I am currently giving this novel a 4 out of 5 stars only because I haven't finished it yet. And I am enjoying reading it so much that I get sulky and put-upon when I have to stop. Will record a full review laterUPDATED:
I will begin this review by stating that I have read Lissa Bryan previous to her debut novel, Ghostwriter. Ms. Bryan has her roots in Twilight fan fiction, and while some readers may arch their eyebrows at that admission, I would like to respectfully remind them of the meteoric success of another fan fiction series, the much touted Fifty Shades trilogy. So having started in that realm should not automatically convey disdain.
However, I am not saying Lissa Bryan is the same calibre of author as E. L. James. Far from it.
Bryan is vastly superior.
*** *** ***
When I read Bryan's work in fan fiction, I was struck by her mastery of story-telling craft. I remember vividly thinking that if she would change the names of the characters and replace them with non-branded Twilight names, I would still be as hooked as I was when I first ventured into her imaginary world. Then I read another of her stories. And another.
Names notwithstanding, her plots were original. Fresh. After having read so very much fiction throughout my life, very little catches me by surprise. Many climax twists are either obvious from the outset or worse, deus ex machina that insults the reader's intelligence. I was delighted beyond words to be caught out, as it were, when enjoying her works.
With this background, I was keenly interested in reading Bryan's "original" work beyond the fan fiction genre. When the opportunity arose to obtain an ARC (Advance Reader's Copy), I jumped on it.
Ghostwriter is a wonderful read. I have always been more interested in the quality of the story instead of the presentation, so I was delighted to catch throw-away references to classical myth as well as classic literature. At first, I was curious how she would somehow link Greek gods with a very modern world. Then I was thrilled to see how it was a trope for the story in itself: how to live in the world when your culture has passed you by...how hubris can present itself to modern man in the same guises as it did to Aeneas, or Odysseus. How can the faults and sins of past generations still resonate and affect descendants decades later?
I did not see the ending that was wrapped up and gifted to the reader. As I continued reading, I found myself asking questions: how could the relationship between a modern woman with a man from another era possibly end well? I had a few ideas that kept presenting itself as the plot unfolded, and not one of my guesses proved correct. (I am grateful for this as her ending was way superior to my cliched imaginings.)
If you are looking for a novel that will charm and entertain you, I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
Thank you for reading.
What a charming, exciting review on your book. I so totally agree with the reviewer, Lissa.
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