Review: A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

Synopsis:

In the class of the high school English teacher she has been haunting, Helen feels them: For the first time in 130 years human eyes are looking at her. They belong to a boy, a boy who has not seemed remarkable until now. And Helen - terrified - but intrigued - is drawn to him. The fact that he is is in a body and she is not presents this unlikely couple with their first challenge. But as  the lovers struggle to find a way to come together, they begin to discover the secrets of their former lives and of the young people they come to possess.





Review:
The synopsis taken from the back of the book does not exactly sum up this book at all.

Written in 1st person narrative from the point of view of Helen (a ghost) it is utterly captivating and heart warming. Superbly written I found I was drawn right into the lives of all the characters. I felt what Helen felt, the passionate tension, all consuming passion, happiness and sadness, the writing was that powerful. The interaction was amazing, especially between those characters that would under normal circumstances not socialize.

Wonderful literary references abound making my quest for knowledge via osmosis a viable possibility within my imagination. Large quotes from one of my all time favourite books, Jane Eyre, made me extremely happy and added another element to the story.

The slow revelation of the past entwined with the occurrences of the present, and the life's of the hosts was inspired. It made me think that redemption does not only occur at death but can be as simple as learning to forgive and accept yourself for who you are.

I will confess I sobbed my heart out at the end of this book, much to J's disgust as I woke him up :)
I highly recommend this book, not just as a paranormal romance but as a beautiful piece of prose. I can't believe this was a debut novel, if anyone wants to send me Laura Whitcomb's other book The Fetch I wouldn't say no :)