House of Glass

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After her grandmother's death, Hadley Freeman seeks to understand Sala Glass, a European expat in America whose life remained largely a mystery. Sala, known for her reserved nature and French influences, survived a tumultuous era but never spoke of her experiences. A shoebox of her cherished belongings sparks a decade-long quest for Hadley to uncover their significance and the extraordinary lives of Sala and her three brothers. This journey takes her from Picasso's archives in Paris to a hidden room in Auvergne, Long Island, and Auschwitz. By piecing together letters, photos, and an unpublished memoir, Hadley reveals the full story of the Glass siblings for the first time: Alex, a fashion couturier and friend of Dior and Chagall; Jacques, a brave patriot; and Henri, who hid in occupied France. Each sibling made remarkable efforts to survive during World War II. Alongside their acts of courage in Vichy France, Hadley uncovers her grandmother's quieter yet equally heroic form of self-sacrifice. This poignant memoir traces the Glass siblings' experiences throughout the twentieth century, exploring themes of assimilation, identity, and home—issues that resonate deeply today.