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halloumiluuseri's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
nadiamasood's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This ghost story left me feeling devastated!
Imagine inheriting a ghost from your grandmother and striking an unlikely friendship with him. You have been together since you were a toddler and he protects you at all costs...until his darker nature rears its ugly head.
What an emotionally wild, sometimes funny, oftentimes haunting story about friendship, loneliness, jealousy, bullying, and revenge. It is also about forgiveness, courage, and kindness.
This beautifully written and atmospheric novel unfolds in a quaint village in Malaysia. It begins with a lighthearted tone but gradually grows darker as the plot advances. I found myself utterly absorbed in the narrative!
I do have a couple of issues with the story. For instance, the friendship between Suraya and Pink that turned toxic due to him feeling jealous feels a bit dark for middle-grade children. And Jing going out of her way to save Pink after he tried to get her beaten to death? Did she know he was the reason for how she was nearly killed? I hope this was resolved in a better way.
What I loved most about this book:
Imagine inheriting a ghost from your grandmother and striking an unlikely friendship with him. You have been together since you were a toddler and he protects you at all costs...until his darker nature rears its ugly head.
What an emotionally wild, sometimes funny, oftentimes haunting story about friendship, loneliness, jealousy, bullying, and revenge. It is also about forgiveness, courage, and kindness.
This beautifully written and atmospheric novel unfolds in a quaint village in Malaysia. It begins with a lighthearted tone but gradually grows darker as the plot advances. I found myself utterly absorbed in the narrative!
What I loved most about this book:
- The ghost has his own POV!
- The part where Suraya names him "Pink" had me laughing out loud!
- Jing and Suraya's friendship. So precious!
- Learning about Malaysian culture and folklore.
- The funny ghost banter at the cemetery.
- Suraya choosing to go to her mom for help despite their strained relationship.
- The unexpected reveal toward the end!
Who is this book perfect for?
Those who love a little spooky story! If you enjoy powerful and atmospheric stories about family and friendship and don't mind it going to some dark places, this book is for you. Also recommended to those looking to read stories inspired by Malaysian folklore.
PS: This is an honest book review from a scaredy-cat who typically avoids horror novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Moderate: Child death
katiemcgregor's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
More terrifying than expected, but also a beautiful story. I think Alkaf is the first Malaysian author I've read and my interested into the folklore has definitely been piqued!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent and Blood
Minor: Child death and Grief
madelynskies's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katiethepenguin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
tiffani_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
laura1980458's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
moiru's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A heart-wrenching, yet heartwarming story about family and grief, based on Malaysian folklore and superstition.
I LOVE reading this book! I LOVE the writing! It took me 5 days to finish this book.
I LOVE reading this book! I LOVE the writing! It took me 5 days to finish this book.
She shivered slightly under his gaze—she had no blanket—so he curled himself around her for warmth and smiled when she sighed happily in her sleep.
The story is about a pelesik, a ghost that takes the form of a grasshopper as a disguise, who was previously under the command of a witch. When he's no longer under her control, he traveled to find a girl who shares the same blood as the witch. The ghost doesn't understand what emotion was in his non-existent heart, but a joy of human pain, because that's how he was taught by the witch. However, when he meets Suraya, the girl he has been searching for, he begins to learn that her greatness of humanity is contagious to him.
He wasn’t sure he liked feeling it; ghosts weren’t meant to be sympathetic, of all things.
The Girl and the Ghost was an amusing read, but a little dark for a middle grade book. It's kind of depressing in the early chapters. I had to stop myself from reading because there are 20 pages of bullying scenes. I understand her, and I can see myself in her. Anyway, they cherish their friendship as a human and a ghost. They are so cute, funny, and wholesome together. As for the ghost's name, that kid was full of surprise, huh? LOL. Again, as I mentioned before, the ghost doesn't understand his feelings, and the story slowly became darker and darker.
There's a quote that bothers me a lot.
“Because then, that makes me no better than them. That makes me a bully too.”
Well, no! Protecting yourself from getting bullied doesn't mean you and the bully are the same. If you can't defend yourself against bullies, you'll never find your freedom. Better teach the kids to defend themselves.
Through the story, they met new companions, like the hero's journey. The thing that gets me is that
It says that the most beautiful blooms come from the darkest soil.
I had so many predictions about how the story would end, and it is so satisfying to see it come true. One is back in their place, one is able to find their missing puzzle, and one is able to smile again.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a rare occasion to read an English book that represents Malaysian culture, and Hanna Alkaf is definitely the author I'll keep following. I can't wait to read her next book!
⭐ 4.3/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Bullying
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Grief
Minor: Violence and Murder