About this item
Highlights
- When Grace Wellbeck thinks she sees the ghost of her first husband, she fears for her sanity and worries that she's having another breakdown.
- About the Author: Jonathan Kemp teaches creative writing, literature, and queer theory at Birkbeck, University of London.
- 224 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Ghost
Description
About the Book
Drawing on a brilliant literary tradition of madness, incarceration and escape, Jonathan Kemp delivers a Mrs Dalloway for the modern age - and the triumphant coming-of-age of a woman in her sixties.Book Synopsis
When Grace Wellbeck thinks she sees the ghost of her first husband, she fears for her sanity and worries that she's having another breakdown. Long-buried memories come back thick and fast: from the fairground thrills of 1950s Blackpool to the dark reality of a violent marriage. But the ghost turns out to be very real: a charismatic young man named Luke. And as Grace gets to know him she is jolted into an emotional awakening that brings her to a momentous decision. Jonathan Kemp is also the author of London Triptych (Myriad, 2010) and Twentysix (Myriad, 2011).Review Quotes
'A terrific read -- quick-paced, sure-voiced and nicely poised between light and dark. Love it!' - Joanne Harris
'Jonathan Kemp's writing is a rare combination of insight, compassion and brilliant craft. There is beauty to be found on every single page.' - Kerry Hudson
'Some stories are told to enlighten us... Kemp's story is one such, urging us to recognise the pain we carry with us and to set it free.' - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
'Beautifully written and insightful... an evocative and compulsive read [with] deft touches of humour as well as searing insight into the human psyche. Kemp really is an exceptionally talented writer.' - The Gay UK
'A convincing and poignant account of the reason underlying madness, as well as an inspiring portrait of an older woman reclaiming her life.' - Annethology
'Reading Ghosting is a heart-breaking yet uplifting experience. The writing is brimming with tenderness, insight and compassion.' - Pamreader
'A short, but absolutely stunning novel. Jonathan Kemp has created a story that is both haunting and beautiful... A novel to savour, an author to admire.' - Anne Cater
'Grace is an incredibly vivid character - drawn well and with truth... [she] goes on a journey ... thanks to the wonderful, skilful and tender writing of Jonathan Kemp, it is a complete pleasure for the reader to accompany her.' - The Bookbag
'Weaves an enchanted fabric of text that approaches the difficult subjects of loss and regret with a tenderness that is instantly recognisable.' - Around the World in 80 Gays
'A sharp and pace-y read... With characters expertly drawn and real to a tee, Ghosting is an emotional ride through the decades to a present where direction and certainty are rare... a definite success.' - Hackney Citizen
'An extraordinary story and captures absolutely brilliantly the thoughts and feelings of a middle-aged woman... the light and the shade in this book is finely balanced and it is a riveting read.' - Brighton and Hove Independent
'Beautifully crafted and finely tuned... Kemp focuses on the intricacies of human interaction with complete dedication and conviction whilst maintaining the familiar and steady backdrop of London. [For] fans of Virginia Woolf and Armistead Maupin.' - 200word review
'A very satisfying, personal read and should give reading groups plenty to discuss.' - newbooks
About the Author
Jonathan Kemp teaches creative writing, literature, and queer theory at Birkbeck, University of London. He also DJs. He is the author of London Triptych, which was shortlisted for the inaugural Green Carnation Prize and won the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award, and Twentysix.