Sandi Tan wrote The Black Isle,

in the traditional way. She has written other books too.

This is my copy of The Black Isle.

I have read The Lurkers, which is written in the modern style. There are many interesting characters. One is a teen, young woman, who runs away from her family home. It is a mystery how she survives on her own. Periodically, she appears at the window of a man living the neighborhood. Then she disappears, as if to tease him with her appearances.

The Black Isle is essentially a long ghost story. The narrator has the gift, or ability, to see ghosts. She was a young child when she and her twin brother accompanied their father on board a ship for a long journey to a new country. Their dad lost his job and had to travel overseas for a new job. He took his two oldest children to reduce the burden of childcare, on his wife.

The narrator has some adventures on board the ship. When they reached shore, her story continues with her seeing more ghosts.

How does the author explain Ling’s ability to see ghosts? It is a common myth that some people are born with that special ability. Even Stephen King has used that myth in his book, The Shining. Characters who possess the Shine, are able to see special events, hear and feel beyond the physical abilities.

Rating for book: Good.

This book is good for readers who like ghost stories, and believe that certain people have the ability to see ghosts.

Other books with similar stories:

Shirley Jackson’s book The Haunting of Hill House, also propagates a similar myth. A female character sees, hears and feels the presence of ghosts. I have already mentioned The Shining by Stephen King.

Amazon sells this: https://amzn.to/4tKwiRw

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