Book Review: The Canterville Ghost

Book Name: The Canterville Ghost
Author: Oscar Wilde
Publication: Serialized in The Court and Society Review
Genre: Classic Fiction

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde is a classic ghost story that will make readers laugh instead of frightening them. From the ghost’s experiences to the kids’ notorious feats to trouble the ghost, this short read will keep readers engaged.

Review

The story follows the Otis family as they buy Canterville Chase even when everyone warns them about the existing ghost in the mansion. What starts as a mere purchase leads to a series of events happening here and there in the family that keep troubling Mr. and Mrs. Otis. The family is still not convinced or afraid of the ghost, as when the centuries-old bloodstain is spotted, it is at once cleared with Pinkerton’s Champion Stain Remover. There are more such scenes where the Otis family tries to consider the ghost as another person and keeps providing him with things like lubricants to repair his chains. The twins keep playing with the ghost, hitting him with pea shooters, and so on.

The characters are funny, emotionally driven, notorious, understanding, sympathetic, and rude at times when the ghostly appearance causes trouble. As a whole, readers would relate to different characters in different manners. For instance, the twins will remind readers of their childhood mischievous activities. Mr. Otis’s daughter represents a girl with a golden heart who always tries to understand other people even when they cause trouble for her. She puts others before herself. The ghost is a mere being who only wanted to get rid of the trapped life, and that was only possible if a kind soul followed the prophecy that was mentioned in the library window:

“When a golden girl can win
Prayer from out of lips of sin,
When the barren almond nears,
And a little child gives away its tears,
Then shall all the house be still
And peace comes to Canterville.”

The ghost’s perseverance and determination to frighten the family will teach readers to stay on their journey even if they fail miserably, because they will definitely win one day, just like the ghost was freed from his trapped life.

The author’s writing style is simple and engaging. The visual impact in the writing makes it more realistic. Readers would feel the scenes before their eyes. The use of apt illustrations here and there makes it easier to imagine the scenes and the characters. The plot line is humorous and light-hearted and allows readers to feel the emotions of the ghost at times and empathise with the vulnerabilities and troubles he has been through in his journey. Readers would want more of the adventures of the ghost and the twins after reading this book, as those scenes will not only make them laugh but also remind them of the carefree nature of a child.

If you are someone who is looking for a quick and humorous read, you cannot miss reading this book.

Buy From Here: The Canterville Ghost