Book Review: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R.A. Dick

“Can one be really happy at some one else’s expense?”

R.A. Dick, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

Review:

This book has casually been on my radar for several years. One of my best friends loves the old television series based on it and has spoken fondly of it. I haven’t gotten around to the series, but I figured I’d go ahead and pick up the book.

Young widow Lucy Muir moves into an isolated, questionably haunted, seaside cottage. When the rumors of a ghost prove to be true, Lucy is not deterred, despite the late Captain Gregg’s efforts. Over time, the unlikely pair grow closer, leading to Lucy writing Captain Gregg’s memoirs, allowing her to no longer rely on others for support.

Lucy goes about her life, maintaining her unusual friendship with Captain Gregg. But given his constraints to the afterlife, she eventually finds love with another man. Captain Gregg doesn’t trust Miles, which Lucy takes as mere jealousy. 

I was surprised by how short this book is. I felt like I didn’t have enough time to get attached to the characters, even though I felt drawn to them and was interested in the plot/dynamic. I want to watch both the movie and the television series now to compare the three. I can see how a movie adaptation worked well, but I feel like more creative liberty would need to be taken to stretch it out. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Witty dialogue.
• Focuses on an emotional connection.

What I didn’t like:

• Super short, keeping a lot of the story on the surface and not allowing much depth.

Afterthoughts:

I’m looking forward to doing a comparison!

Where to buy the book: