Essay on The City in Glass by Nghi Vo

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Essay on The City in Glass by Nghi Vo

The City in Glass by Nghi Vo is a modern fantasy novel about memory, destruction, and rebirth. It tells the story of Vitrine, a powerful demon who loves and protects the city of Azril. For centuries, she has watched over its people, helped it grow, and cherished every street, building, and festival. The city is her greatest creation and the center of her heart.
One day, angels attack Azril and destroy it completely. The city burns, its people die, and Vitrine loses everything she loves. In her anger and grief, she curses one of the angels, binding him to the ruined city forever. He loses his wings and becomes trapped in the same place he helped destroy. This curse begins a strange relationship between the two—one filled with pain, guilt, and eventually, understanding.

After the destruction, Vitrine slowly rebuilds Azril. She starts again among the ruins, welcoming refugees and helping new generations make a home. She keeps a Book of Names where she writes the names of everyone she remembers, showing her deep love for memory and history. The angel also stays near her, helping and watching the city rise once more. Over time, their hatred changes into respect and affection.

The story moves across many years, showing how the city and its people grow, fall, and grow again. When a new war threatens Azril, Vitrine must decide whether to destroy or protect once more. By the end, she and the angel both change. The angel becomes part of the city’s new library, a lasting symbol of memory and forgiveness. The Book of Names is placed there, showing that even after destruction, memory can survive.

Themes

Memory and Loss:
Vitrine’s Book of Names represents the importance of remembering those who came before. Memory keeps love and identity alive even after destruction.

Rebuilding and Hope:
The story shows that even after great tragedy, people and cities can rise again. Healing takes time, but it is possible.

Love and Forgiveness:
Vitrine’s relationship with the angel changes from hate to compassion. This reflects how love and forgiveness can transform even the deepest wounds.

Power and Responsibility:
Both Vitrine and the angel have great power. The story asks how power should be used — to harm or to heal.

Conclusion

Nghi Vo’s The City in Glass is a poetic and emotional story about grief, love, and the beauty of rebuilding after loss. Through Vitrine and her city, the novel teaches that even when everything seems broken, memory and compassion can create new life. The city becomes a living symbol of endurance and hope — proof that from ashes, light can still return.

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