Vigil Harbor

When two unexpected visitors arrive in an insular coastal village, they threaten the equilibrium of a community already confronting climate instability, political violence, and domestic upheavals — a cast of unforgettable characters from the rich imagination of the National Book Award-winning, best-selling author of Three Junes.

A decade from now, in the historic town of Vigil Harbor, there is a rash of divorces among the yacht-club set, a marine biologist despairs at the state of the world, a spurned wife is bent on revenge, and the renowned architect Austin Kepner pursues a passion for building homes designed to withstand the escalating fury of relentless storms. Austin's stepson, Brecht, has dropped out of college in New York and returned home after narrowly escaping one of the terrorist acts that, like hurricanes, have become increasingly common.

Then two strangers arrive: a stranded traveler with subversive charms and a widow seeking clues about a past lover with ties to Austin — a woman who may have been more than merely human. These strangers and their hidden motives come together unexpectedly in an incident that endangers lives — including Brecht's — with dramatic repercussions for the entire town.

Vigil Harbor reveals Julia Glass in all her virtuosity, braiding multiple voices and dazzling strands of plot into a story where mortal longings and fears intersect with immortal mysteries of the deep as well as of the heart.

“Provocative themes, strong characterizations, and propulsive storytelling combine for another great read from Glass.” Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

“An engrossing near-future story of the perils of climate change....Glass skillfully ratchets up the tension ...leading to a satisfying conclusion. Both nightmarish and enjoyable, this will have readers hooked for the long haul." Publishers Weekly

"In her new novel, Julia Glass gathers a combustible cast of characters, places them ten years from now, and strikes a match. Fast-paced, immersive, and imaginatively daring, Vigil Harbor is a brave look at our climate perils, our political moment, and our deep dependence on one another." Lily King, author of Writers & Lovers

"Julia Glass gives us exactly what we need during these trans-apocalyptic times, a novel of heart and humanity set against the growing insanity. I ate it up." Gary Shteyngart, author of Our Country Friends

"Vigil Harbor is a gripping work of the imagination, its place and ensemble cast both familiar and wonderfully uncanny. Julia Glass's virtuosity has a sweeping, almost tidal quality befitting the landscape of the harbor itself — I found myself in awe at the ease with which she moves across both time and minds." Daniel Mason, author of The Winter Soldier

"This novel has it all: a vibrant and unforgettable cast of characters, an evocative setting, and a plot full of secrets and surprises. Glass gives us her signature wit and wisdom about the world we live in now (and where we might be headed if we're not careful). A must-read." J. Courtney Sullivan, author of Friends and Strangers

Julia Glass is the author of six previous books of fiction, including the best-selling Three Junes, winner of the National Book Award, and I See You Everywhere, winner of Binghamton University's John Gardner Fiction Book Award. A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Glass is a Senior Distinguished Writer in Residence at Emerson College. She lives with her family north of Boston.