A review by clarabooksit
Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland

dark emotional mysterious 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? No

4.5

Well crafted from beginning to end, this is a thoughtful, satisfying read. And Ophie is such a fantastic character: a thinker whose determination carries her through grief, surprise and confusion. She’s curious, observant, lonely, loves to read, and is a little resentful but never unkind.

I also loved how Ireland built the world around Ophie, using relationships, places, and movement. A silent mother, bullies for cousins, cookies and gossip from cook, the motions of going up and down stairs, a dusty attic, salt and iron in her pocket, the side of town that makes Ophie feel safe—it’s so good! Likewise, history gives this story so much nuance and presence, especially amongst the ghosts who embody it.

This is a great book with a fantastic lead, an intriguing mystery, and impeccable world-building. I listened to the audiobook, which is read by Bahni Turpin, and I loved it.
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