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Girl Under Glass

By: Ginny Rorby
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
ISBN: 978-1685134204
Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater
Review Date: March 16, 2024

If plants could bear witness to crimes and expose the culprits, what shocking tales might they tell? Discover the enchanting story of Girl Under Glass by Ginny Rorby where plants play a central role.

Thirteen-year-old Kelsey McCully leads a life overshadowed by her alcoholic mother's neglect and the absence of her long-lost father. After Kelsey got arrested for shoplifting, she got assigned community service at the greenhouse of Dr. Jonathan "Hobby" Hobbes, an eccentric botanist. Here, Kelsey forms a bond with Hobby's cat, Gen, and is introduced to Hobby's unconventional experiments on plant communication and consciousness. When Hobby is brutally attacked and left in a coma, Kelsey makes a startling discovery – his beloved philodendron, Phil, may have witnessed the crime. Guided by the books on controversial theories of plant perception, Kelsey becomes convinced that Phil and the other plants in the greenhouse hold the key to identifying Hobby's attackers.

Kelsey's life takes an unexpected turn when her long-lost father, David, finds her after reading about the attack on Hobbes. Kelsey learns that her mother lied about her father abandoning them and his supposed death. Torn between her newfound father and her dysfunctional mother, Kelsey tries to motivate Lydia to quit drinking. Meanwhile, with the help of Detective Hannah Moran, Kelsey hatches a daring plan to catch the culprits – two troublemakers named Will and Ryan – by using the plants as secret witnesses in an elaborate sting operation.

Girl Under Glass by Ginny Rorby blends elements of mystery, family drama, and scientific exploration into a narrative suitable for readers of all ages. Despite exploring mature themes such as addiction, trauma, and abandonment, the writing style makes for an accessible and easy read. Kelsey's transformation from a disillusioned delinquent to a compassionate, resilient young woman is a joy to witness. Hobby, with his endearing eccentricities and unwavering belief in Kelsey's potential, serves as a powerful father figure and mentor, guiding her on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Even the supporting characters, such as the steadfast Detective Moran and Kelsey's friend Josh, contribute depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

While the concept of plant consciousness may seem far-fetched, Rorby grounds her story in scientific theories, making the fantastical elements feel plausible. With an accessible writing style, the author's vivid descriptions of the greenhouse and its botanical inhabitants imbue the setting with a sense of magic and wonder, inviting readers to ponder the boundaries between the natural and the extraordinary. With its blend of genres, Girl Under Glass is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and the unexpected connections that can bloom in the most unlikely of places.

Quill says: Girl Under Glass is an enchanting and accessible story that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the wonders of the natural world.

For more information on Girl Under Glass please visit the author's ginnyrorby.org.

Author Interview