Hey Everyone,

A Skinful of Shadows by France Hardinge

We See Ghosts. And They Are Drawn To Us.

Sometimes when a person dies, their spirit goes looking for somewhere to hide. Some people have space within them, perfect for hiding.

Makepeace has learned to defend herself from the ghosts that try to possess her in the night, desperate for refuge – but one day a dreadful event causes her to drop her guard.

Now she has a spirit inside her. The spirit is wild, angry and strong, and it may be her only defence when she is sent to live with her father’s cruel and powerful ancestors. But as she plans her escape to a country torn apart by civil war, Makepeace must decide which is worse: possession – or death.

Published: Sept 2017
Published Edition: May 2018
Publishers: Pan Macmillian
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Pages: 448

Format of Reading: Paperback

Goodreads Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Review

I had my doubts with this book, it was recommended by an employee by Waterstones and sometimes whenever an employee from the store I visit, they would recommend a book and I would just leave it on my TBR pile until I decide to give up on the book.

I have heard about one of her other book, The Lie Tree last year but I didn’t put two and two together. After reading this book, I definitely am purchasing the rest of her work because I was completely transfixed in this book and I couldn’t let it down.

But this book really surprised me, the writing was spectacular I felt that I was in that world with Makepeace, I love the young and innocent Makepeace, and I loved the character growth throughout the book. She became a stronger version of herself.

I loved the magical realism in this book, the interactions between Makepeace and the ghosts but also the family members being possessed with their ancestors, the description of the ghosts coming out of the body like a slithering snake. Oh my goodness, I loved it.

And to top it off with a cherry, I got an opportunity to meet France Hardinge. In my hometown with a collaboration with Waterstones and Timezone Tours, there was an offer of a Ghost Tour around my hometown and I learnt a lot about my hometown. And I got my book signed by the author. EEEPPP! And she even asked if I would like a goose, which I obviously said yes.

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