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A review by nadia
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a great book! The writing and use of varying narrative forms/media was excellent and I appreciated the setting and the themes, especially how art, via theatre and Shakespeare, intertwined with war, politics, and identity. The book started off really strong for me: I was intrigued, immersed, and could feel the tension between the characters. And it does unfold masterfully on the whole.
However, at some point it started to drag a little and I couldn't keep track of all of the characters introduced. This made it hard for me to fully believe or be invested in some of their decisions and actions. To be fair, I was super tired while reading this and also trying to read it super quickly in advanced of the Women's Prize winner announcement. And, although I don't think it necessary, I do wish I had a stronger grasp of the story and characters in Hamlet as that would have enhanced my engagement with the debates and discussions featured in the book.
Current Women's Prize 2024 Fiction Shortlist rankings:
1. Brotherless Night
2. River East, River West
3. Enter Ghost
4. Soldier Sailor
5. Restless Dolly Maunder
Despite being my third ranked book, I see Enter Ghost being a worthy winner of the Women's Prize, more so than River East, River West!
However, at some point it started to drag a little and I couldn't keep track of all of the characters introduced. This made it hard for me to fully believe or be invested in some of their decisions and actions. To be fair, I was super tired while reading this and also trying to read it super quickly in advanced of the Women's Prize winner announcement. And, although I don't think it necessary, I do wish I had a stronger grasp of the story and characters in Hamlet as that would have enhanced my engagement with the debates and discussions featured in the book.
Current Women's Prize 2024 Fiction Shortlist rankings:
1. Brotherless Night
2. River East, River West
3. Enter Ghost
4. Soldier Sailor
5. Restless Dolly Maunder
Despite being my third ranked book, I see Enter Ghost being a worthy winner of the Women's Prize, more so than River East, River West!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War