Reviews

Anyone's Ghost by August Thompson

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jsncnrd's review against another edition

3.0

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.

This one was a letdown, unfortunately. I'm not sure if I read the same book that the 5-star reviewers did? Because it just did not do it for me. Maybe the praise I'd seen for it had me go into the book with unrealistic expectations.

On paper, this book is everything I love -- a gritty story about longing, loss, grief, and pain, guaranteed to make its readers cry. Not only did I not cry, but I was just ready to finish it when Part 3 rolled around.

I really didn't connect with the characters, and when I DID connect with Theron, it was in very brief instances. Jake was not a likeable character. A liar, a cheater, and a manipulator. It was hard to root for Theron and Jake's relationship when they were so toxic for one another and their friendship itself felt unhealthy, unsafe, and so brief that its significance almost seems overinflated. It also commits the sin of "telling" and not "showing" when it comes to their supposed love for one another. It felt like I was supposed to believe they truly loved each other because we were told to.

The book approaches the topic of suicide, but does so in a very cursory manner for a book in which it is supposed to be an important element. Drug use was central to the plot, but the topic of addiction was barely explored. A book with this tone and this plot is an excellent place to do a deeper dive into these topics than it did, and it felt like a missed opportunity.

The prose and writing itself was at times quite lovely and impressive -- but the issue I had was that at other times it felt very contrived and manufactured.

By no means was it a BAD book -- it is a decent story, but the elements and components of it all just did not add up to anything groundbreaking or earth-shattering for me personally.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advance copy of the book in exchange for a review!

heyshannonhall's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I inhaled this and it made me cry so much. Anyone's Ghost is the story of three car crashes and two boys whose paths cross on and off throughout their teen years and early adulthood and how their lives affect each other.

It reminds me a lot of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (but a very adult version, read the content warnings for sure) in the way that it's written—our main character, Theron, is so introspective and wants so bad to belong. Very bisexual-coded coming of age (do I want him or do I want to be him?) and such gorgeous and heartbreaking depictions of grief and longing and shame and masculinity.

What kept it from five stars for me: too many drugs (maybe a personal thing, but there are SO many drugs) and while the prose was beautiful, at times it felt just a little overwritten and unbelievable.

Overall, I really loved it and it really affected me. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Press for the eARC!

Content Warnings

dykereader's review

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

anyone’s ghost [4.5/5]

"we turned our lives into a kind of permanent hang, interrupted only by sleep. and in it we always found new things to talk about, sometimes new intimacies."

good god i INHALED this!! this was described as ‘past lives x swimming in the dark x young mungo x call me by your name’ ,, and it’s so true,, it’s a complete whirlwind of emotions, joy, grief, romance, shame, liberation, all the ingredients u need to make a coming of age story about first love. therons battling with his sexuality and masculinity as he grows up was portrayed in such a real and heart wrenching way,, and i resonated so badly with his internalised shame because it’s such a universal feeling for most queer people who are trying to navigate their feelings. the overall arching themes of grief and love and how they’re inextricably tied together is so powerfully bittersweet,, and this is insanely beautifully for a debut book — cannot wait to read more of thompsons stuff !!

thank u to @picadorbooks for sending me a proof!!

bisexualbookshelf's review

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

2.5

Thank you to Penguin Press for the gifted ARC!

"Anyone's Ghost" by August Thompson presents a narrative that attempts to delve into the intricacies of love, friendship, and masculinity, but falls short of truly resonating with me. While the novel explores some compelling themes, its execution leaves much to be desired.

From the outset, I found the prose to be overly embellished, as if striving for a level of creativity that ultimately feels forced rather than genuine. While there are moments of brilliance scattered throughout, they are few and far between, overshadowed by passages that feel contrived and prototypically male in their approach. The line about “It seems I was determined to break my own heart over nut” was just never going to land with me.

Moreover, the representation of queerness in the novel feels disappointingly one-dimensional. Instead of offering a nuanced exploration of the queer experience, the narrative reduces queerness to sexual behavior, experiences with homophobia, and self-destructive tendencies. As someone who has grappled with queer trauma in my own life, I'm weary of narratives that sensationalize and romanticize these experiences. The world feeds me enough of my own queer trauma, I don’t need to be served up the queer trauma porn soup in books as well.

The pacing of the novel also leaves much to be desired. The slow-burn exposition of the first 30% of the book feels interminable, making it difficult to remain engaged with the story. Even when the narrative does pick up pace, the impact feels muted by the meandering nature of the preceding chapters. Furthermore, the second car crash, a potentially pivotal moment in the story, is glossed over with only a few sentences, leaving little room for exploration or emotional resonance. By the time the novel reaches its climax, with Jake's death occurring a mere 20 pages from the end, there is a distinct sense of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.

I also found it challenging to connect with the characters on a meaningful level. Theron, the protagonist, is portrayed in a way that feels overly familiar, his insecurities and struggles with masculinity bordering on cliché. And while I wanted to empathize with Jake's struggles, his character ultimately falls flat, his behavior veering towards unsympathetic and abusive.

Despite these shortcomings, there are moments of insight to be found in "Anyone's Ghost." Thompson's critique of toxic masculinity is particularly noteworthy, as he highlights the damaging effects of societal expectations on young men like Theron. However, the novel's reliance on women and femininity as a cure for toxic masculinity feels reductive and unoriginal, failing to offer any meaningful solutions to the complex issues at hand.

In conclusion, "Anyone's Ghost" is a novel that promises much but ultimately fails to deliver. While it touches on important themes and offers moments of lyrical beauty, its flaws ultimately outweigh its strengths. August Thompson may be a promising new voice in contemporary literature, but this debut work leaves much room for improvement. This book may resonate more with cisgender queer men who have personal experience with the struggles of toxic masculinity and its intersection with queerphobia and heteronormativity. With where I am at in my life with my bisexuality, my gender identity, and my community building, this one simply did not hit for me.

Content Warnings

megsmithreads's review

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5.0

Beautiful, raw and so sad! An instant favourite

eliciasbookhaven's review

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4.0

Rating: 4.5/5

Character Development:
"Anyone's Ghost" delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, offering readers a profound exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Through the characters of Theron David Alden and Jake, August Thompson crafts a poignant narrative that spans years and distances. Theron's journey from adolescence to adulthood is beautifully portrayed, capturing the nuances of his growth, insecurities, and desires. Jake, with his enigmatic presence and magnetic personality, leaves an indelible mark on Theron's life, shaping his perceptions and challenging his beliefs. The evolution of their relationship is sensitively depicted, offering readers a window into the intricacies of love and longing.

Themes and Exploration:
At its core, "Anyone's Ghost" is a meditation on the fragility of existence and the enduring power of human connection. August Thompson skillfully navigates themes of mortality, identity, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with uncertainties. The novel delves into the complexities of memory and nostalgia, exploring how the past continues to shape and haunt the present. Through Theron and Jake's experiences, the author examines the transformative nature of relationships, highlighting the profound impact that love and loss can have on the human spirit. As the characters grapple with their own vulnerabilities and desires, they confront universal truths about the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and longing.

Plot and Pacing:
"Anyone's Ghost" unfolds with a lyrical cadence, weaving together past and present to create a narrative tapestry that is both poignant and evocative. August Thompson's prose is imbued with a sense of melancholy and yearning, drawing readers into the richly textured world of Theron and Jake. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, allowing moments of introspection and reflection to resonate deeply with the reader. Each scene is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, immersing the reader in the characters' emotional landscapes and innermost thoughts. As the story unfolds, the intricate layers of Theron and Jake's relationship are gradually revealed, culminating in a climax that is both heartrending and cathartic.

Writing Style:
Thompson's writing style is luminous and immersive, infusing the narrative with a sense of lyricism and depth. The author's prose is richly textured, evoking a vivid sense of time and place that transports the reader to the rural landscapes of New Hampshire and the bustling streets of New York City. The dialogue is authentic and nuanced, capturing the complexities of human interaction with grace and sensitivity. Through his evocative descriptions and keen observations, Thompson creates a world that feels palpably real, inviting readers to immerse themselves fully in the lives of his characters.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Anyone's Ghost" is a beautifully crafted novel that resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level. August Thompson's masterful storytelling, rich character development, and evocative prose make this novel a standout in contemporary fiction. Whether exploring themes of love, loss, or the passage of time, Thompson's narrative is infused with a sense of profound humanity and authenticity. "Anyone's Ghost" is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the depths of the human experience, offering readers a poignant and unforgettable journey through the landscapes of memory, desire, and longing.

emilycmarshman's review

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challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Anyone’s Ghost is August Thomson’s debut novel, a coming of age story about grief, surviving, first love, and coming to terms with who you are. It closely follows Theron David Alden, our protagonist and narrator, who spends the school year with his mom in Los Angeles and summers with his dad in the small town in New Hampshire where he grew up. It’s there that he meets Jackson Siegel – Jake – over the summer that he turns sixteen, the summer that changes him forever.

Readers go into this novel knowing Jake and Theron will be involved in three car accidents – the first two they survive together, and the third takes Jake’s life, fifteen-hundred miles away from Theron, nearly a decade after the two of them speak, really speak, for the last time. So it’s not his death that shakes us, takes us by surprise, but the slow, tender way that their relationship develops over that single, fateful summer, in between shifts at the town’s lone hardware store and drunken evenings spent parked at the local Walmart, Metallica and Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie soundtracking their lives. The way it shifts into something less corporeal, something solid, during a blackout in Manhattan. It’s difficult not to preemptively trace the path of their involvement in one another’s lives – though it’s predictable, it doesn’t bore. I sat up and read the second of this book over the course of four hours, cried my way through the final part, laid awake at 1:30 in the morning, unsure of how I was supposed to just…go to sleep after all of that.

To say that this book was good would be an understatement. It’s more like it completely rearranged me. Its reflections on love, on power imbalances, on grieving what you still have, on hesitancy to act for fear you’ll lose it all – all of it was so, so powerful. Theron’s internal strife, his inability in his youth to come to terms with what he feels for Jake, only later in life able to call it what it really is. It’s all what makes Anyone’s Ghost beautiful.

In the acknowledgements, Thomson thanks Metallica, The National (from whom I believe he nabbed the book’s title), Kacey Musgraces, even “Call Me By Your Name” director Luca Guadagnino, but it was the mention of Charlotte Wells, who wrote and directed the 2022 film “Aftersun,” that stopped me in my tracks and led me down (yet another) “Aftersun” rabbit hole. I know this book had to have been written before the film came out, but it’s not a stretch, I think, to be able to draw a connection – the protagonists of each living on borrowed time with their loved ones without really knowing it. I stumbled across an interview between the filmmaker, The xx’s Romy Madley Croft, and Document writer Megan Hullander, in which she writes that, for Wells, “joy and grief are inextricable,” and I think the same can be said for August Thomson. Many times throughout the novel, Theron ruminates on something similar, a string that ties it all together, that you can’t lose without having loved, that you can’t love without the promise of losing.

This also led me to a lot of listening while I was writing this review – to Metallica’s “Orion,” and to The National’s album High Violet, in particular. Almost every song on that album was a punch to the chest when I thought about it in connection with this book and its characters. From “Anyone’s Ghost”: “Didn’t wanna be your ghost / Didn’t wanna be anyone’s ghost / But I don’t want anybody else.”

Jonathan Safran Foer said this book will make you cry – and he was right. It’s impossible not to feel the emotion seeping out of these pages. The intimacy between the characters becomes an intimacy between author and reader. Their joy, rage, sorrow, wildness, all of it becomes ours. Anyone’s Ghost will haunt me for a long time to come. It’s out in July, and though I’ve recently become more and more hesitant to recommend books – I know we all have limited time, energy, and resources to devote to books we might not like, but fuck it. This book was so incredible, and I see it releasing in the summer to triumphant praise. It’s extraordinary, exactly as the summary of the book says. I’ve never read anything that made me feel quite like I did when I read this.

Content Warnings