Ghost Novel Review: The Séance
The Séance by John Harwood
I decided to participate in a reading challenge run by Laura at Laura’s Reviews—my second ever! (The first was R.I.P. at Stainless Steel Droppings.) I recommend reading challenges to all you avid readers and writers out there. Anyhow, Laura’s challenge is Victorian related novels and movies, as in the setting takes place or the author lived between 1837 and 1901. Check it out here.
Of course, me being me (or is it I being I?), I had to add in the ghost element. I’ve already reviewed most of the Victorian ghost novels I know: James’ Turn of the Screw, Morrison’s Beloved, Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost.
Virginie from Laura’s site recommended Harwood’s The Séance, so that is what I read.
The Séance by John Harwood; Mariner Books, 328 pages
The Séance features multiple narrators, but key among them is Constance Langton. Even as a child, Constance never felt she belonged. Now, orphaned, she bears the dubious distinction of inheriting a decrepit mansion with a sordid past. Disregarding prudent advice, Constance explores Wraxford Hall and reads the journal of its previous occupant Eleanor Unwin in hopes of unlocking the mysteries of her past. Throw in revolving cabinets, gloomy weather and ill-advised séances, and you have the makings of a fine Gothic novel.
As I read this book, I thought about Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White. Both novels portray vulnerable brides and ghostly intercessions. What I like about The Séance compared to The Woman in White, is that Harwood brings a modern sensibility to his Victorian women. Harwood’s plucky Eleanor Unwin takes action, both mental and physical—unlike Collins’ Laura Fairlie who must await rescue, winsome soul that she is.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking I’ve forgotten Jane Eyre—she who bravely defends her interests and honor against more than one man who would dominate her. But a woman wrote Jane Eyre; therein lies the difference.
It makes you wonder how a 22nd century male writer will depict a 21st century woman. Will he endow her with the no-nonsense, lethal hands on hips, CSI investigator savoir-faire we’ve come to expect? Or is this archetype, too, as ethereal a projection as the Victorian ghost in a table thumping séance?
2 thoughts on “Ghost Novel Review: The Séance”
I read another book by John Harwood, The Ghost Writer, last year and loved it, so I’ll look out for this one too. I’m intrigued by your comparison to The Woman in White, which is one of my favourite Victorian novels.
Hi Helen,
I’ve heard that The Ghost Writer is just as good or better than The Seance, and it’s definitely on my tbr list. By the way, I’m on the lookout for more Victorian ghost novels if you know of some I have not yet reviewed. I just found out about the Haunted House by Charles Dickens, so I’ll be checking out that one too.