The Hungry Ghosts by Anne Berry
Posted: Wednesday, July 29, 2009
by Hannah Quinn
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"This then is how I come to stave off death, with nothing but my will for weaponry. And it is how, paradoxically, I find myself housed in a sepulchre of death.
My voice might be weaker but still it cries, I am not ready yet. Not yet.'
Then one day the children come. Among them is Alice."
Anne Berry has written an accomplished tale of two beings entwined: one a ghost, one living a ghostlike existence. The Hungry Ghosts covers lives and time, from war ravished Hong Kong to modern day England and Paris. There are many weavings of individual stories, the impact each entity has on the whole, the complexities and levels every member of any group brings to the mix.
The writing and language in The Hungry Ghosts is almost ethereal at times, adding its own layering to the complex story being told. The descriptions are textured and highly defined, coloured with lyrical language that hypnotises and draws the reader on, deeper and deeper into the haunting and haunted world of Alice and Lin Shui.
Tragedy and pathos are ever present; darkness, despair and familial injustice; but there is humour and beauty, love and questing, and a final knowing of self that is as poignant as it is satisfying.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book for the lover of ghost stories and the lover of good, well told stories alike. I look forward to Anne Berry's future books with wonder and expectation.
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More commentsMaybe I will give it a try and you surely prompt my attention.revruc1,Thank you for taking the time to read my review and leave a comment.Cheers, Hannah
Sounds like the kind of story that should do well. I'll have to check it out!Ken,I'm looking forward to her next book and hope it is as good.Cheers, Hannah
HI Hannah, sounds like an interesting read! My list is long, but I add to it nonetheless, I will remember this one. Thanks for an intriguing review. Blessings to you! TeresaTeresa,I hope you do read it and enjoy. I certainly did! I know what you mean about long lists. I have one too!Cheers, Hannah
Hannah, good review. I haven't heard of The Hungry Ghosts, but your review has me intrigued!Rob,Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Berry promises to be one of my favourite authors.Cheers, Hannah
Great article. Well done.Sounds like a great read, I shall add it to my reading list.Connor,thanks for taking the time to read my review and comment. Definitely a great read, I'm sure you will enjoy it.Cheers, Hannah
Seems like this is a review of a review - kind of redundant however enticingKnowing Hannah as I do, I very much doubt this is a review of a review.Hannah is an accomplished author who takes considerable and regular time out to write informative and thoughtful reviews about new releases, often for novels by newly published authors like Anne Berry.I think your rating and accusation were unfair and ungrounded.Thanks Ben :) No worries.Cheers, HannahMarion,I read the book. I receive a variety of proofs directly from the publisher prior to publication in order to review them, and have done for several years, but thanks for your comment and I hope you will read the book.Cheers, Hannah
Hi Hannah.Thank you for recommending this book and thank you for sharing a well written review.Best regards to you and yours,NenitaNenita,Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my review.cheers, Hannahps: I like your unusual first name!
Hannah,I dare say your review is as beautifully written as the book and you have piqued my curiousity.Thank you for an intriguing review,NancyNancy,thank you for such lovely feedback. I hope read the book and enjoy it.Cheers, Hannah
Great interpretation, Hannah! Your article makes a person rush out to the bookstore! Thanks for sharing it with your readers.Ronyae,Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my review. I'm actually looking forward to reading this book again.Cheers, Hannah
excellent reviewPam,Thank you for leaving a comment on my review. Much appreciated.Cheers, Hannah
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