Gosh, this is a unique, riveting, gloriously written short novel. 17 year old Silvie and her parents are on an experimental archaeological dig site in Northumberland. Her controlling father keeps a tight rein on Silvie, yet as she experiences the freedom of the other students, her life closes in around her. Sarah Moss has created an absolutely chilling first chapter, the feeling remained with me throughout the book and I found myself on high alert. There aren’t many chapters, there are no speech marks, it is one continuous train of Silvie’s thoughts. Without realising I slipped into her mind space, almost became Silvie as her intimate thoughts merged with mine. A claustrophobic feeling settles over the pages, as each word is read, emotions intensify and fear sinks, this really is clever writing indeed. Ghost Wall may be short in length, due to the feelings it evokes, it actually feels as though it is an immense read. This fabulous, provocative and powerful book comes as highly recommended from me, it also sits as one of my picks of the month.
'I love this book. Put your life on hold while you finish it' Maggie O'Farrell
A suspenseful and chilling novel of haunted landscapes and a teenage girl in danger.
Seventeen-year-old Silvie is camping in rural Northumberland with her father and a group of archaeologists, who are attempting to uncover evidence of human sacrifice. As Silvie glimpses the possibility of freedom with the students - new female friendships and a sexual awakening - her difficult relationship with her overbearing father begins to deteriorate. As the feelings of dread build the haunting rites of the past begin to bleed into the present...
'This book ratcheted the breath out of me so skilfully, that as soon as I'd finished, the only thing I wanted was to read it again' Jessie Burton
'An instant classic' Emma Donoghue
'I loved it' Bernadine Evaristo
Sarah Moss was educated at Oxford University and is a senior Lecturer in Literature and Place at the Cornwall Campus of Exeter University. She spent 2009-10 as a visiting lecturer at the University of Reykavik. She co-edits, with Nicola Humble, the Food series at Manchester University Press. Night Waking is her second novel.
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