The Girl Who Would Speak For The Dead

The Girl Who Would Speak For the Dead by Paul Elwork
Pages: 308
Finished: September 2011


From Publisher's Weekly:
Loosely based on true events from the early 20th century, Elwork's first novel poignantly depicts the desperate need of people to believe in life after death. In 1925, at her family's suburban Philadelphia estate, 13-year-old Emily Stewart discovers she can make a loud rapping noise with her ankle. With her sly twin brother, Michael, Emily entertains gullible schoolmates with "knockings" that spirits purportedly make to answer questions about the afterlife. When adults who have suffered the loss of loved ones start consulting her as a spirit medium, her efforts to give them consolation begin to seem increasingly like cruel deceptions. Interweaving Emily's experiences with those of several generations of family and friends devastated by tragic loss, Elwork paints an unforgettable portrait of individuals traumatized by death and unhinged by grief. The subtle and moving portrayal of people in the grip of powerful emotions that overwhelm rational thinking will haunt readers long after they put the book down.

From Me:
This was a very atmospheric & haunting read for me. It was quite perfect for one of my RIP 6 reads.

What I liked most were the supporting characters, each with their own stories we learn of through Emily's visits with them. I liked that Emily truly was trying to help people move through their grief and gain some peace--even in the midst of knowing that what she was doing was wrong. I also enjoyed learning the back story of Emily's ancestors as those stories were weaved throughout the present. Without giving anything away, I just want to say that the ending is just perfect also!

What I liked least about the book was the slowness at the beginning. I might have been put off a bit by this as I started it while laying in bed sick and it might not have been the best book to pick up then--but the good news is that I never considered putting it down for good. After the first 1/3 of the book, the pacing picks up and constantly moves towards the climax and resolution.

I received this from Amy Einhorn for review, and as always I thank her for the opportunity to read her books. The Amy Einhorn imprint is committed to excellence and this is another fine offering.