Tea and Sympathy and Ghosts

Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book sounded pretty good, and it ended up being awesome.

I already liked Mary Robinette Kowal's Glamourist Histories (though I have only read the first two so far) and I was happy to get this novel at a convention and get it signed by the author. However, I'm not super interested in the WWI period of history. Or so I thought. I put it aside, and passed over it a bunch of times.

Finally picked up the book. Loved the main character, the set-up, the conflict, the mystery--whole thing. Yes, even the setting. It was a pleasure to read, with steady action, intriguing twists, lots of conflict, and many wonderful "British novel" touches all the way through. (My term--and I will not define it, because I can't.) The author did a terrific job of making WWI France a true fantasy setting that did not feel too real-world (the greatest sin of fantasy) nor too unreal (the second greatest). It really worked.

Not much good being a convert if there's only one book in the series. (Can you call it a series if it's a standalone? I guess it's okay if you imagine all the nonexistent but potential books to come, like zeroes after the decimal point.) I'm pretty sure no more are planned, but I would be in line to get the next one if the author changed her mind!

A note on characterization: Ginger is, IMO, a wonderful example of the "strong woman" protagonist who doesn't have to literally be strong (although there's nothing wrong with that). She confronts her challenges with intelligence, courage, determination, and the assistance of friends and allies, and keeps on when it gets difficult even though she is physically typical and not a badass fighter. (She has skills that count, of course, but no magic bullets.) The interaction of abilities and vulnerabilities is part of what makes the novel so entertaining.

In her own way, Mrs. Richardson, with her knitting and no-nonsense courage, is another example. Nicely done. Taking notes. :)

Recommended if you like fun things.

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