The Word Ghost (Christine Paice, A&U)

This is the first adult novel from poet and children’s book author Christine Paice. The setting is England in 1973. The vicar’s 15-year-old daughter Rebecca Buddle has fallen madly in love, so when her family moves away to a little village, Rebecca’s life is ruined. Or is it? Ghosts, Romantic poets and English villages provide a rather tantalising mix, and Paice does her best to combine all of these elements, while leading the reader on a paranormal jaunt. There are also amusing 1970s pop culture references, clumsy teenage encounters, acts of rebellion, and all of the typical things that go with being a teenage girl. This is a fun and intriguing read that gets a little bogged down in the middle; however, there is enough interest for the reader to push through to the end. Rebecca’s relationship with the ghostly presence of Algernon Keats and his sister Augusta provides the springboard for much of the action, and the poetic references sit well within the prose. While this novel is pitched at an adult audience, it will also appeal to older teens and may even introduce them to the beauty of the Romantic poets. It will appeal to readers who like a bit of paranormal activity in their novels.

Fiona Edwards is a writer, academic and teacher

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Category: Reviews