Reviews

The Ghostlights by Gráinne Murphy

danok98's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

An interesting week with a family in rural Ireland. Interesting to think about the psyche of alcoholic grannies 

oncemorewithreading's review against another edition

4.0

I originally gave this book three stars but then I found myself thinking more about the book and realised I liked it more and that giving it 3 stars was a disservice!

⁣I really enjoyed Grianne's last book, Where the Edge is, so was quick to jump at the chance to read her new book!⁣
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The Ghostlights is such a thought provoking book that deals with so many serious issues in a sensitive manner. ⁣
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These characters are real and relatable, each of our main characters have flaws and the events of this book force them to examine them and helps them move forward. ⁣
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This book is amount family, resentment and learning to forgive. With heavy topics of suicide and alcoholism, The Ghostlights is a raw and emotional story that will stick with me for a long time. ⁣
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monkreads's review

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

edavis409's review against another edition

mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition

reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism

Moderate: Death and Suicide

Minor: Cancer, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy

tree_hugging_ginge's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

silverliningsandpages's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“Little lights curled in her peripheral vision.  She stiffened and drew in on herself in case it was some late-night walker with a torch and dubious intentions.  But no, she blinked and the lights vanished.  When Ethel was a child, her mother would lean in close and explain that when someone went missing, if their families saw pinpricks of lights dancing in the darkness outside the window, they knew they were lost. “Ghostlights” she would whisper, her breath sweet with gin.”

As with her debut, Where the Edge Is, Grainne Murphy has evoked in The Ghostlights a clear sense of rural Ireland, community and all the complexities of family life.  Her writing reminds me of Donal Ryan’s work: she skilfully portrays the gritty reality of grief, ageing,loneliness and resentment with a subtle, careful sprinkling of folklore. I admire how she has such a strong handle on Irish culture; the mannerisms, dialogue, black humour and traditions are very sharply observed.

This story unapologetically yet intimately portrays the messy dynamics of family life when the body of an elderly Danish gentleman is found in the village Lake four days after checking in to a B&B.  The mystery of who he was and his final act of suicide stir deep compassion within the village, and is the catalyst for some humility, self reflection and reconciliation. It’s a brave, thought provoking novel that digs deep.

Grainne Murphy is an author to watch. My mum enjoyed her debut Where the Edge Is so much that she bought several copies for friends!

artbreakerbookclub's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0