Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Ghost Wall

In the early 90s, a young woman's father signs the family up for a university on site experience living as neolithic Britons. A time when "men were men and women did as they were told" a time "before any dark skin ever entered the island" and a time Sylvie's dad idolizes as the epitome of living, when he held control due to being the man. But also present are university students, who open Sylvie to the tangible possibility of a life outside her father's violent control.

What I think I loved most about this book, as an Anthropology student, was the way even the professor ignored the blatant evidence in favor of "roughing it" with a fellow ancient briton enthusiast. While a number of times, he explains to the father that "well no, they wouldn't have eaten with their hands, that just doesn't make sense." He also is more than happy to let her father dictate what the camp does and focus solely on hunting and discussing fighting.

To the point that at the end, he is an active participant in the torture of Sylvie, a minor. He ignores the obvious- that Sylvie had no choice about her participation, that Sylvie and her mother are beaten, that he should be acting more authoritative over the course attendees all in favor of having a good time and "maybe I'll write a paper about this" Including taking photos of Sylvie- again a teenager- as she is stripped, dehumanized, and humiliated. It was such a scathing depiction of scholarship and academia. And I think it's something that's lost to the other more sensational and overpowering themes. But I think that's exactly it- people ignore the issues within academia because "but they're smart. They are educated!" and don't think that the problems of classism, sexism, racism, can permeate the hollowed halls of upper education- when really that's where they are shored up and allowed to run rampant. The professor is a prime example of this, allowing Sylvie's father to run roughshod over the entire course because he's an armchair archaeologist and allows the professor to indulge in his fun.

Then there are the more obvious- the theme of abuse and sexism. How Sylvie's father believes if he goes far enough back in British history, he'll reach a time of purity. He is a cruel, hateful, small man. The way the book handles the theme of abuse of power is so well done. I get angry just thinking about it. But I also remember how powerless I felt while reading. Moss really captures that helpless, overwhelming fear so well. She is able to light that fire so subtle that you don't notice until it's burned as bright as a forest fire in your soul. You hate this little man and how he uses his strength not to protect what he cares about- but to make sure they remember he is strong. He feels weak in other areas of his life and needs the people in his life to remind him he's strong. He is what evil incarnate means. Not just for his closed minded beliefs, but because he takes joy in the pain and suffering of his child and his wife. He is glad when Sylvie can't sit down because of the wounds he inflicted on her. He is happy when his family is hungry. He literally makes me so angry.

Which brings me to my only issue with this book- the end. It just cuts off. There's no resolution- and I know its because this is the early 90s and at the end of the day, its very likely no justice would have been served. A time when abuse "within reason" was still allowed from both parents and schools. Even if the nature of the crime, and photo evidence, were well beyond reasonable, especially as there was no "just cause" for the abuse. I like to believe he served jail time, but that also leaves the question of where Sylvie will go. Where will she stay? Very likely her mother won't allow her home. Too warped by the father. I hope she stays with Molly, and is able to see the world.

Content Warnings

blacksphinx's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

For some reason, this was sold to me as a horror novella. It is NOT horror, and this misconception kept me on the wrong foot with it all the way through. There was a moment perfectly set up for some true horror I had been waiting for the entire time, but it immediately is stamped out and then the story ends on a dull note. This novella is literary fiction, fully and painfully grounded in reality. I strongly recommend against reading this book if you are sensitive to daughters being emotionally and physically abused by their fathers.

Content Warnings