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A review by valentinaburbank
Hazardous Spirits by Anbara Salam
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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
3.5
This book was a slow paced, atmospheric story that just unfolded onto the page. There was a lot to like here in the story, but I found most of the characters challenging to like. I cared about them but couldn’t quite like them. There are some creepy moments but no real scares (which is a type of ghost story I enjoy because it feels more real). The descriptions of the parties and the fast set the main characters end up running with are well done. You feel a part of the action, as if you were drinking champagne and trying to laugh in a knowing, brittle way at jokes you aren’t sophisticated enough to get. The back and forth, belief/disbelief is interesting and the grief is moving.
It is a detailed look at Spiritualism, which is always a favorite subject of mine. The author shows how people will twist themselves into knots to see and hear what they want to hear. But like many readings from mediums there are details that cannot be guessed or faked. Robert seems so genuine. You asthe reader are basically right therewith Evie trying to decide what you think is happening.
The set up for the ending was a lovely piece of writing. It just drops on you and as you realize what it means, your mouth falls open. But the actual ending left me frustrated. A few more pages. A chapter maybe. I wanted some resolution. Still, I could have appreciated just not knowing the truth if it was skillfully handled. I can enjoy a well written ambiguous ending, but not one set up as a cliff hanger with no follow through.
It is a detailed look at Spiritualism, which is always a favorite subject of mine. The author shows how people will twist themselves into knots to see and hear what they want to hear. But like many readings from mediums there are details that cannot be guessed or faked. Robert seems so genuine. You asthe reader are basically right therewith Evie trying to decide what you think is happening.
The set up for the ending was a lovely piece of writing. It just drops on you and as you realize what it means, your mouth falls open. But the actual ending left me frustrated. A few more pages. A chapter maybe. I wanted some resolution. Still, I could have appreciated just not knowing the truth if it was skillfully handled. I can enjoy a well written ambiguous ending, but not one set up as a cliff hanger with no follow through.