(Pram #1)
by Lauren DeStefano
September 1, 2015
240 pages
Goodreads Summary:
Pram Bellamy is special—she can talk to ghosts. She doesn’t have too many friends amongst the living, but that’s all right. She has her books, she has her aunts, and she has her best friend, the ghostly Felix.
Then Pram meets Clarence, a boy from school who has also lost a parent and is looking for answers. Together they arrive at the door of the mysterious Lady Savant, who promises to help. But this spiritualist knows the true nature of Pram’s power, and what she has planned is more terrifying than any ghost.
Lauren DeStefano is beloved by critics and readers alike, and her middle grade debut is lyrical, evocative and not to be missed.
Then Pram meets Clarence, a boy from school who has also lost a parent and is looking for answers. Together they arrive at the door of the mysterious Lady Savant, who promises to help. But this spiritualist knows the true nature of Pram’s power, and what she has planned is more terrifying than any ghost.
Lauren DeStefano is beloved by critics and readers alike, and her middle grade debut is lyrical, evocative and not to be missed.
Review
I don't normally read middle grade but I won an ARC copy and both the title and the cover of A Curious Tale of the In-Between drew me in so I read it. I made the right decision. The story was intriguing and the characters were fabulous.
Pram is an extraordinary girl in every sense. Yes that means she can see ghosts. Growing up she has learned it's not a normal ability so she keeps it to herself. I love how pure her heart is. She's only 11 years old but she's already always thinking of others. Her aunts are uncomfortable when she talks about ghosts so she keeps it to a minimum. When her new friend wanted to look for his mother's spirit she helps him. Pram is a sweet girl that is kind and courageous.
Felix and Clarence both cared deeply for Pram. Both boys protected her in their own way. Being a ghost did not stop Felix at all. He is a very comical ghost. Clarence was ever the very well-mannered gentleman (gentleboy?). He was genuine in every way. Pram's very lucky to have these two by her side.
I wasn't expecting the book to have such a dark side but I had shivers learning the terrible truth behind Lady Savant's actions. I wouldn't say she was all bad though. If not for her, Pram wouldn't have come to understand she's not strange at all, she's special.
The style and tone of A Curious Tale of the In-Between was creepily fantastic. I'm excited to dive deeper into Pram's ability and see where it will lead her. On a side note, I follow Lauren DeStefano on Twitter and she is just such a joy and super fun to be around. Definitely go follow her!
*I won an ARC of this book from a giveaway. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.
OOH I haven't heard of this but it looks really good! Great review! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was creepy yet fascinating ;)
DeleteI don't read a lot of MG either but so far, the ones I have, have been pretty good. Glad this worked so well for you!
ReplyDeleteThen I really hope you give this one a try :D
Deletespooky.. especially the cover. Although I wouldn't really want that power
ReplyDeleteIt's really the perfect cover for the book! If you read it, you'll know why ;)
DeleteI don't read so much MG books. they just don't seem to be my type of read. But I do try them every once in a while and this one just might be one of those books I'll try. I also follow Lauren DeStefano on twitter and she's load of fun! :D
ReplyDeleteczai @ the Blacksheep Project
Right?!? She's so fun haha~ You should definitely try this one! It might surprise you ;)
DeleteI kept waiting for this book to show up on Edelweiss because I have loved all one of her books other books, but it never did. I thought it was odd because both of her first two Internment Chronicles books where on EW. I almost got brave enough to request it from the publisher, but I chickened out. Ha! So far everyone I know has liked it. I think I will wait until and get it from the library. Thanks for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteI really hope you'll love it La! Pram is such an interesting girl you don't want to miss out! I'll stay tuned to read it review. Hopefully your library gets it asap :D
DeleteI loved this one, too! Great review!
ReplyDeleteMichelle @ Michelle's Minions
Woot thank you :)
DeleteI so agree with you review of this one! It's creepy and fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYay!! I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Pram and Clarence :)
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