The Oracle Glass: A Novel

Book Review by Jane
I first learned of this author when Tracey gave me a copy of A Vision of Light for Christmas a couple of years ago. I read that book twice and enjoyed it each time. Then, I read the sequel, In Pursuit of the Green Lion: A Margaret of Ashbury Novel (Margaret of Ashbury Trilogy), which finished up the story very nicely and also stood on its own. Tracey lent me the book, The Oracle Glass: A Novel, as well. Judith Merkle Riley has quite a few books out, and her specialty is historical fiction, which she does with relish.

The current selection is set in France during the time of King Louis XVI. Some of the characters are drawn from real people, including the King. Our fictional heroine, Geneviève, is a sassy yet reserved girl who is left oftentimes in the corner of her home because of physical disabilities during her childhood. Her father reared her in philosophy. Circumstances and her propensity to speak intelligently led her to become the Marquise de Morville, a high society fortune teller, working under the supreme witch--she was later to find--La Voisin. Geneviève soon learned that there was a whole underground full of the activities that could condemn the wealthy class for their part in black masses, drug use, abortions, and poisonings. The intrigue was captivating, as at nearly every turn, Geneviève uncovered a new deception and a greater understanding—her having just dark enough of a personality to stay one step ahead of most of the happenings and to eventually come out on top.

Judith Merkle Riley provides us with a list of characters, both from fiction and straight out of history at the beginning of the story. She reconciles the fact and fiction in a historical note at the end of the book. La Voisin, it turns out, was a real witch, and there are testimonies of tortured witches that exist.

I think Judith Merkle Riley’s fiction should be done as movies. This story would make an excellent movie. Geneviève is extraordinarily likeable regardless of her flaws and imperfections. Because of her flaws, she can carry a lot more weight in the story. You can contrast her with her sister easily and can understand why Geneviève is the lead character. I’m going to seek out another Judith Merkle Riley book—these books are very absorbing and enjoyable.

Jane.