This novel is categorized as ‘supernatural’ or ‘magical realism’, though it depicts a reality many of us know too well.

This book is based in Northern Ireland 1990’s during the troubles, a time when the conflict and events were already surreal enough nevermind adding ghosts and supernatural elements to the tale.

But Carson is very clever as she writes from a child’s point of view which depicts the innocence and helplessness of the youth, emphasizing the absurdity of fundamentalist religions.

The main character, Hannah, is raised in a house where her family’s sole identity is ‘Protestant’, though she is still learning to understand the whole concept and struggles to grasp differences with other religious communities. Hannah helps us see her strict one-sided world through the lens of a child.

Things take a greater turn when kids in Hannah’s class start dying one by one due to supernatural causes nobody has an answer to. For once, there is no one to point a finger at with blame and no answers. This ignites Hannah to question her faith and destiny, especially when the ghosts of her classmates come back to haunt her. Why is Hannah the only one who can see them? And why are these kids dying?

The community are heartbroken, some doubting their religion altogether, others resorting more strongly to it. Carson captures the tragic heartbreak of young kids dying.

I loved how real the characters felt in this book and the use of internal narration to depict the differences between what everyone is thinking vs what everyone is saying.

After attending a Q&A session with Carson at a literary event this summer, I immediately bought this book. Mainly because I grew up apart of a catholic community in the north and was curious to read a text written from the viewpoint of a liberal woman who was raised in a fundamentalist Protestant community. And what was most powerful was using innocent children to display how these beliefs aren’t something we are born with and often are based on communal identity rather than personal morals.

I highly suggest reading this novel for all ages. The use of supernatural elements is so subtle yet so powerful in dealing with such a tragically heartbreaking and sensitive time.