Title: The Ghosts of Heaven
Author: Marcus Sedgwick
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: January 2015
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Synopsis can be found here.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
Four stories, spiraling. Common threads peak through in each story, besides the ever moving spiral. The four stories are so far away from each other, covering different times and places.
A girl from a tribe, a young woman branded as a witch, a young doctor and an insane inmate, and a traveler into space.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up Ghosts of Heaven. I’ll be honest – the cover is beautiful which is why I keep staring at it even when I wasn’t reading it. But I’m not a huge fan of novellas so I was reluctant to pick it up.
Sedgwick kept me reading, entranced in the beautiful writing and often heartbreaking stories. My favorite by far is “The Witch In The Water”. Honestly, I’m not a huge lover of the stories. They did hold my attention but I felt like there was so much more that could be told. This may be more of a reason why I don’t like novellas and not have anything to do with these four stories, I know. Also, in two of the stories, I thought the use of the spiral was a bit glaring and forced. I wouldn’t have minded one or two mentions, but there is a pretty strong mention of spirals, sometimes on every other page and I felt like the shape was beating me over the head saying “Look at me!”
That said, the thing that saved me for this book was the writing. Sedgwick is a beautiful writer, his prose rising and falling like a drowsy sea.
Though I didn’t love The Ghosts of Heaven, I will be reading more of Sedgwick’s books. I have a feeling I’m going to be a very big fan if this writer can make me like short stories.
Rating 6 Good
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
I was curious about this. I agree with your opinion on novellas, but I might pick it up at some point.
I don’t read many novellas myself, but I do read a few. I do not think I have read anything by this author. I do enjoy learning about new authors and their reads.
I’m glad to see that this one kept you reading. It’s always good when a book can at least keep your attention. I’ve never really read a novella before, so I’m a bit new to the idea of them. I may have to check this one out. Thank you for the review!
I agree with you on the cover being beautiful! I’m glad you kept reading this one I’ve heard it’s very good. Thanks for the honest review.