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philippakmoore's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful little book, with finely tuned observations - less a ghost story in the obvious sense and more about the other ghosts in life - an ex partner, a parent we didn't get on with, a beloved pet, places we've lived and loved but had to leave. Quite exquisite. After not being blown away by Questions of Travel, I was delightfully surprised by this.
amotisse's review against another edition
4.0
An unusual ghost story though perhaps more an observation on people and their choices. Frances and Charlie seem an unlikely couple, nothing unusual about that but it made me wonder about connections. What brings people together? The characters almost seem like strangers and yet not. Maybe it is about perception? In any case, it was an interesting, quick read for an autumn morning and made me think.
essjay1's review against another edition
4.0
“What people don’t pay attention to changes the story.” An interesting take on the ghost story, but is it a simple ghost story? I particularly enjoyed reading the descriptions of moving to Sydney from Melbourne, the way the light changes everything and her observations about people, their thoughts & ideas. A lovely little novella to keep you thinking. Would be a great book to get you out of a reading rut and remind you why great writing matters.
feralsky's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
another_dahlia's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.5
lelyreads's review
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nerdygnome's review against another edition
3.0
Full disclosure, I picked this book from the library almost entirely because of its charming diminutive size and fun cover.
Frances and Charlie have recently moved to suburban Sydney, where Frances is trying to find her footing in a new life. While exploring the countryside, she begins to see a ghostly-looking figure and her disquiet in her new surroundings begins to grow. The title itself bills this as a ghost story, but it's not with the shock and creeping horror of a typical ghost story; instead, it's a character story, with a slow sink into the mind and feelings of the protagonist.
I felt this novella held promise, but ultimately delivered too little in the end. It's too short to say that it was time wasted, but I didn't feel I got anything out of it, other than a sense of wanting more.
Frances and Charlie have recently moved to suburban Sydney, where Frances is trying to find her footing in a new life. While exploring the countryside, she begins to see a ghostly-looking figure and her disquiet in her new surroundings begins to grow. The title itself bills this as a ghost story, but it's not with the shock and creeping horror of a typical ghost story; instead, it's a character story, with a slow sink into the mind and feelings of the protagonist.
I felt this novella held promise, but ultimately delivered too little in the end. It's too short to say that it was time wasted, but I didn't feel I got anything out of it, other than a sense of wanting more.
himboking's review against another edition
1.0
I find it annoying when books jump around and change the timeframe without making it clear that is what’s going on. In the same paragraph it would speak of Sydney, then suddenly switch to some unrelated time in Melbourne. Also, ghost story? There is a ghost mentioned about 5 times, and each time is a few lines. Mostly just really boring.
redroofcolleen's review against another edition
3.0
A wisp of a story that asks more questions than it answers. More like a woman's train of thought while out walking the dog. Beautiful prose and illustrations. That cover!!