The Word Ghost

by Christine Paice

[Kelly]

3½ Stars.
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/06/the-word-ghost-by-christine-paice.html
The Word Ghost was a storyline told in two parts, the first half was beautifully written, incredibly charming and instilled a dream like whimsy in readers. The second half sadly seemed to have lost it's way. Rebecca was a charming and quirky young lady, she's sassy, intelligent and has an incredible internal monologue that not only provides the reader with random observations, but she also converses with Jane Eyre. It was so refreshing just to read about Rebecca's day to day life without unnecessary drama, she's a brilliant character who has more than enough personality to keep your attention. I really enjoyed how at each new phase of her life, she lists what she's accepted and what she's rejecting. From David Bowie to biscuits, it was charming and I fell in love with her character even more so.

But as she moved into the new town, I felt her character begun to lose that magic. The reader is introduced to Algernon Keats, cousin of the famous poet who's father was also a Vicar in the same cottage more than a century ago. Algie, as he's affectionately known, is simply lovely. He recited poetry, and uses Rebecca's journal to create his own. Why he's taken to Rebecca isn't exactly known, but together they create a sweet and endearing friendship that I wish had of been delved into more. Meet Alex March, the thirty seven year old brooding artist that lives down the road. He first shows an interest in older sister Maggie, who is of legal age, but once Maggie moved to London for college, his interest shifts to the underage Rebecca. He was incredibly creepy and had a sinister presence within the storyline. But when Alex's creepy interest turns into something far more than appropriate or legal for that matter, Rebecca's initial magic has all but disappeared. I was disappointed and really not sure what his role was, apart from chasing an underage girl to seduce.

Personally, The Word Ghost would have been far more enchanting without the introduction of Augusta, who seemed to be seeking retribution for her life before she passed, and Alex, who's storylines both entwine. I'm not sure there was an underlying message to the storyline though, more so a coming of age story with the paranormal sprinkled throughout. Partly magical, somewhat disturbing and beautifully poetic, but definitely worth giving this one a read.