The Glass Château

“Rarely does historical fiction get everything so right as Universe of Two: compelling characters, faithful detail, a story packed with unexpected twists, and a sure, authentic voice that never wavers. In this novel of the dawn of the atomic age and its profound consequences, Stephen Kiernan leads us along a journey of conscience as complex and infinite as the science itself.” - Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Our Woman in Moscow“Kiernan recreates the zeitgeist of America leading up to the atomic bomb on a national and personal level: the eager anticipation of wartime’s end, the grimly fascinating science, and the growing sense of guilt and dread. Simultaneously tender and hard-hitting, this riveting story offers much to reflect upon.” - Booklist on Universe of Two“A great read… . Stephen P. Kiernan writes with heart and humor … [and] manages to balance serious historical questions and ethical issues with lively characters, sharp dialogue, and marvelous historical detail.” - Historical Novel Society on Universe of Two“Based loosely on the life of mathematician and organ-maker Charles B. Fisk, this fascinating novel delves into the guilt and remorse that wracked him for his part in the development of the atomic bomb… . The two main characters are complex and flawed, but when they come together, their world is in harmony.” - Library Journal on Universe of Two“Kiernan extends his fresh approach to WWII fiction with this spellbinding fable of sanctuary, art, and recovery… . A dramatic and transfixing tale that responds to life’s horrors by celebrating beauty, resiliency, and soulfulness.” - Booklist (starred review)“The fragility of the glass cradled in the hands of the artists, sensitive to the slightest tremor from outside, is a beautiful metaphor for the fragility of emotion in men and women who are grieving and healing. A marvelous and moving book.” - Historical Novels Review“A bittersweet story of beauty…Kiernan has written a lovely, moving elegy for those who were lost, and resilient survivors who long for redemption.” - Minneapolis Star Tribune“Stephen Kiernan has pulled off the nearly impossible, reminding us by wrapping a war story in a love story that although we hold the power for our own extinction, we also have the power to redeem, heal, and save. The most tender, terrifying, relevant book you’ll read this year.” - Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us, on Universe of Two

Stephen P. Kiernan is the author of the novels The Curiosity, The Hummingbird, The Baker’s Secret, Universe of Two, and The Glass Chateau. A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, he spent more than twenty years as a journalist, winning many awards before turning to fiction writing. He has also worked nationwide on improving end-of-life medical care through greater use of hospice. Kiernan lives in Vermont.