The Ghost in the Garden is a YA paranormal adventure that follows eleven-year-old Sophie as she fights mysterious entities and her own fears for her place in her new home in Stratford, Ontario.
Table of Contents
Review
Do you fear change?
Eleven-year-old Sophie was furious about leaving her life in Calgary when her parents decided to move to the quieter and enchanting Stratford. Slowly but surely, the town and the old house her parents chose started to charm her. What girl doesn’t want her own bedroom in a turret? Then there’s Fitz, Sophie’s new friend, and a lovely garden with a mysterious visitor named Tabitha. Things could have been going well except for Sophie’s closet door, which won’t stay closed no matter what. The strange occurrences and non-stop nightmares make it impossible to sleep. Will Sophie find the reason behind the paranormal events keeping her awake? Can she get used to living in Stratford? The Ghost in the Garden by Alisse Lee Goldenberg is a young adult paranormal adventure that explores how hard it is to let go of things, persons, and places.
The character depiction is flawless. Sophie’s compassion makes this book shine. It’s really hard as an adult to write a believable young person, but Alisse Lee Goldenberg did a fantastic job. Sophie and Fitz are true to their age without being corny. Aided with text messages interspersed through the narrative, the author truly set my mind in their world. Sophie’s parents and their differences also add a little flavor to the story. They will show young readers that people can have different beliefs and still love and respect one another.
The narrative arc is flawless, too. The conflict slowly rises without a boring moment, and the climax is brilliant. There are enough inciting incidents to capture the readers’ attention, interwoven with wholesome small-town activities that give the story its unique Canadian charm. Adding to this, the small, quirky town setting and a house with a gothic touch ensure a spooky atmosphere and an immersive reading experience.
Friendship is the thread that weaves the book together, and the author did a great job showing that friendships can take different forms. Sophie’s relationship with Tabitha was the most unorthodox. However, so was Fitz’s friendship with Mr. McGilvray, and they are still fantastic. I was especially glad to see a male and female friendship without the slightest sign of puppy love in sight. I want to applaud that, though a young heroine is sure to be a little reckless, the narrative clarifies that rash decisions don’t always have happy endings.
In between ghosts and apparitions, the author broaches some worldly concerns that keep the story realistic. For example, Tina’s actions (Sophie’s old friend from back in Calgary), though reprehensible, show how hard it can be to keep long-distance relationships. Not every part of change is easy or good.
Though I’m over twenty years older than Sophie, I found her plight totally relatable. We all struggle with change. Grief, loss, and friendship are universal experiences. The story’s message of giving a chance to new things is useful for young ones and adults alike. The endearing characters, quirky setting, and exciting mystery make The Ghost in the Garden a gem in YA’s literary panorama.
About the Author
Alisse Lee Goldenberg writes fantasy and horror literature for young adults. She explored fantasy and folklore as a child and holds a Bachelor of Education and a Fine Arts degree. Alisse, her spouse Brian, their triplets Joseph, Phillip, and Hailey, and their energetic Goldendoodle Sebastian reside in Toronto.
Book Details
- Title: The Ghost in the Garden
- Author: Alisse Lee Goldenberg
- Genre: Young Adult
- Theme: Coming of Age, Change, Friendship, Mystery, Gothic
- Publication Date: March 19, 2024
- ISBN or ASIN: B0CKY8GPPW
- Number of Pages: 186
- Minimum Audience Age: 11
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 1
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 1
- Other adult themes: 0
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 4 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 4.8 out of 5
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The premise of “The Ghost in the Garden” sounds intriguing, blending elements of YA, paranormal, and adventure. The theme of overcoming fears and adapting to change adds depth to the story. I’m curious to know more about how Sophie navigates her new life in Stratford and confronts the mysterious entities. Overall, it seems like a compelling read!
Very nice.