alex, Jacques, Henri, and Sala. Alex, a fashion couturier and friend of Dior and Chagall, exhibits a vibrant and artistic spirit. Jacques, trusting and brave, emerges as a fierce patriot for his adopted country. Henri's story is one of brilliance and cunning, hiding in occupied France to outwit the enemy. Each sibling's extraordinary measures for survival during the Second World War paint a vivid picture of courage and determination.

Equally poignant is Sala's tale of quiet heroism and self-sacrifice, contrasting the more public acts of bravery by her brothers. Freeman's narrative weaves these personal stories into a broader historical context, exploring themes of assimilation, identity, and the notion of home, which resonate deeply in today’s society.

Critically acclaimed and a bestseller in The Sunday Times, House of Glass has captivated readers and critics alike. Nigella Lawson describes it as "an utterly engrossing book," while Edmund de Waal finds it "remarkable and gripping." The Telegraph hails it as "a near-perfect study of Jewish identity in the 20th century… a masterpiece."

House of Glass is not only a salute to the indomitable spirit of the Glass family but also a poignant reflection on the complexities of identity and the enduring significance of heritage. Through Freeman's eloquent prose and unflinching dedication, the book breathes life into the past, offering an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit.