Tatum Nova Lambert, also known as “Tate,” is spending her vacation in the town of Chamonix in the French Alps, which is where her sister, Brownyn, died a year earlier. Her father, a Michelin-starred chef, is opening a new restaurant there and the two have hardly communicated since Bronwyn’s death. Tate’s goal is to bring her dad home to Canada to her mother and the rest of his Métis family.

While in Chamonix, she struggles with the grief of losing her sister, her feelings for the Olympic-bound “gym girl” Agatha, the staff at her father’s restaurant (and their intentions), and even Beetle, the misunderstood local troublemaker. She also grapples with her father’s alcoholism and the feeling that he has not told her everything about Bronwyn’s life in Chamonix. 

Throughout the novel, Tate, or “Tatey” as her family calls her, wrestles with questions of identity, mental health, and a lingering sense that she does not quite fit in. She dreams of becoming an artist, but her teacher doesn’t understand her work, and even her dad has called her weird. She makes some poor decisions along the way, but, in the end, grows and gains a deeper understanding of her sister, her grief, her father, her new love, her friends, and herself.

Ferguson’s writing invites readers into Tatum’s head and heart. Each character is complex, the dialogue is quick and sharp, and the writing thoughtfully shows Tate learning more about herself and the people she loves. Short sections from Bronwyn’s point of view before her tragic death add depth to the story and help readers better understand the weight of grief and loss.

At the end of the book, an author’s note explains much of the nuance and complexity, and encourages young people to keep trying and growing despite life’s challenges. Readers can also find a list of helplines young people can call if they are struggling with their mental health and grief. That’s followed by a list of Tate’s favourite French treats, which serves as Jen Ferguson’s acknowledgements.

Although the novel explores many different themes and storylines, Like Glass remains a compelling coming-of-age story and is recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary, heartfelt Indigenous fiction.

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