Petra Durst-BenningReviews

So good! It's nice to find a book outside of your normal genre that you really enjoy.

Great story of the glass blowers in Lauscha, Germany

The story was OK, Not great writing, but a good story about 3 sisters in Germany in the 1890's. Their father, a glassblower in a town known for this art, passes away and the women must decide how to support themselves.

The characters seemed out of context-a little too strong and opinionated for the time period. Even with that flaw I was well on the way to giving this book 3 stars for the "cuteness" of the tale. Then WHAM-mid way through the book a really ugly piece of violence occurs -I was gob smacked-it just came from no where. I can handle "ugly" in a book, however this just seemed as though it was thrown in there for the shock factor. Before writing this review, I checked some others that are posted and was satisfied to know that it just wasn't me.

Find something else to read-

Another delightfully written book by author Petra Durst-Benning. I loved her Glassblower series and this one did not disappoint. She writes memorably characters is such a way as she feel you truly know them. I felt I had stepped off the pages of the book into the world of flowers and into the summer capital of Europe. I would recommend this book to friends and looking forward to more books from the author. .

A bit odd but okay.

Honestly, nothing special-- although there were some highlights in this book with the characters and description.

The Glassblower - Petra Durst-Benning
3 stars

One review that I read for this book called it a ‘costumbrista’. I’d never heard that term, so I looked it up. The literary costumbrismo is a composition that portrays the popular customs of a country or a region. In this case, the region is a German town called Lauscha in the late 19th century. The popular custom, as well as the town’s sole industry is, as the title says, glassblowing. This is the first book of a family saga about the Steinmann sisters who must find a way to support themselves after their father dies.
They deal with the customary gender discrimination of their time. This includes not only being underpaid and overworked in the few occupations allowed to them, but also domestic violence and workplace rape.

The book supplies many details about the business of glassblowing. I did actually find that interesting. Unfortunately, I never felt myself engaged in the personal lives of this family. It’s possible that the story suffered in translation, but there was too much methodical ‘telling’ and not enough emotional ‘showing’. When one of these sisters made a self destructive decision, I could see the consequences so far in advance that it was tedious to continue reading. The fortuitous spurts of good luck and success were also predictable. I won’t be reading the other books in this series.

Non-spoiler review:
I picked this book because I wanted an immersive read, where I could get lost in another time. That didn't happen at all. I don't know if it was the writing or the translation, but I wasn't expecting 1890s Germany to be narrated with phrases like "Ruth flopped down on the bench" or "she knew she would spill the beans." I also didn't love the format of narration in terms of what the reader got to observe. There would be a major event, and then the chapter would just end. No perspective from the characters, and reactions would come in the next chapter as they reflected after the fact...maybe. Romances were pretty poorly developed because of this, and I just wasn't that interested. There are also a number of Plot Robots (side characters that have no function or personality other than forwarding the plot of the main characters), which was annoying to deal with as well. I didn't like any characters enough to enjoy their POV chapters.

Some-spoilers review:
The Amazon description of the book said that once the girls' father dies, they learn to survive on their own with Marie making the glass, Ruth keeping the house, and Johanna selling it for them. I looked forward to a feminist stand in tough times. Not only is this not how the book goes, Marie doesn't figure out how to blow glass until halfway through the book, they don't come up with an idea to support themselves until 2/3 of the way through, and it doesn't become a reality until 3/4 of the way through. The early book contains not one but two rape scenes, one from an abusive husband and one from a surprise S&M character. Not what I was looking for.

The three books in this trilogy are The Glassblower, The American Lady and The Paradise of Glass. I enjoyed all three books and were sorry to see them end. They tell the story of three sisters Johanna, Ruth and Marie in Germany in fall 1890 to the end on 1911. Their father all their lives have sheltered them from the outside world, so when their father suddenly dies the girls are all left alone in a town where only the men are glassblowers and breadwinners of the family. The girl's struggle to find a way to survive, but triumphant through the years having families.

The three books in this trilogy are The Glassblower, The American Lady and The Paradise of Glass. I enjoyed all three books and were sorry to see them end. They tell the story of three sisters Johanna, Ruth and Marie in Germany in fall 1890 to the end on 1911. Their father all their lives have sheltered them from the outside world, so when their father suddenly dies the girls are all left alone in a town where only the men are glassblowers and breadwinners of the family. The girl's struggle to find a way to survive, but triumphant through the years having families.

The three books in this trilogy are The Glassblower, The American Lady and The Paradise of Glass. I enjoyed all three books and were sorry to see them end. They tell the story of three sisters Johanna, Ruth and Marie in Germany in fall 1890 to the end on 1911. Their father all their lives have sheltered them from the outside world, so when their father suddenly dies the girls are all left alone in a town where only the men are glassblowers and breadwinners of the family. The girl's struggle to find a way to survive, but triumphant through the years having families.

While the World is Still Asleep by Petra Durst-Benning is the first book in The Century Trilogy. Josephine “Jo” is telling her story. We start out with her in an accident and in trouble with the law (I know. It makes no sense.) Jo ends up in prison for 3 and a half years. Jo then goes back to tell us about the death of her brother, Freddie?? He was twelve years old and fascinated with fire. One Sunday Jo was ordered to watch him while her parents went off for the day to visit relatives. Jo watched him for a while and then went to visit friends. Freddie found the key to the barn where their father had his smithy. Freddie was told he was not allowed in the there. He went in and found matches. As you can imagine he started setting fire to paper. Sparks from the burning paper flew into the hay and soon the whole barn is one fire. Jo tried to rescue him, but Freddie had locked the doors. Jo was unable to break the doors down. She was found unconscious in front of the barn. Freddie died in the fire. Her parents blame her for the boy’s death and treat her like a pariah. Jo developed a horrible cough from the smoke inhalation that would not go away. A neighbor, ?? convinces Jo’s parents to send her to a sanatorium in the Black Forest (the neighbor had to pay for it). Jo found a friend named Lilo (also a relative of neighbors). She introduced Jo to the velocipede (pedal bicycle). Jo loved it and her cough went away (the writer makes it out to be psychosomatic—in her head). Jo becomes obsessed with riding bicycles. Women were not supposed to be on bicycles. They were deemed too much for the “weaker sex” (it is also considered indecent and illegal). Jo returns home to her hateful parents who insist she work from dawn to way past dusk in the smithy for no pay. Jo discovers that Isabelle’s (a girl from school) father has a bicycle. This becomes Jo’s obsession. Jo wants to ride and this leads to her biggest mistake. It is unfortunate for Jo that cycling is a men’s sport and bicycles are extremely expensive (all made by hand in Germany). Come see what Jo does While the World is Still Asleep!

While the World is Still Asleep is one slow paced novel that is way, way too long. It contains good writing, but (I’m sorry) it’s boring (alright just plain dull). Basically, you get to see what Jo goes through to enjoy cycling (some of the information was interesting). It was interesting to find out that cycles were handmade in Germany while the United States automated the process. And, of course, it was a male dominated sport at the time. This is just the first book in the series. This story could have easily been finished in one novel. I give While the World is Still Asleep 3 out of 5 stars. The book just needed something to liven it up and keep the readers interest. It is way too long for it to be unfinished (can you imagine two more books on this subject).

I received a complimentary copy of While the World is Still Asleep from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Excellent Translation! I would not have known this was originally in German, if it hadn't been included on the cover. I look forward to the next book.

Excellent Translation! I would not have known this was originally in German, if it hadn't been included on the cover. I look forward to the next book.

Jo discovers a love for bicycling when she travels away from home to heal from cough and lung ailments. However, the idea of a woman riding a bicycle is scandalous in 1890’s Berlin. After crashing the bicycle of her friend’s father, she is locked away in prison for three years. Once she is set free, she is determined to live how she likes, with or without societies approval.

This was a great book. I didn’t realize it was a translation. It was well written and engaging. The characters were realistic and covered a wide swatch of society. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Quite good after a slow start. A family saga set in Germany. After the death of their father, in the glassblower's city of Laucha, the three orphaned daughters go to work for other glassblowers. But Marie dreams of her own creations, so secretly she starts using her father's old tools and a family business is born, during the late 1800's when women had never done such work before. She creates "baubles" that eventually get sold by Woolworth's, and through that connection, sister Ruth meets and secretly emigrates to America with Steven.

The entire Glassblowers trilogy came to me at the same time and I tried to work my way through them. My response to the series is "Little Women" with a little sex. Not interesting to me in the slightest but I can understand that people who like easy-going books that tell a story might find them pleasing.

I received a review copy of the Glassblowers Trilogy by Petra Durst-Benning (Amazon Crossing) through NetGalley.com.

The entire Glassblowers trilogy came to me at the same time and I tried to work my way through them. My response to the series is "Little Women" with a little sex. Not interesting to me in the slightest but I can understand that people who like easy-going books that tell a story might find them pleasing.

I received a review copy of the Glassblowers Trilogy by Petra Durst-Benning (Amazon Crossing) through NetGalley.com.

The entire Glassblowers trilogy came to me at the same time and I tried to work my way through them. My response to the series is "Little Women" with a little sex. Not interesting to me in the slightest but I can understand that people who like easy-going books that tell a story might find them pleasing.

I received a review copy of the Glassblowers Trilogy by Petra Durst-Benning (Amazon Crossing) through NetGalley.com.

The Paradise of Glass by Petra Durst-Benning is the third (and final) book in the Glassblower Trilogy. Wanda has returned to Lauscha from Italy with little Sylvie (her Aunt Marie’s daughter). Wanda is looking forward to being home and preparing for her marriage to Richard Stamme. Richard, though, is preoccupied with a showing he will be having in the fall. It has taken his total attention (he ignores Wanda). The rest of the town is upset of the sale of the Grundler Foundry. It is being sold to an outsider and it has all the glassblowers and workers in an uproar. Wanda finally asks why they don’t buy the foundry themselves.

After some thinking, some of the men decide it is a good idea. They put Wanda in charge of the finances (much to Richard’s dismay). They come up with 11,000 marks towards the purchase of the foundry. The owner gives them time to come up with the money to purchase it. If the glassblowers can raise the money in time, the owner will sell the foundry to them. They try Grosse and Sons to get a loan for the remainder of the funds they need. David Wagner is the loan officer at the bank. He knows that the loan will not get approved since the bank handles the finances of the person wishing to person the foundry. Wanda convinces the group to raise the money via the stock market. With the right stocks, they can might be able to raise the money in time. Unfortunately, things do not go as smoothly as Wanda anticipates. Someone is working behind the scenes to make sure they do not raise the money in time.

What is going to happen to the foundry? Will Richard and Wanda get married? Who is the other buyer for the foundry? You do have to read the first two books in the series in order to understand what is happening in The Paradise of Glass. I loved the first book in the series, the second one was okay, and this one was just fine (so-so). The book is very slow throughout the middle of the book (like the author ran out of things to put into the book). Wanda comes across as a very selfish, spoiled, self-centered girl who has no business raising a child nor getting married (I would never trust her with money). Wanda is always coming up with ideas, but she rarely follows through with them (or wants someone else to). I give The Paradise of Glass 3 out of 5 stars. The writing is good, but the content (story) was deficient. I was very disappointed with this final book in The Glassblower Trilogy.

I received a complimentary copy of The Paradise of Glass from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a part of the Glassblower series. I really enjoyed it. I'm not a love story person. Even though these have love stories in them they are so much more. This book was more about Marie and Wanda. Wanda is Ruth's daughter. Wanda is trying to find herself and not really finding where she fits in. She knows nothing of her biological father. Marie has a creative block so she goes to America for a visit and to hopefully be able to craft again. It kept me reading. The characters are humorous and uplifting. The story line was good. I was glad of the outcome. Sad ending. But we will see what becomes of it all in the next book.

The American Lady by Petra Durst-Benning is the second book in The Glassblowers Trilogy. Ruth Steinmann has immigrated to America with Steven Miles and her daughter, Wanda. After two years Ruth was able to get a divorce from her husband Thomas. It is now seventeen years later. Wanda is a young lady who is a very independent thinker. Despite the fact that her family is wealthy, Wanda wants to work a job. Wanda has just gotten a job a Dittmer’s Deli. Unfortunately, things do not go well and Wanda is fired from another job. Wanda’s problem is that she does not like to follow orders or rules.

Johanna married Peter Maienbaum and has two children (twins), Anna and Johannes. Marie Steinmann has been blowing glass for nineteen years and she is now only one among many women blowing glass. Marie, though, feels like she is in a rut. Johanna suggests that she take a trip to America to see Ruth, Steven, and Wanda. Marie agrees to the trip and sets sail for New York. Ruth is very excited to see Marie. Ruth plans parties and shopping trips for her sister. Marie goes along with the shopping and parties for a while, but then Wanda introduces Marie to her dance teacher, Pandora. Pandora and Marie hit it off. Pandora then introduces Marie to Greenwich Village and its many artists. Marie gets her inspiration back and is out all the time with her new friends. Marie then meets Franco de Lucca. Franco works for his father making and exporting wine (as well as sneaking people into the country). Franco and Marie fall in love. Marie forgets about her obligations to the family and the business.

While Marie was in New York she let it slip to Wanda about her biological father, Thomas. Wanda had never been told about him. Wanda then sets out to learn everything she can about Germany and her family. Wanda is determined to go to Lauscha and when the family is short on help, she volunteers to go. Wanda arrives in Lauscha and immediately becomes sick (with bronchitis). Eventually, Wanda recovers and meets her biological father (and the rest of the family). While Steinmann-Maienbaum Workshop has been doing well, Thomas Heimer (and family) has not. Wanda wants to find a way to help their business. While finding new ideas Wanda meets Richard Stamme. Richard is trying to mix German glass making with Venetian glass techniques. Wanda falls in love with Richard and you know her mother is going to be upset.

Franco is called back home to Genoa and the family business. Marie goes with him. Marie is excited to see Franco’s home and try some new glass ideas. Marie finds herself pregnant and living in a foreign country. Franco’s parents have not welcomed her and Franco is always working. Then Marie finds out something horrible and her life will never be the same again.

I liked The American Lady, but did not love it. I loved The Glassblowers (the first book) and was really looking forward to The American Lady. The first part of the book focuses on Wanda and Marie. Marie is so different in this book. She becomes flighty and forgets about her family. Wanda is an unusual woman for her time. But I found her to be a contradiction. I give The American Lady 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3 ½ Stars

The Glassblower is the first book in The Glassblower Trilogy by Petra Durst-Benning.

The Glassblower is the story of three sisters Johanna, Ruth and Marie, who grew up protected by their loving father, Joost Steinmann. When Joost suddenly passes away, the three sisters find themselves without a job and without the protection of a man. They worked for their father in his glassblowing business and now they don’t know what to do with their lives. They can’t follow their father’s steps because glassblowing is a profession exclusively for men.
Forced to look after themselves they realized the good life they had is far behind and to succeed they will have to work hard and fight for what they want.

The three sisters are very different from each other. The eldest, Johanna, is the businesswoman of the family. She has high ambitions and it’s willing to go out of her comfort zone to obtain what she wants, sadly not always with good results.

Ruth is the middle sister and the romantic of the lot. She wants a husband and a family to call her own, but her naiveté doesn’t let her see what is clear to others.

The youngest sister, Marie, is the artist of the family. She dreams of glass, designs and beauty. She is determined to follow her dreams and is willing to go against tradition or anything that opposes her dreams.

Read the rest of my review at The Bookaholic Cat

This was a good story about three sisters who's father dies and leaves them on their own to fend for themselves. It takes place in the 1800's. The sister fuss about for a while struggling with different jobs when finally Marie sits at her fathers glassblowing bench and tries to learn th trade. This book is really about each of the sisters different struggles. It's part struggle part love story. It fit together nicely. Kept me interested.½

The Glassblower by Petra Durst-Benning is the story of the Steinmann sisters - Johanna, Ruth, and Marie – attempting to survive after the death of their father. The history of nineteenth century Germany and descriptions of glassblowing are fascinating. My least favorite part of the book is unfortunately the sisters themselves for the focus of the book becomes their relationships with the men they encounter along the way instead of their endeavors for independence.

Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/11/the-glassblower-glassblower-trilogy.htm...

Reviewed based on a publisher’s galley received through NetGalley