Ghosts of Harvard

I’m not one to normally write reviews for the books I read, but this novel exceeded my expectations and is a contender for my top read of the year. The book’s cover and title caught my eye on a recent library visit and I ended up picking it up and devouring it within 2 days of starting it, despite it not being on my reading list. Francesca Serritella does a beautiful job discussing such heavy topics like mental illness, suicide, and grief in a way that left me deeply moved and invested while reading. What I loved most is how this book seamlessly explored so many genres within one storyline. There is a mystery at the heart of the novel that brings in paranormal and historical elements while also touching on family issues surrounding losing a loved one, all while following the coming-of-age experience of the main character. The novel doesn’t feel to be defined by any one particular genre, so to come into it with the expectation of it being a “paranormal” story based off its title is misguided. The book proved to be so much more than any one label, which is why I liked it so much. Francesca Serritella really hit it out of the park with this debut novel. You can really feel the research and time she invested into writing it. I now have to buy a copy of the book for myself because it’s one of the rare books I want to re-read in the future. I can’t wait to read more of Serritella’s future works. Highly recommend!!

While there are many lovely turning of phrases the novel drags. The author graduated from Harvard but I hope her next book moves along from those ivy covered walls.