In the Hands of Glory


In the Hands of Glory is a 1981 novel written by Phyllis Eisenstein.

Plot summary

In the Hands of Glory is a novel in which the principled fighter pilot Dia is shot down and rescued by two rebels—a gifted humanoid doctor and a charming, intelligent alien resembling a koala. Though loyal to her government, Dia is hidden and protected by her captors, who later help her escape. Upon returning home, she is celebrated as a heroine but reassigned to serve as an assistant to the city's most powerful man—a role steeped in sexual politics. In this society, women are expected to advance through intimate liaisons, and Dia's mother even encourages her to comply. Dia does so strategically, gaining proximity to power. As she grows closer to the Brigadier, Dia uncovers disturbing truths about her government's origins and operations. A forbidden history book sparks her curiosity, and the brutal treatment of her former rescuers forces her to reevaluate her beliefs.

Reception

Debye Pruitt reviewed In the Hands of Glory for Pegasus magazine and stated that "If you want to spend a pleasant afternoon or two reading an enjoyable, not too strenuous book, I suggest that In the Hands of Glory is a more-than-adequate choice."

Reviews