⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Pros: novel by prose, Jewish and Latina representation, spooky, lovable characters, beautiful cover
Cons: kind of a slow start
Listen... I got the opportunity to read this courtesy of Netgalley and there are not enough "thank you's" in the world. The sweeping prose of this book told a creepy, cute story that I instantly connected with and felt on every level. The prose and the whimsical, ghosty vibes, the history... these are my kind of books. I am slowly but surely figuring out that anyone who can mix the creepy/spooky with the cute/heartfelt.. those are my favorite people.
I haven't stopped talking about this book since I finished it a few weeks ago and seeing as my preorder copy will arrive soon, I won't be stopping so buckle up and let's talk about The Ghosts of Rose Hill.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Death, Anti Semitism, War
THE PLOT, THE CHARACTERS, THE WRITING
The story follows a young girl named Ilana who loves music more than anything else. In hopes of guiding her down a more stable career path, her parents send her to stay with her artist aunt in Prague so she can see what the life on an artist really looks like. What awaits for her in the hills of Prague can only be described as unexpected, haunting, entrancing and beautiful.
Of course, I connected with Ilana and her desire to create. Her medium was violin while mine has always been art, digital or otherwise, but creators understand each other in a way others may not. I also understood the need to make your family proud, the crossroads that lay at your feet when you are just getting adjusted to the world and how overwhelming that can feel. Also... in 10-11th grade, I also hung out in cemeteries so yes, I understood this character. The ghosts she encounters and the folklore that unfolds in this book are also incredible enveloping. I won't spoil anything for you, just know you are in for a treat with the folks she encounters in her time in Prague.
Knowing that the author is herself, Jewish and Latina, I knew that this book would be rich in cultural history and her unique voice. The folklore, the look at the lived experience of Jewish individuals throughout history, the desire to please your parents while also being true to yourself - there was so much punch packed into this book and interwoven with all of these things was a cute, coming of age story and ghosts! I literally could not have asked for a better book; it was unique, fun, sweet and layered storytelling and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Like I said, my preorder copy will get here soon and I am on edge waiting for it to arrive so I can hold it in my hands. Thanks again to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for allowing me the chance to read this digital ARC and get in early on such a magical book. I plan to read anything this author puts out from now on :)
PRE ORDER YOUR COPY HERE available on May 10, 2022
Also, please enjoy my GoodReads review and follow me there if you'd like! This review is a great summary of all the things I plan to discuss at length below.
Comments