Reviews with content warning for Terminal illness - Ghosts

“What would it be like, I wondered, to be seen through such adoring eyes, that they would not only capture you in a painting, but rearrange you to further exhibit who you were? I stroked the rounded ankle of where my neck met my shoulder like it was the hand of a lover and thought about being put inside a Rubik’s cube of someone’s gaze. I couldn’t imagine ever being studied or known like that.”

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rhii_reading's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

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

3.75

I will never get sick of Dolly Alderton writing books about millennial women trying to navigate their way through life - it’s always like she is literally in my head putting my thoughts on the page.

Whilst Nina and James’ relationship was quite compelling, I thought Nina’s non romantic relationships were the best aspects of Ghosts. Her struggling friendship with Katherine and the horrible sensation of realising childhood friends are slowly drifting onto different paths is as painfully realistic and relatable as it was in Everything I Know About Love. Likewise, the role reversal in her relationship with her parents, especially her father, and the subsequent reflection of her childhood memories was some of the most emotional moments I’ve ever had in a book.

When it comes to the actual romantic relationship that is supposed to be the focus of this novel, whilst it does manage to be appropriately contemporary and realistic without being overly cliche, it felt less significant and frankly interesting than everything else going on in Nina’s life. In this respect it almost feels like the book was mis-marketed.

That being said, the way that Alderton writes about the trials and tribulations of dating, especially as you get older, is painfully relatable - like everything else she writes about! The characters and narration are witty without every being too cliche or on the nose. As always, a funny and touching book about juggling all the different relationships we have in life.

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alexisgarcia's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

this book came to me at perfect time in my life. dolly alderton writes some of the some realistic characters i’ve ever read. her characters are flawed and just so human. the themes of ghosts and self contentment are so well done. i love how the story actually revolves around the main character, rather than the main character AND the love interest. it involved the main characters whole life, her romantic relationships, friendships, family, and even her relationship with herself. i just adored this book and will read anything dolly alderton writes till the end of time <3

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