Thursday, January 31, 2008

White Ghost Girls

This month the library's evening book discussion group read White Ghost Girls by Alice Greenway. The story takes place in Hong Kong during the summer of 1967. Two young American sisters, Frankie and Kate, are living in Hong Kong while their father is photographing the Vietnam War. Ignored by their mother, who is more concerned with creating an illusion of serenity, the girls spend the summer swimming and exploring. On a trip to the marketplace, the girls escape the watchful eye of their amah and are involved in an incident that changes their lives and their relationship with each other. Frankie becomes more and more reckless and her desperation to win her father's attention leads to a tragic event.

Greenway creates an exotic setting with lush descriptions of Hong Kong. Frankie and Kate are well-developed characters and their relationship with each other, as well as with their parents provide much to discuss. This was a great read and made for a great discussion!

1 comment:

Kylee S. said...

This sounds like a very interesting book. Thanks for the review.