The Ghosts

Rating:
Summary: From the Past Into The Future
Review: I first ran across Ms. Barber's story in my middle school library - in 1972. I was 12 years old. Almost 30 years later some of the story's images linger yet, subtly influencing choices I make. I've finally found and purchased my very own copy of The Ghosts - and it's probably one of the best gifts I've given myself in a long time. Lucy and Jamie started me thinking about Past, Present, and Future in ways that most of the kids in my class couldn't quite grasp at that time, not to mention how to look at things from other points of view - small lessons at the time that became whole way of thinking for me even now.

I'm so happy to have found this book, to be able to bring this piece of my past into my present and hopefully into my nephew's future.

Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: I have to laugh at my odd compulsion to review and recommend yet another children's book, but I promise this to be a(nother) special case.

I remember reading this novel at about the age of twelve and having to sleep with the lights on after finishing it. It wasn't a particularly scary book, nor is it at all gruesome (especially by today's standards) but was so convinving and well written that I never forgot it. I remember being so impressed with this novel, hoping that I to could one day write something of this calibre. There was also a movie based on the book, called The Amazing Mr. BLunden. Alas, no one has heard of the film and I have no idea how or where to put my hands on a copy.

Fast-forward a decade and a half; when I recently found the book back in print, I couldn't resist buying myself a copy and explaining it as a gift for one of my (as yet nonexisting) children. I was a little surprised to find that I was still charmed by the style and story. It remains a very well written retelling of the English Haunted House story and I realise only now how carefully crafted and creatively explained much of it is.

Buy it for any child who loves a good ghost story. But it for yourself if you are not quite ready to graduate to The Turn of the Screw!

Rating:
Summary: I loved this book
Review: I was 12 when I first picked up a tattered paperback version of this book. I read it straight through in one sitting. It was incredible! Who would have known that a single trip to the Holland Book Mobile would have been so powerful!

The images still linger with me...15 years later. It was the inspiration for many short stories and constantly creeps into my newer writings.

It's on my children's reading list for as soon as they are able to read and enjoy it.

If only I could get my hands on the movie, my life would be perfect. :)

Rating:
Summary: Stays with you
Review: I'm another one who has remained captivated by this book for more than thirty years! I have never forgotten it and recall wearing out our small town library's copy in my eagerness to re-enter its magical spell of the past meeting the present. I'm sure it was instrumental in shaping my lifelong fascination with the 19th century (and ghosts!). I'm delighted it remains in print to enthrall new readers and rekindle cherished memories for we oldsters!

Rating:
Summary: Lucy & Jamie are old friends
Review: Like everyone else, I first read this book in elementary school and fell in love with it. It is the only book I re-read as a child. I still own my yellowed, falling apart, Scholastic's paperback. I need a new copy so I can re-read it again. If you have a young girl who likes to read add this to her library. She will thank you years from now.

Rating:
Summary: Lucy & Jamie are old friends
Review: Like everyone else, I first read this book in elementary school and fell in love with it. It is the only book I re-read as a child. I still own my yellowed, falling apart, Scholastic's paperback. I need a new copy so I can re-read it again. If you have a young girl who likes to read add this to her library. She will thank you years from now.

Rating:
Summary: Even the author couldn't keep the story straight
Review: Our fifth-grade teacher read this book in a few chapters at a time when I was in school, and it captivated me; I've remembered details of this story when others have long slipped into obscurity. Now, twenty-three years later, I'm so glad to have found it again. It's been frustrating looking for a book called 'The Ghosts'--so general, and yet I never knew the author. You'll find this book draws you into its eerie mysteries, that you'll care about the characters and the outcome a great deal, that you'll step into the action yourself. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Found at last!
Review: Our fifth-grade teacher read this book in a few chapters at a time when I was in school, and it captivated me; I've remembered details of this story when others have long slipped into obscurity. Now, twenty-three years later, I'm so glad to have found it again. It's been frustrating looking for a book called 'The Ghosts'--so general, and yet I never knew the author. You'll find this book draws you into its eerie mysteries, that you'll care about the characters and the outcome a great deal, that you'll step into the action yourself. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: The Ghosts also known as The Amazing Mr Blunden
Review: The story starts in Camden Town, London at the end of World War One. It is Christmas & an old mysterious man knocks the door of the Allen family, the recently widowed Mrs Allen,and her children Jamie, Lucy & baby Benjamin. The old man claims to be a solicitor & offers Mrs Allen a job as a caretaker of an old run down country house. Due to their impoverished situation Mrs Allen accepts the old man's offer. Mrs Allen & the children move into a caretaker's cottage in the grounds of the old house. They soon discover that the old man is not what he seems & that he sought them out to help him. Soon, it becomes apparent to Jamie & Lucy that they are there to help two children from the past to put right a terrible wrong. However, in order to do this they have to travel back through time exactly 100 years.....

This is a wonderful & magical children's book, more appropriate to the over 10's. I first read it in 1972 & have loved & treasured my copy ever since (sorry, it is not for sale as it is of great sentimental value). I would urge any child (or adult) to read it. The story takes us from 1918 back in time to 1818, with many adventures on the way & a lovely "twist" ending.

This is a brilliant book, I've had my copy 31 years! It will enthral you. Truly enchanting.