The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts

The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts is a debut novel that explores the power of stories and the impact of erasing them. It follows the lives of Zora and Sasha Porter, who are teenagers living in Brooklyn with their Caribbean parents. Their parents' tumultuous relationship has fallen apart, their mother is ill, and their father is living with another woman. The Anansi Stories, which captivated them as children, begin to creep into the present, revealing truths about the Porter family's past. The novel is a celebration of the power of stories and asks what happens when ours are erased. It was named a Today Show Most Anticipated Book of 2023, an Electric Literature Recommendation for 2023, and a Goodreads Buzziest Debut of 2023.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Sometimes characters are so lively and entertaining, you don't want to say goodbye to them. A stunning feat of storytelling in itself, Suzy Feay's The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts transports readers to the enchanting world of Brooklyn, where Zora and Sasha Porter's childhood days were filled with stories from the Caribbean islands. From the mischievous spider Anansi, who is both seductive and vengeful, to the flame-breathing Rolling Calf who haunts butchers, and the ocean-dwelling Mama Dglo, said to be half snake, half human, these tales captivated their imagination. However, as they grow into teenagers, life at home becomes unbearable. Their parents' tumultuous relationship falls apart, their mother Beatrice is desperately ill, and their father Nigel is living with another woman. While Zora escapes into her journal, dreaming of becoming a writer, Sasha discovers sex and chest binding, spending more time with her new girlfriend than at home. But they can't hide forever. The Anansi Stories that once captivated them begin to creep into the present, revealing truths about the Porter family's past that they must all face up to.

The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts is an extraordinary debut novel that celebrates the power of stories. It asks what happens when our stories are erased? Do we disappear? Or do we come back haunting? Feay's writing is vivid and evocative, drawing readers into the lives of the Porter family and their complex relationships. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles and triumphs are relatable and compelling. The novel also explores themes of identity, family, and the importance of storytelling. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story, and for those who are curious about the human origins of the characters they encounter in their lives.

In conclusion, The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts is a remarkable debut novel that transports readers to the enchanting world of Brooklyn. Suzy Feay's storytelling is captivating, and her characters are well-developed and relatable. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the power of storytelling, and is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788168403
Edition number: Main