Book Review: “Anya’s Ghost”

By Vera Brosgol
First Second Books, 2011

Reviewed by Lauren Kearney, 17
Bulgaria

Vera Brosgol’s graphic novel, Anya’s Ghost, is a story of an angst-ridden teenage girl struggling to cope with the grievances of adolescent life. She is unhappy with her body, unable to fit in at school, and embarrassed by her immigrant past and Russian roots.

One afternoon, after a feud with her only friend, she falls down an old, abandoned well where she meets the ghost of a young girl named Emily who died in 1918. Anya builds a friendship with the girl, who helps Anya cope with the complicated world of high school. Anya, hoping to repay Emily for her support, sets out on a mission to research Emily’s story. In a century-old newspaper, Anya encounters a shocking revelation, leading her into a dangerous, present-day situation.

This spooky yet humorous novel had me turning pages quickly from the very beginning. It covers a wide range of issues including love, friendships, body concerns, and ethnicity. Anya is an entertaining heroine, which makes the story even more enjoyable. The graphic format of the novel didn’t appeal to me at first, but surprisingly, I found it really fun and easy to read. The lively pictures make it interesting too!

I’m glad Anya’s Ghost ended up in my hands. It introduced me to a new and unfamiliar style of writing which I will consider reading more of in the future.

This book is part of our Summer Book Buzz series. Click here to read more reviews of our summer reading recommendations!