Join the University of Toronto Alumni Virtual Book Club as we read The Glass Chateau, a richly imagined historical novel about hope, healing, and the redemptive power of art in the aftermath of World War II. Set in postwar France, the story explores how broken people rebuild not only a devastated country, but also themselves, through courage, community, and creativity.

Asher lost his family during the war and served as an assassin in the French Resistance. Haunted by grief and guilt, he drifts through the ruined French countryside until he arrives at le Château Guerin, where artisans are restoring stained-glass windows for bombed cathedrals across France. Among fellow survivors carrying secrets of their own, Asher discovers an unexpected talent for glassmaking — and begins to find a path toward healing, purpose, and belonging [Read more]. 

Purchase your book from the U of T Bookstore—either in-store at the St. George location or online—and enjoy 20% off starting July 25. Use Code: 20CHATEAU26 at checkout.

About the Author

Stephen P. Kiernan graduated from Middlebury College and later earned degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He is the author of The Glass Château, Universe of Two, and The Baker’s Secret, and lives in Vermont.

How it Works

The U of T Alumni Virtual Book Club will connect through a private forum, powered by PBC Guru, where participants can discuss the current book and network with each other. Joining is free; you just have to get a copy of the book to enjoy. Please note that if you signed up for one of our previous sessions, then you're already registered - just sign into the U of T online portal.

To get started and access the book club, you will need to create an account via our book club portal:

• Click on the "Registration" button on the side bar to your right
• You'll be taken directly to the sign-up page
• Fill out the mandatory fields and then join
• You'll be sent a confirmation email and a link to join the group

Computer Literacy

You will need to have knowledge of the following skills to participate in this book club:

• Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and messengers.

• Understanding of basic computer hardware and software; ability to perform computer operations, such as:

  • Using software applications, such as email programs
  • Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking
  • Internet skills (connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using search engines

Disclaimer: The U of T Alumni Virtual Book Club is hosted on a third-party platform, PBC Guru. By signing up for the book club, participants will be subject to PBC Guru’s terms of service and privacy policy. The University of Toronto is not responsible for the collection, use, or security of personal data provided to PBC Guru. We encourage participants to review PBC Guru’s privacy policy before registering here: https://www.pbc.guru/about/legal/privacy. PBC Guru shares relevant registration information back to U of T Alumni Relations to track alumni engagement and activity effectively.