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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
***Originally posted to: Bookish Blog as a part of the blog tour.
I am currently hosting a giveaway for a paperback copy of this book. US/Canada, ends: March 15th
Picture the Dead is more than a ghost story. It's a truly masterful, original, and jaw-dropping creation - a work of art. There's a touch of romance, beautifully described historical setting, goose-bumpy atmosphere, and a thrilling mystery. Above all, there's a skillfully executed, bone-chilling plot line, emotionally engaging first-person narrative, and a totally unexpected yet entirely satisfying conclusion. Combining Adele Griffin's excellent writing style with Lisa Brown's phenomenal illustrations, Picture the Dead reaches a whole new level of storytelling, taking the reader back in time to the last months of American Civil War. The deliciously eerie scrapbook-like graphics perfectly complement the plot line, adding flavor and resulting in an unforgettable reading experience. Be prepared, this book will haunt you long after you turn the last page.
In this riveting book, set in 19th-century America (1864-65 - the last two years of American Civil War), we meet sixteen-year old Jennie Lovell, who, after both her parents died and her twin brother was killed on the battlefield, was taken in by her Aunt and Uncle - the parents of her childhood friend and soon-to-be-married fiance, William. Jennie doesn't have anyone left. She has no other family members to turn to, nor does she have any savings of her own. She's fully dependent on her fiance's family, and when the news about Will's death reach the Pritchett household, Jennie finds herself in a very difficult living situation. Aunt Clara becomes even more hostile towards her, making it clear that Jennie does not belong there. With no status and nowhere else to go, she tries desperately to prove herself useful to her Aunt and Uncle by performing various household tasks. She's also caring for Will's brother, Quinn, who returned home seriously injured. Moody and withdrawn, Quinn refuses to speak about his war experiences, nor does he want to talk about Will and what happened to him. It quickly becomes obvious that he knows more than he lets on. There's an air of mystery surrounding Will's passing, and Jennie is determined to find the truth. Even if it means doing something unconventional, like, say, trusting in the supernatural and looking beyond the rational to seek answers to her fiance's death. What she uncovers is so much worse than she ever expected.
In this enthralling wonder of a book, Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown managed to create a truly breath-taking and spine-tingling atmosphere, without the book becoming overly creepy or frightening. Is it scary? Oh yes, it is, but in a very subtle and balanced way. Mystery and supernatural play a big role in this novel, and the delicious Gothic illustrations blend well with the story, enhancing the already powerful, eerie atmosphere. The amount of thought put into this project is really admirable. Down to the last detail, everything is well thought-out and executed with care: all the mesmerizing drawings, choice of colors, even the font type.
With rich descriptions and accurate language for the time period, Adele Griffin does an excellent job painting a vivid and realistic historical background, and breathing life into the characters. The landscapes, the city and the Pritchett House are all very well drawn, the dialogues come across as natural and believable, the scrapbook elements add intensity and flavor to the story, the pacing is excellent and, in the end, it all comes together in a way that is nothing short of brilliant. Plus, we get a look at the social/class issues of the period. Not only do we see the suffering of the families affected by the Civil War, but we're also introduced to a fascinating phenomenon of 19th-century Spiritualism - a significant social movement, that was especially popular during the war, when so many lives have been lost, and people would do anything to contact their loved ones one last time.
All in all, this was a very unique and enriching reading experience and one that I won't forget for a long time. If ever. Picture the Dead is a haunting and painfully beautiful tale of love, betrayal, trust, hope, perseverance, death and new beginnings. Extremely well-written and gorgeously illustrated, it's a fabulous ghost mystery. Highly recommended!
I am currently hosting a giveaway for a paperback copy of this book. US/Canada, ends: March 15th
Picture the Dead is more than a ghost story. It's a truly masterful, original, and jaw-dropping creation - a work of art. There's a touch of romance, beautifully described historical setting, goose-bumpy atmosphere, and a thrilling mystery. Above all, there's a skillfully executed, bone-chilling plot line, emotionally engaging first-person narrative, and a totally unexpected yet entirely satisfying conclusion. Combining Adele Griffin's excellent writing style with Lisa Brown's phenomenal illustrations, Picture the Dead reaches a whole new level of storytelling, taking the reader back in time to the last months of American Civil War. The deliciously eerie scrapbook-like graphics perfectly complement the plot line, adding flavor and resulting in an unforgettable reading experience. Be prepared, this book will haunt you long after you turn the last page.
In this riveting book, set in 19th-century America (1864-65 - the last two years of American Civil War), we meet sixteen-year old Jennie Lovell, who, after both her parents died and her twin brother was killed on the battlefield, was taken in by her Aunt and Uncle - the parents of her childhood friend and soon-to-be-married fiance, William. Jennie doesn't have anyone left. She has no other family members to turn to, nor does she have any savings of her own. She's fully dependent on her fiance's family, and when the news about Will's death reach the Pritchett household, Jennie finds herself in a very difficult living situation. Aunt Clara becomes even more hostile towards her, making it clear that Jennie does not belong there. With no status and nowhere else to go, she tries desperately to prove herself useful to her Aunt and Uncle by performing various household tasks. She's also caring for Will's brother, Quinn, who returned home seriously injured. Moody and withdrawn, Quinn refuses to speak about his war experiences, nor does he want to talk about Will and what happened to him. It quickly becomes obvious that he knows more than he lets on. There's an air of mystery surrounding Will's passing, and Jennie is determined to find the truth. Even if it means doing something unconventional, like, say, trusting in the supernatural and looking beyond the rational to seek answers to her fiance's death. What she uncovers is so much worse than she ever expected.
In this enthralling wonder of a book, Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown managed to create a truly breath-taking and spine-tingling atmosphere, without the book becoming overly creepy or frightening. Is it scary? Oh yes, it is, but in a very subtle and balanced way. Mystery and supernatural play a big role in this novel, and the delicious Gothic illustrations blend well with the story, enhancing the already powerful, eerie atmosphere. The amount of thought put into this project is really admirable. Down to the last detail, everything is well thought-out and executed with care: all the mesmerizing drawings, choice of colors, even the font type.
With rich descriptions and accurate language for the time period, Adele Griffin does an excellent job painting a vivid and realistic historical background, and breathing life into the characters. The landscapes, the city and the Pritchett House are all very well drawn, the dialogues come across as natural and believable, the scrapbook elements add intensity and flavor to the story, the pacing is excellent and, in the end, it all comes together in a way that is nothing short of brilliant. Plus, we get a look at the social/class issues of the period. Not only do we see the suffering of the families affected by the Civil War, but we're also introduced to a fascinating phenomenon of 19th-century Spiritualism - a significant social movement, that was especially popular during the war, when so many lives have been lost, and people would do anything to contact their loved ones one last time.
All in all, this was a very unique and enriching reading experience and one that I won't forget for a long time. If ever. Picture the Dead is a haunting and painfully beautiful tale of love, betrayal, trust, hope, perseverance, death and new beginnings. Extremely well-written and gorgeously illustrated, it's a fabulous ghost mystery. Highly recommended!
Here we have a historical drama, a mystery and a ghost story all wrapped up in one nice literary package. Jennie Lovell was engaged to her cousin Will before he left to go fight for the Union in the Civil War. When his brother, Quinn, is the only one to return, the family is devastated, particularly Jennie. Even more unfortunate for Jennie is the fact that her fiancee's family treats Jennie with apathy at best and ire at worst. She had been preparing to become the lady of the house but now find herself doing the maid's work. In their grief, Jennie's uncle decides to contact a spirit photographer in an effort to commune with their lost son. The whole family goes in for a photograph, in spite of their skepticism. Shortly afterward, the injured Quinn begins courting Jennie, who grudging accepts his favors. Around this time, she begins noticing signs that could only have been left by Will, who, according to Quinn, is not the man she thought she knew. Is Will trying to hurt her or warn her?
This book also features a "scrapbook" made by Jennie containing photos, letters and other bits of ephemera from her life. These elements introduce each chapter rather nicely, though they look a little too "friendly" to be scary or creepy. The story moves a bit slow, and readers won't likely be too surprised by the secrets revealed by the end. It is, however, a very nice Civil War novel that focuses more on life at home rather than the battlefield.
This book also features a "scrapbook" made by Jennie containing photos, letters and other bits of ephemera from her life. These elements introduce each chapter rather nicely, though they look a little too "friendly" to be scary or creepy. The story moves a bit slow, and readers won't likely be too surprised by the secrets revealed by the end. It is, however, a very nice Civil War novel that focuses more on life at home rather than the battlefield.
Picture The Dead by Adele Griffin and illustrated by Lisa Brown was a great change of pace from the last book I read, The Queen of Palmyra. Picture The Dead completely absorbed me and I did not want to set it down. The book opens with a note of melancholy. The Civil War or rather, the War Between The States is raging in the South, Sherman's March has already occurred. The reader is transported to the upper middle class town of Brookline, Massachusetts.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
A fun, quick read, although it's a bit plagued with problems. The main characters and their relationships never feel fully developed, especially both romances, and Jennie and Quinn in particular do a lot of flip-flopping in their characterizations and actions. I also never got a sense of atmosphere, although the writing itself is elegant. At the same time, I enjoyed myself. And the drawings are fantastic.
2.75/5 stars
2.75/5 stars
Originally review posted at: www.literarychaos.com
Honestly, I did not expect to like Picture the Dead as much as I did. This, for me, was one of those books that sits on your shelf for years and you just keep telling yourself that you will get to it someday. In my normal reading style, I probably would never have ended up reading it, but recently I have been in a major reading slump and have had to rethink the way I choose what to read. To try and break myself out of said slump, I have been reading books with little commitment on my part. Ie. books that are standalone or duologies, books that are short, and books that seem like easier reads. Because if this I decided to give Picture the Dead a try, and I am very glad I did.
One of the most unusual parts of the book were the illustrations that accompany the text. They are presented in the format of the protagonist's scrapbook. I have seen mixed reviews of the illustration style, but I personally enjoyed it; they were unique and quirky though I will admit they do not really fit the time frame the book was set in. For me, the illustrations not only helped to break up the book but added some suspense. I was often excited to see what the illustration for each chapter and how it would tie into the story. The only real drawback I found to the illustrations was that some of the handwriting in the letters were hard to read, but that being said it is not completely necessary to read the letters to understand what is going on in the book they are more companion pieces.
I will say that this book is perfect for a quick read. I generally do not think of mysteries as light reads, but there is something about the flow and style of the writing that made to book feel intriguing and suspenseful while still feeling like a quick/easy read. The plot was quick and engaging, and the pictures really help move the story along and add a lot of dimension to the story. The plot itself is not completely revolutionary by any means. I was able to guess some of the plot twists, but for me, this did not take away from the story.
The book itself is written in a style that both younger and older readers can enjoy. Because of this, I think that this book would be a good introduction to reading for younger individuals. I can see younger readers really enjoying this story not only for the plot but for the quirky illustrations that accompany the book. In total, the presentation of this book was very unique and intriguing and could be suitable for a wide variety of individual
Honestly, I did not expect to like Picture the Dead as much as I did. This, for me, was one of those books that sits on your shelf for years and you just keep telling yourself that you will get to it someday. In my normal reading style, I probably would never have ended up reading it, but recently I have been in a major reading slump and have had to rethink the way I choose what to read. To try and break myself out of said slump, I have been reading books with little commitment on my part. Ie. books that are standalone or duologies, books that are short, and books that seem like easier reads. Because if this I decided to give Picture the Dead a try, and I am very glad I did.
One of the most unusual parts of the book were the illustrations that accompany the text. They are presented in the format of the protagonist's scrapbook. I have seen mixed reviews of the illustration style, but I personally enjoyed it; they were unique and quirky though I will admit they do not really fit the time frame the book was set in. For me, the illustrations not only helped to break up the book but added some suspense. I was often excited to see what the illustration for each chapter and how it would tie into the story. The only real drawback I found to the illustrations was that some of the handwriting in the letters were hard to read, but that being said it is not completely necessary to read the letters to understand what is going on in the book they are more companion pieces.
I will say that this book is perfect for a quick read. I generally do not think of mysteries as light reads, but there is something about the flow and style of the writing that made to book feel intriguing and suspenseful while still feeling like a quick/easy read. The plot was quick and engaging, and the pictures really help move the story along and add a lot of dimension to the story. The plot itself is not completely revolutionary by any means. I was able to guess some of the plot twists, but for me, this did not take away from the story.
The book itself is written in a style that both younger and older readers can enjoy. Because of this, I think that this book would be a good introduction to reading for younger individuals. I can see younger readers really enjoying this story not only for the plot but for the quirky illustrations that accompany the book. In total, the presentation of this book was very unique and intriguing and could be suitable for a wide variety of individual
Picture the dead is a perfect blend of history and the supernatural, and the illustrations add an extra air of depth to the story. The dialog, though antiquated, flows authentically, and you will feel as if you're in the room with Jennie as the story unfolds.
A supernatural mystery set during the Civil War. Jennie has already suffered the deaths of her parents and her twin brother. Her fiancé is away at war. When her future brother-in-law returns home, injured and full of secrets, he delivers a letter from Will’s commander, describing his brave death in battle. But there is more to the story than Quinn is telling. Jennie’s dreams are haunted by Will’s angry ghost and she feels compelled to find out the truth.
2.5*
This is a gothic ghost story without too much emphasis on the ghost part; more like nightmares and foreboding with a hint at the supernatural.
It's an easy read and written well, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting from the description.
This novel also features illustrated segments from the MC's "scrapbook" at the start of every chapter, and "her" handwriting is often hard to read; so, neat idea there, but poor execution.
This is a gothic ghost story without too much emphasis on the ghost part; more like nightmares and foreboding with a hint at the supernatural.
It's an easy read and written well, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting from the description.
This novel also features illustrated segments from the MC's "scrapbook" at the start of every chapter, and "her" handwriting is often hard to read; so, neat idea there, but poor execution.