The girl and the ghost by Jacqueline Harvey

Josephine Eloise Thomas — “Jet”— is a lively 12-year-old girl whose life is abruptly interrupted by a sudden move to the countryside of France. The adventure begins when she finds a mystical locket hidden underneath on of the panels in the bottom of her wardrobe; a locket that introduces the existence of a mischievous (and often infuriating) ghost, Prince Louis?XVII.

The Girl and the Ghost is a historical fiction based in rural France and its past. The book delicately pieces together the tragic story of Louis?XVII and life in nineteenth?century France. Several delightful subplots such as teenage confusion, light-hearted romance, and sibling quarrels add a humorous and relatable touch to the story.

At first, the book seemed to pursue history and adventure, but seemed to run off the tracks as I read. While subthemes of family and love are introduced and elaborated on throughout the book, it is rather vague compared to the rest of the thrilling story. Jet’s exciting adventures with Louis are the focus of the story, with the subplots falling short as they struggle to keep up with the pacy plotline. There are momentary instances when new themes are introduced, such as typical sibling rivalry and the connection Jet has with her stepmom, but the book fails to elaborate on them later on in the story and leaves the audience feeling a vague, unfulfilled feeling. Overall, The Girl and the Ghost is a compelling novel that manages to intricately bring together two genres but fell short of my expectations in other areas such as expressing subthemes such as familial bonds. It would be the ideal book for lovers of history and adventure, but not such a great recommendation for those who wish for softer genres such as a heart-warming read.

Jahnavi B. (Student)

Themes: France, French History, Restoration, Ghosts, Art theft.