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A Face Like Glass

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A Face Like Glass

By: Frances Hardinge
Narrated by: Cassie Layton
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About this listen

A Face Like Glass is an astonishing and imaginative novel from the Costa Award-winning author of The Lie Tree, Frances Hardinge.

In the underground city of Caverna the world's most skilled craftsmen toil in the darkness to create delicacies beyond compare - wines that can remove memories, cheeses that can make you hallucinate and perfumes that convince you to trust the wearer, even as they slit your throat. The people of Caverna are more ordinary, but for one thing: their faces are as blank as untouched snow. Expressions must be learned, and only the famous Facesmiths can teach a person to show joy, despair or fear - at a price.

Into this dark and distrustful world comes Neverfell, a little girl with no memory of her past and a face so terrifying to those around her that she must wear a mask at all times. For Neverfell's emotions are as obvious on her face as those of the most skilled Facesmiths, though entirely genuine. And that makes her very dangerous indeed....

2013, The CILIP Carnegie Medal, Long-listed

2013, The Kitschies Red Tentacle Award for Best Novel, Short-listed

©Frances Hardinge 2012 (P)2019 Macmillan Digital Audio

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Critic reviews

"Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now." (Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls)
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An extraordinary immersive world told through from the point of view of Neverfell.
Magical, other- wordly and kept me guessing until the end. What a bottomless well of imagination the author draws upon. Thanks for sharing it c

Utterly unique

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I've never read anything like this, and it is refreshing and full of wonders. Excellent world building, with exposition and pace that is easy to follow without feeling condescending.

I love the main character and Cassie Layton narrated this really well, her voice almost has an ASMR effect on me. I especially love the ending which left a wonderful resonance in my mind.

Wow, what a wonderfully original story

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Frances Hardinge has fashioned an intriguing world populated with a great cast of characters and an endearing heroine. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale and thought Cassie Layton did an excellent job.

A very entertaining read for adults & kids

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Billed as YA but I loved it. Wonderfully imaginative and cleverly told, and the narrator is fantastic

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Excellent narration.

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My first Frances Hardinge novel and this is such an excellent book. Luscious world building, unusual characters and a tale which leads in unexpected directions Cassie Layton performance is superb and I'll definitely be looking out for other books read by her. Will also try some more Frances Hardinge. Recommended purchase.

Excellent book. Excellent Acting

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