Book Review: Twenties Girl

By Melissa Amster


I’m not normally a big fan of ghost stories, and maybe that is why I put off reading “Twenties Girl” for so long. When I started it, I questioned whether I’d even like it at that point. Before I knew it, I was completely drawn in and I gave myself over to the suspension of disbelief, along with Sophie Kinsella’s witty storytelling.

Lara Lington’s life isn’t much to smile about, which is why she lies to her parents about not stalking her ex-boyfriend and having her business partnership become a success (as neither are the case). Then her great-aunt Sadie passes away at the age of 105 and her spirit confronts Lara at her paltry funeral, asking her to stop the proceedings until she can find her treasured necklace. Soon, Lara is being followed everywhere by Sadie and her life becomes a giant roller coaster ride, as a result. However, this leads her to a new understanding about a great-aunt she never took the time to get to know when she actually was alive and she finds ways to take charge of her own life, as well as that of Sadie’s.

I really enjoyed this story more than I ever expected to. I found myself laughing out loud many times and also cringing in sympathy for Lara at others. Ms. Kinsella has a talent for writing about quirky characters and making them feel real, even when they are supernatural beings. The story also had a mystery feel to it (in a “Cold Case” way), which made me devour it to find out what was going to happen next. The dialogue was snappy and I enjoyed following the conversations between Lara and Sadie. The descriptions of the 1920’s fashion were fun to read about and imagine. Overall, it made me wish I had a ghost to help me run my life in some way, even if they were a nuisance at times. The only criticism I had was that she rushed the ending a bit. It seemed like things just happened without much of a back story. I would have loved to see some parts stretched out a bit more.

I applaud Ms. Kinsella on an enjoyable and entertaining story that kept me on my toes throughout. I look forward to seeing what she’ll come out with in 2011. I also hope that this story gets made into a movie. It would be fun to see the characters come to life on the big screen. It has a “Drop Dead Fred” feel to it in some ways, but I’m sure it would be even better than that movie. If you are like me and put off reading “Twenties Girl” for the same reason I did, I can assure you that it’s worth the time you waited and recommend that you pick it up today!