'The Girl Who Would Speak For the Dead' by Paul Elwork

 
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Emily Stewart is the girl who claims to stand between the living and the dead. During the quiet summer of 1925, she and her brother, Michael, are thirteen-year-old twins-privileged, precocious, wandering aimlessly around their family's estate. One day, Emily discovers that she can secretly crack her ankle in such a way that a sound appears to burst through the stillness of midair. Emily and Michael gather the neighborhood children to fool them with these "spirit knockings."
Soon, however, this game of contacting the dead creeps into a world of adults still reeling from World War I. When the twins find themselves dabbling in the uncertain territory of human grief and family secrets- knock, knock-everything spins wildly out of control.

First thoughts after finishing this book:   Hmmm....that was interesting and creepy.

What I liked about the book:

• the author really created a sinister, dark atmosphere. So if you're looking for that type of read this one is it.
• I couldn't decide if I liked Michael or not. Part of me kept thinking he was an evil, twisted child!
• Emily- she was born a wise, old soul. It was interesting to watch how she internalized and really thought about how her so-called "spiritual readings" were affecting the people that were involved. She's a very sensitive and inquisitive child and one that I grew attached to while reading the story.
• The main thread of grief that was woven throughout the story and how people go through that process differently and how the thought of contacting your loved one will make you believe in just about anything!

What I didn't like:

• the story started out a bit slow for me, but I never wanted to jump ship. 

Personal thoughts:

• After my mom's mother passed away, my mom was obsessed with contacting her through some sort of medium. No one in the family would really talk to her about it except for me. I was more than willing to take my mom to see John Edward, but she never did get the courage up to buy the tickets. I'm sure plenty of people told her that it was all fake and what not, but much like the characters in this story, my mom NEEDED closure and ACHED for just one more minute with her beloved mother. I wanted that for her more than anything...even if it came from a charlatan. 

Recommend? This book has me sitting on the fence a bit because you sort of have to be in the right mood for this one. It's a well-written story and that's what kept me turning the pages. I stayed connected to Emily and it was my need to know how her story turned out that worked for me. If you're a fan of Amy Einhorn books then you will indeed enjoy this one. I think she publishes quality stories and this one is no exception.

Rating: 8/10

Author: Paul Elwork

Published: March 2011

Publisher: Amy Einhorn/Putnam

Genre: Atmospheric Literary Fiction

Source: Shelf Awareness

ISNB: 9780399157172
* ARC 

 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel

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