Introduction: Two Girls, One Dangerous Secret

In Glow, Megan E. Bryant masterfully weaves together a dual timeline narrative that spans over a century. This powerful young adult historical fiction novel follows two girls—Julie in the present and Lydia in the early 20th century—each drawn into the luminous and haunting mystery of glowing artwork and the hidden truth of radium.

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Plot Summary

Julie’s Story – A Present-Day Mystery

Julie’s college dreams are shattered by financial hardship, leaving her in a monotonous job and emotionally adrift as her best friend moves forward in life. Her world changes when she stumbles upon antique paintings that glow in the dark—an eerie phenomenon that leads her into a captivating, and ultimately dangerous, obsession.

As she digs deeper into the artwork’s origins, the paintings begin to haunt her—both visually and psychologically. Julie becomes determined to uncover the identity of the mysterious artist behind these luminous images, unknowingly connecting her to a tragedy from a century ago.

Lydia’s Story – The Past Glows Bright

A hundred years earlier, Lydia is a young woman working at a factory where she paints watch dials with a new glowing paint—radium. She believes the job will secure a better future for her family while she writes hopeful letters to her lover serving in World War I. However, what seems like an opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as the hidden dangers of radium exposure become apparent.

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A Seamless Blend of Past and Present

What sets Glow apart is its ability to fluidly shift between timelines. Bryant writes Lydia’s chapters in the form of heartfelt letters, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the historical side of the story. Julie’s modern-day perspective adds intrigue and a slow-burning mystery as she uncovers pieces of the past that are still glowing—literally and metaphorically.

The parallels between Julie’s art-driven curiosity and Lydia’s fatal ignorance about radium highlight the book’s core message: some lights are more dangerous than darkness.

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Themes and Historical Accuracy

Glow sheds light on a little-known part of history: the Radium Girls—young women who suffered radiation poisoning from working with radium-based paints in factories during the early 1900s. Bryant does an exceptional job grounding her narrative in real events without losing the emotional and fictional elements of storytelling.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Radium Girls, it’s worth reading a brief background before diving into the novel. This context enhances the reading experience and highlights just how deeply Bryant researched the historical side of her book.

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Final Thoughts: A 5-Star Read

This is not just a young adult novel—it’s an eye-opening journey into a forgotten tragedy. Glow is immersive, emotionally gripping, and educational. Bryant manages to educate and entertain simultaneously, which is no easy feat in YA literature.

Julie’s fascination with the glowing paintings mirrors the reader’s own descent into obsession. Lydia’s innocence and slow realization are heartbreaking. You’ll find yourself wanting to step into the story and warn her to stop—to save her before it’s too late.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Recommended For: Fans of historical fiction, dual timeline novels, art mysteries, and readers interested in the Radium Girls or hidden history in YA literature.

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Quick Tip Before You Read

To fully appreciate Glow, we suggest checking out a reliable article or fact sheet on the Radium Girls and the historical use of radium in early 20th-century factories. This background knowledge will enhance your understanding of Lydia’s chapters and the novel’s larger implications.

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Glow by Megan E. Bryant review, YA historical fiction, Radium Girls book, dual timeline novel, books about art and mystery, young adult book recommendation