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Ghosts: The
Story of A Reunion (Soft Cover - UK version)
When David Herrick receives
an invitation to a reunion in one of England's most haunted houses, his
first reaction is to refuse. After all, he hasn't seen these friends since
they were part of the same youth group 2 decades ago. Moreover, he isn't
feeling very sociable since his wife, Jessica, died 6 months ago. In fact,
he's still rather raw and numb.
But the invitation comes
from one of his wife's oldest friends, and mysteriously, she has something
for him from his beloved Jessica. Reluctant but curious, he makes plans to
visit Headly Manor.
When the friends gather,
they no longer resemble the fresh-faced group of 20 years ago. One has
been deserted by her husband, another has lost his faith and another is
filled with anger and bile. Life hasn't been the sugar-coated existence
they might have hoped for.
As they have less than 48
hours together, they decide to be vulnerable and share their greatest
fears--but will they have the courage to bare their souls? And if they do,
how will such revelations be received?
This poignant and moving
story blends Adrian Plass's rich style of humor with his knack for
addressing the deep issues we all face such as faith, grief, love, and
fear.
Reviews:
"This is a story
that will grip you. But far more than that, it's a book which will help
you face up to the ghosts of your past. Ultimately, this is a book about
redemption. Beware, it could change you."
-- Rob
Frost, Director, Share Jesus International
One of Britain's
bestselling novelists seeks to engage the sensibilities of North American
readers in this finely crafted and sometimes painful character-driven
story of faith, loss and a reunion of old friends. The book opens with one
of David Herrick's terror-filled nightmares. It's a waking incubus as
well, as David muses with raw grief upon the everyday household objects
that remind him of his beloved wife, Jessica, who has recently died. When
a letter arrives from Jessica's best school chum, Angela Brook, David
learns of one last item Jessica has left him. To procure it, he journeys
to Angela's home, the ancient, crumbling, Headly Manor, which has a
reputation for being haunted. Angela has put together a weekend reunion of
their old St. Mark's youth group, and it is in the company of their old
acquaintances that David exorcises some of his ghosts.
Plass's character
descriptions are refreshing in that he never succumbs to sentimentality or
sidesteps more painful developments in an attempt to sugarcoat his novel
or target a more conservative readership. Ghosts populate the book: of
loved ones lost and of old patterns and relationships, and in the chilling
accounts of a specter that may or may not haunt the ancient estate.
Faith and all of its
sometimes absurd trappings are portrayed with honest compassion-Plass is
never bitter or harsh, but always authentic. American audiences will be
delighted to discover this thoughtful and eloquent novelist and should
warmly embrace this beautifully conceived and executed book.
From
Publishers Weekly
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
British writer Plass'
Ghosts tells of David Herrick, a man grieving for his dead wife, Jessica.
David has withdrawn into a solitary existence punctuated by dreams that
seem like communications from the beyond and are full of
"ghosts." With some reluctance, he accepts the invitation for a
reunion of old friends from Jessica's friend Angela.
Members of the group,
each wounded by life in some way, talk their way through their fears,
killing off ghosts one by one. Preachy, and not really a ghost story; but
also graceful, and perhaps helpful for someone who has recently lost a
loved one.
From
Booklist, John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
I've read Ghosts three
times now. I've read the bible more often, Frederick Beuchner's Godric as
many times, and everything else less. Adrian's writing has a quality of
truth telling that is more nuanced and more entertaining than most. Like
the best of writing, it leaves you remembering the story as if you were
your own. And it leaves your life richer and more readily embraceable.
Ghosts is simply a great read.
Steve Bell
Award winning Canadian singer and songwriter
Paperback - 240 pages (1 October, 2002)
Zondervan; ISBN: 0551031107
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