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

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.

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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.