Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story by Kate Summerscale

2 reviews

fdallachy's review

informative mysterious sad medium-paced

3.5

I found this a good book and quite a quick read. It strength is in recounting the story of Nandor Fodor's investigation of Alma Fielding, rather than any analysis. I would have liked some more background on the different people involved and on paranormal research of the time - both of which mostly only get light-touch summaries - as without this the actual events of the story become a little repetitive. It tells the story well and clearly, with compassion for its protagonists, and has a balanced approach to a subject in which writing is all too often marred by gullibility on the one hand or scorn on the other. Good and interesting.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, and Domestic abuse

About halfway through the book turns to consider possible sources of psychological distress that could result in longlasting trauma. Although these are only lightly explored, they still allude to some very distressing subjects.

rb26's review

challenging informative mysterious slow-paced

4.0

Some really fascinating insights into the reliance on ghosts in the early/mid 20th century and the links between the supernatural and repressed trauma. I do wish that I hadn’t listened to it on audiobook, because it meant I couldn’t keep up with the details.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Grief, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Child death, Death, and Animal death

Moderate: Rape