Review: Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 13th, 2016
Publisher: Graphix
Point of View: 1st Person & Feminine
Recommended Age: 9+
Pacing: Fast
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Siblings, Ghosts, Culture

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Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn’t happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister’s sake – and her own.

Every time Raina Telgemeier releases a new graphic novel, I get super excited. Her stories are so heartfelt and honest.

‘‘Ghosts,’’ however, is a little different from her previous works. For starters, it isn’t as realistic, which I think is its main weakness. It definitely is the reason why I couldn’t give it a 5-star-rating.

I loved the culture in it, especially the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which I’ve always found quite interesting and spectacularly unique. It’s definitely the author’s most diverse book to date.

However much I enjoyed the Día de los Muertos elements and scenes, though, I found that the addition of actual ghosts who interact with people took away from the realisticity of the story.

But it’s pretty charming and moving nonetheless. Cat’s sister Maya has cystic fibrosis, which is why they had to move to Bahía de la Luna, where fog is ever-present in the air. The right place to find ghosts, if one wishes to.

Cat and Maya’s relationship is extremely heart-warming and honest. They truly care for one another and not only because they both know they’re not going to be sisters for ever. Plus Maya, although she is very sick, keeps her smiles on at all times; I found her to be tremendously brave.

The themes explored make this a memorable graphic novel I think anyone looking for an original and atmospheric story should read. And it’s so masterfully illustrated you’ll want to keep it for ever. I sure as hell will treasure this copy.

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