The Glimpse by Claire Merle

Monday 4 June 2012.
The Glimpse
The Glimpse by Claire Merle
Published: 7th June 2012
By: Faber and Faber UK
ISBN: 0571280536
Source: Netgalley
Targent Audience: Young Adult

4.5 Stars

Ariana Barber (Ana) lives in a world of Pures. Outside the walls of the community are the Crazies. All of whom either have, carry or will develop, a mental illness. Any kind of meltdown, including a child's temper tantrum, can result in admittance to a mental health facility.

It is discovered that there was a mistake in Ana's test, and she's not a pure but could develop the same mental illness that caused her mother to commit suicide. Ana's father is a respected man in the community as he developed the pure tests, so Ana is allowed to stay with the Pure's as long as Jasper Taurell still agrees to be joined with her. But just weeks before they are due to be joined, Jasper disappears. Ana leaves the community to try to find him and is opened up to a world of deceit and lies at the hands of her father.

Dystopian novels seem to be flooding the market at the moment and for some reason, I always seem to approach them with some trepidation. I don't know why, because most times I really enjoy them. And this time, with The Glimpse, was no different.

Claire created a fantastic world surrounding the Pures and the Crazies, in the city and the community. This book is based in future England which was a nice change as so many books are based in the States. This is a world of high technology where everyone has an electronic ID and an interface that they carry around their neck. It was like constant access to the internet from a projection which could just appear anywhere with the press of a button.

The character definition and development was well done. Ana appears as a quiet, obedient girl but once outside in the city, amongst the Crazies and looking for information on Jasper, her true strengths start to show. Her caring nature and strength of character make her an asset to have on your side. She will help people as much as she can and seems to give little thought to her own well being while doing so.

I started to enjoy this book even more with the introduction of Cole Winters. He is a Crazy and a suspect in criminal activity on behalf of the Enlightenment Project, a sect that promised it's members it would save the country from the evils of modern society. I was taken in by him on impact. There is just a kind of presence appears with him. "his smooth movements conveyed deep self assurance". He is intelligent and sweet and shares a love of music with Ana. There is a spark between them almost straight away and I enjoyed the relationship they share. Don't be disillusioned, there is no love triangle in this. I never really felt any connection in the relationship between Jasper and Ana.

All of the secondary characters in this book are easily recognisable and memorable, adding impact to the storyline. Especially Lila, Cole's younger sister. I really enjoyed her presence and the part she played.

This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I was scared, sad, anxious and nervous, sometimes all at once. You may notice I am missing happy. I didn't feel much to be happy about in this book. I'm hoping that will come in the next instalment, currently titled The Fall.

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12 Comments:

Sam @ Realm of Fiction said...

I'm glad you mentioned that there isn't a love triangle situation cropping up. I think I've seen enough love triangles to last me a lifetime. This sounds great! I can understand why you might have approached this with a certain amount of trepidation (I wasn't entirely convinced about this either until reading your review) but I'm glad it didn't disappoint. Wonderful review! I think I might have to get round to this sooner than I planned. ;)

Books Ahoy said...

I think I'm going to read this! Great review! new follower :)

Cierra @ Books Ahoy & Blogovation Design

Jennifer Messerschmidt said...

I actually read only 10% of this and then got bored. I heard it gets better when Cole shows up but I was like arg love triangle. I did feel a little something between Ana and Jasper even though he disappears at about 10% I figured she would find him and they would still get married. I might give this one more shot. I liked the dystopian world. Interesting to have tests for mental illness and I was curious what all her dad was hiding. 

Emaginette said...

Gave it a tweet. Hope it helps. :-)

Edward said...

I can't wait to read this one. Great review! :))

Kari Po-Ku Reads

Suzanne @ Paranormal Book Fan said...

Thanks for the tweet hon :)

Suzanne @ Paranormal Book Fan said...

I had a slow patch too Jennifer but it didn't last very long. You should give this another try. No love triangle and no cliffhanger :) 

Suzanne @ Paranormal Book Fan said...

Thanks for the follow Cierra, I'm following you back :)

Nicola said...

Great review Suzanne! I was wondering what this one was going to be like. I got it from NG too so I'll try to get to it soon. I've read sooo many dystopians and only liked a couple. This sounds promising though!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

Your last parqgraph is why I always, like you, head into dystopian dragging my feet even thougb I usually enjoy them. It is the range of emotions they generate. I had to check my list and I do have this one as well. I am looking forward to it now after your review!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

The 'could develop a mental illness' part sort of reminded me of The Iron Codey by Kaitlin Kittredge, which is totally a good thing. 
I'm very glad to hear that there is no love triangle. I don't think I could tolerate another one in the near future, I've had just about enough.
You've made this sound really interesting.
Lovely review!

Elodie RASO said...

I definitely have to read this one :) !! Thanks for the lovely review Suzanne !! 

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