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dembury's review
5.0
In the space of two novelettes I’ve become downright hooked on G.V. Anderson’s writing! “Hearts in the Hard Ground” is a story about ghosts and haunting, but not so much the creepy Halloween ones. This is more the haunting that happens after the loss of a loved one, the ghosts left behind, and ways to move on and full empty spaces with new life. Anderson captures grief and guilt so sharply, and with prose that borders on spoken poetry. Each and every word adds another layer of depth, creating a story that feels much longer than it actually is. I’ve never read anything quite like this, which I think is partially why I was surprised I liked it so much, but definitely want to read more in the future!
jahanley's review
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
mickeyzbookz's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
tulilipz's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
annagy's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
It was too short to really make much impact on me. It was like a suggestion of a lot of interesting themes that you will never get to explore.
The story of MC's mother's slow decline into infirmity and her daughter grappling with helplessness, anger, lack of patience, regret, were all just primed to stab me in the heart (due to my own family history). And yet, a slight twinge of discomfort was all I got.
The MC's comment about dating a guy because it was "familiar" also hinted at some interesting exploration to be had, and yet she then dates a woman like it's nothing.
I would have liked the dialogue to be an actual dialogue too, instead of a recount of what was said.
I'm starting to realize that I'm neither a novella girlie nor a gothic horror girlie.
The cover is 🔥 tho.
The story of MC's mother's slow decline into infirmity and her daughter grappling with helplessness, anger, lack of patience, regret, were all just primed to stab me in the heart (due to my own family history). And yet, a slight twinge of discomfort was all I got.
The MC's comment about dating a guy because it was "familiar" also hinted at some interesting exploration to be had, and yet she then dates a woman like it's nothing.
I would have liked the dialogue to be an actual dialogue too, instead of a recount of what was said.
I'm starting to realize that I'm neither a novella girlie nor a gothic horror girlie.
The cover is 🔥 tho.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
gdenav's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
booksdearest's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
tani's review
4.0
After her mother's death, Fiona buys a house. It's haunted, but since she is as well, that kind of makes poetic sense. This is a lot about dealing with grief and moving on with your life, and is kind of delightfully domestic, despite being a ghost story. Capped by a lovely f/f romance, I greatly enjoyed this story, and I'll be on the lookout for more by G.V. Anderson in the future.