Abela,
Deborah. The Ghosts of Gribblesea Pier.
New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-374-36239-3
SUMMARY
Aurelie
Bonhoffen’s family have owned and performed in the circus at Gribblesea Pier
for generations. However, with the passage of time, Gribblesea Pier became
run down and in need of repair and upgrading. Times are financially hard for the family, and to make matters worse, a sinister
Mr. Crook is scheming to find ways to force Aurelie’s family to give up
Gribblesea Pier so that he can use the pier for his own purposes. Can Aurelie
find a way for her family to save Gribblesea Pier from his treacherous plan?
ANALYSIS
Readers be
warned: The American title for Deborah Abela’s children’s novel, The Ghosts of Gribblesea Pier, misleads
the audience to think the book’s central storyline involves ghosts and perhaps some mystery. While there are ghosts and a secret concerning Aurelie's family in this novel, the
ghosts are not frightening and a bit downplayed, and the mystery is not
in-depth. In fact, many elements of this story lack depth, but somehow the reader
remains somewhat engaged while reading about the close-knit Bonhoffen family
who stand by each other while facing the reality they may lose their beloved
circus.
On her
twelfth birthday, Aurelie Bonhoffen finally learns the family’s secret: Each member receives the option to choose between life and death when they die.
Some members chose to continue living. Aurelie is shocked to discover some of her family members are actually ghosts, and she struggles with her emotions when
she learns their identities. Along with this conflict,
another exists as the dreaded principal, Mrs. Farnhumple, believes Aurelie
should be removed from her home in order to be raised properly in a normal home.
But wait…there’s more! Another conflict in the story evolves when a certain Mr.
Crook and the town’s mayor scheme to take Gribblesea’s Pier away from the
family.
While it is
possible to create a story with several minor conflicts and a central major
conflict, The Ghosts of Gribblesea Pier
does not expand on character development, plot development, or suspense. The
characters are likeable, but the reader does not become involved with the
characters. The plot is interesting, but the reader is not in suspense so the
climax passes by as easily as the rest of the story. The setting is a simple coastal town in
England. Because the modern day circus originated in England, this is an
appropriate setting for a circus family who has operated the Gribblesea Pier for
generations. The novel is short and simple, probably best suited for a younger
audience. The original Australian title, The
Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen, seems to be better suited for the
book, as the family’s secret becomes the key to keeping Gribblesea Pier.
AWARDS/REVIEWS
2012
USBBY Outstanding International Book Awards
Aurealis
Awards & CBC Notable Book 2010
“Against
a creative backdrop, Abela provides an entertaining mix of gothic melodrama and
humor.” Horn Book – Spring 2012
“A
fast-paced, mildly funny, never-quite-suspenseful tale that lacks a magical
spark.” Kirkus Reviews – August 2011
“This
engaging fantasy demonstrates that conflict can be settled without violence.” School Library Journal – February 2012
CONNECTIONS
This
book is also known as The Remarkable
Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen
Other
books by Deborah Abela:
Max Remy Superspy series
Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend) series
Grimsdon
Deborah
Abela’s Website:
PERSONAL
RESPONSE
The
Ghosts of Gribblesea Pier is not a complex novel to read, and I would
recommend it to fourth or fifth graders who do not like complex plotlines. I
would also recommend it to children whose parents do not want their children to
be frightened by stories they are reading.
“Every book its reader,” as the wise Ranganathan says, and I know there
are readers for this book.
The Ghosts of Gribblesea Pier. Cover
illustration. Internet on-line. September
8, 2013 from http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID=9314fb53c738cf3893f93b7a4f06d13f#I1.
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