On 2009-01-29 Dr. J. Shoaf, wrote: I just finished off a binge-reading/rereading of Alison Lurie´s novels and Women and Ghosts was the cherry on top. For one thing, back in 1969´s Real People the ´sensitive lady novelist´ Janet Belle Smith was planning to write ghost stories, in particular the very story that turns up here as ´Fat People.´ Lurie´s novels usually pay such fine attention to detail that the macabre elements are not so noticeable, but here she gets to turn her sorceress impulses loose. The stories are not so much thrillers--what happens seems almost inevitable in most of them--but very funny and wise.
These stories also allow us to catch up with characters from the novels. Who would have thought that Janet Smith´s eldest son would marry that child of LA beatniks, Astarte Tyler, from The Nowhere City. Or that bratty Charley Fenn, 6 years old in Love and Friendshio, would someday find happiness with solemn Silly Zimmern, 9 years old in War Between the Tates?
So I would give this 5 stars for a Lurie afficionado, but maybe fewer for someone who is looking for a simple thrill.. And summed up by saying Ghosts of Lurie´s novels. Currently Women and Ghosts has an overall rating of 6 over 10.
Women and Ghosts can also be found in the following searches:
Thorndike Pr claimed Ghostly hauntings, both literal and metaphorical, are the subject of this delightful Halloween treat by one of America´s wittiest and most literate novelists. An irresistible blend of realism, satire and fantasy, each story is delightfully spooky and satisfying.
Item that are similar to Women and Ghosts can be found at: