Title: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
Author: R. A. Dick
Genre:
Fiction, Romance, Ghost Story
About the book…
After the death
of her husband, Lucy Muir come to the realization that it’s time to escape her oppressive
in-laws and live a life of her own where she can raise her children to her
liking. Despite her debt she is determined to have her own home in Whitecliff
even it is reputed to be haunted. Little does she know, though, the former house
owner’s ghost, Captain Daniel Gregg, will bring just the change to her life that
she needs as he prompts her to write a book for him, proves to be a voice of
reason, and a friend to the very end.
Published in 1945 by Josephine Aimee
Campbell Leslie, under the name R.A. Dick, this book was made into a movie in 1947
starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison.
What I think…
This book
doesn’t stand out for brilliant writing or for being absolutely riveting, but
it does stand out for its charm and the lovely story it holds within its covers.
While I tend to favor books with more complexity, I didn’t mind that this
book has such a simple and somewhat predictable plot (although it was probably more predictable because I’d already seen the movie). I also enjoyed that it
wasn’t your traditional ghost story, but a rather sweet one that didn’t go
overboard in the comedic area either.
The delicate humor infused in the
relationship between Captain Gregg and Lucy, or as Gregg calls her, Lucia, is delightful
from the start. Lucy is so determined not to let anyone push her about that her
protests in combination with his brusque and impatient ghostly sea captain manner
make for some rather amusing situations when it comes to redecorating the house
and getting his book published. These humorous moments, however, also made
moments, such as when Lucy finds herself in a dubious romance, all the more heart
wrenching.
As with a good many of the other books I’ve reviewed, this book
is of a slower pace. In this case I felt that it was particularly well suited
based on the simplicity of the story and my only disappointment was that it
eventually had to come to an end.
To sum it all up…
If you’re a
fan of the movie or just looking for a lightweight ghost story that doesn’t
fall into the category of horror or suspense, then this might be the perfect
book for you! ♥
Like you, I prefer more complexity with enough twists and turns that I can't predict the end. I don't really go for ghost stories in novels, but I don't mind watching them depicted on television or film. I hadn't heard of either one: movie or book.
ReplyDeleteThe more I thought about it after writing this, I really do think the predictability came from me seeing the movie a few years ago, since I don't remember feeling that way at all when I watched it. I'd highly recommend the movie, Rex Harrison was perfectly cast for the ghost and Gene Tierney made a wonderful Lucy.
DeleteHow have I not read this or (best I can recall) seen the movie version yet? It's nuts! I must remedy that this year on at least one of the two fronts. Perhaps come October, given the ghostly nature of them both! :)
ReplyDeleteBig hugs & many happy wishes for the coming week,
♥ Jessica
When you do you won't be disappointed!
Delete