03/04/2026
Here’s the gothic book I picked up to read on this rainy week.. “The Glowing Hours” by Leila Siddiqui (Hell’s Half Acre, February 2026)
It’s a reimagining of the story of the “year without a summer” story of Mary Shelley and how she came to write “Frankenstein.”
An Indian maid, Mehr, is hired by Mary and Percy Shelley, young writers beginning to be famous who are on the run from secrets. Mary is brooding and quiet, and takes a curious liking to her new maid. She asks her to accompany the Shelleys and Mary’s Claire to Lake Geneva for the summer. Of course, along for the adventure are the eccentric Lord Byron and his physician, John Polidori.
Upon arrival, Mehr notices strange, ghostly events at the villa. The walls breathe, portraits move, and phantoms appear. The weather is foreboding. (The perfect read for my city’s upcoming rainstorm).
Mary Shelley begins work on what will become her classic novel. The maid finds herself trapped in the villa as the rest of its inhabitants descend into madness.
Have you read this book yet? Love to hear your thoughts.
-Carrie
