The Ghost of Andrew Neville by Gloria Bompadre (Book Review #1874)

The Ghost of Andrew Neville by Gloria Bompadre is a captivating tale that intertwines mystery, friendship, and the supernatural in a way that is sure to enthrall young readers. The story follows fourteen-year-old Jacob Johnson, who relocates from London with his parents to the eerie Neville Mansion, a sprawling estate they aim to transform into a luxury hotel. However, the mansion comes with its own set of spooky residents and a dark history.

The plot kicks off with the chilling background of the mansion: twin boys tragically drowned in the garden lake during its construction, and their spectral forms have been spotted haunting the grounds ever since. But they are not alone. The mansion is also home to Grumpy Uncle Ignatius, Terrence the caretaker, Miss Bramley the cook, and Lady Rowena, who endlessly searches for her missing necklace.

Jacob soon discovers he has a unique gift – he can see and interact with the ghosts, unlike his parents. This special ability leads him to befriend Andrew, a ghost who, like Jacob, is fourteen and deeply troubled by his ghostly existence. Andrew’s struggle to understand why he became a ghost adds a poignant layer to the story and propels the narrative forward.

The arrival of Alessia, a local girl who befriends Jacob, adds another dimension to the story. Alessia’s family history is intricately tied to the mansion, and a photograph of her great-great-grandma Amelia sets off a chain of revelations. Jacob learns that Terrence, the ghostly caretaker, was secretly in love with Amelia, who was actually in love with Andrew’s father. This discovery hints at deeper connections among the ghosts and the mansion’s tragic past.

As Jacob delves deeper, he uncovers a web of emotions and unresolved issues that bind the ghosts to the mansion. The plot thickens with each revelation, leading to a significant twist: the woman in the photograph was not Amelia, but her cousin, and Uncle Ignatius was the one truly in love with her. This twist reorients Jacob’s understanding and sets the stage for the novel’s climactic resolution.

Toward the end, Andrew experiences a vision of his death, shedding light on the true circumstances. The narrative takes another sharp turn when Terrence reveals the real events of that fateful day, ultimately bringing peace to the restless spirits.

The novel concludes on a bittersweet note. All the ghosts have found their peace and departed, leaving Jacob to grapple with the loss of his friend. However, there is a comforting sense of closure and hope as Jacob cherishes the friendships he has formed and the love of his family. He remains hopeful that Andrew will return, a sentiment that adds a touching final note to this enchanting story.

The Ghost of Andrew Neville is a beautifully crafted tale that blends mystery and the supernatural with themes of love, loss, and friendship. Gloria Bompadre’s storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for young readers and anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.

Written by Jeyran Main