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laura1980458's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
moiru's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A heart-wrenching, yet heartwarming story about family and grief, based on Malaysian folklore and superstition.
I LOVE reading this book! I LOVE the writing! It took me 5 days to finish this book.
I LOVE reading this book! I LOVE the writing! It took me 5 days to finish this book.
She shivered slightly under his gaze—she had no blanket—so he curled himself around her for warmth and smiled when she sighed happily in her sleep.
The story is about a pelesik, a ghost that takes the form of a grasshopper as a disguise, who was previously under the command of a witch. When he's no longer under her control, he traveled to find a girl who shares the same blood as the witch. The ghost doesn't understand what emotion was in his non-existent heart, but a joy of human pain, because that's how he was taught by the witch. However, when he meets Suraya, the girl he has been searching for, he begins to learn that her greatness of humanity is contagious to him.
He wasn’t sure he liked feeling it; ghosts weren’t meant to be sympathetic, of all things.
The Girl and the Ghost was an amusing read, but a little dark for a middle grade book. It's kind of depressing in the early chapters. I had to stop myself from reading because there are 20 pages of bullying scenes. I understand her, and I can see myself in her. Anyway, they cherish their friendship as a human and a ghost. They are so cute, funny, and wholesome together. As for the ghost's name, that kid was full of surprise, huh? LOL. Again, as I mentioned before, the ghost doesn't understand his feelings, and the story slowly became darker and darker.
There's a quote that bothers me a lot.
“Because then, that makes me no better than them. That makes me a bully too.”
Well, no! Protecting yourself from getting bullied doesn't mean you and the bully are the same. If you can't defend yourself against bullies, you'll never find your freedom. Better teach the kids to defend themselves.
Through the story, they met new companions, like the hero's journey. The thing that gets me is that
It says that the most beautiful blooms come from the darkest soil.
I had so many predictions about how the story would end, and it is so satisfying to see it come true. One is back in their place, one is able to find their missing puzzle, and one is able to smile again.
Overall, I really enjoy reading this book. It's rare occasion to read an English book that represents Malaysian culture, and Hanna Alkaf is definitely the author I will be following. I can't wait to read her next book!
⭐ 4.3/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Bullying
Moderate: Grief, Death, and Child death
Minor: Murder and Violence
whimsyfaerie's review against another edition
4.0
i’m really surprised that this book isn’t talked about more! the characters are very interesting and the plot is unique too! this book is perfect if you like reading stuff that reminds you of a rainy day, if that makes sense. it has ghosts, cute friendships, and a diverse cast of characters! i definitely recommend the girl and the ghost!!
age rating: 11+
age rating: 11+
rosatulipan's review against another edition
A hug made out of anger, friendship and tears. So very sweet.
heavenlyrealms's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars for The Girl and The Ghost! Totally enjoyed my time while reading this. It makes me understand the feeling of… ghosts. Like. Maybe they have feelings such anger, sad, envious, or many more. Or maybe they have the urge to protect the people who are still alive. Just like Pink who always be there for Suraya. It’s getting more interesting because everything about Pink was a mystery. So does Suraya’s family. As much as I read the pages, I had a rollercoaster emotions. It’s sad to know about what happened to them—to the deceased children—to Suraya’s family. And I’m glad this book give us, the reader, a proper closure. Mysteries are solved and totally a heartwarming goodbye. Well done, author!
lovelife1008's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
myloverlibrary's review against another edition
2.0
the lines of consent were way too blurry for this to be a middle grade novel.
christinegiroux's review against another edition
4.0
This was a different but really good story about friendship and grief.
sabcatsilver's review against another edition
5.0
5 pages in and i knew i would be reading this in a single sitting. I did, and by the end of it was smiling broadly while sobbing. That should describe the feels of this book in a gist. Few words could describe how deeply enchanting this book was. Just take my word for it, sit down and begin.