Lee Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "sarah-harper"

Ella's Ghost by Sarah Harper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A captivating supernatural psychological thriller.

Barely surviving a vicious assault by her partner, Ella is left psychologically and physically wounded, feeling lost and alone.

Haunted by the abuse and fearing she truly cannot escape him and this toxicity masquerading as love, Ella attempts suicide.

Saved by the intervention of an entity, Ella is left questioning her own sanity, wondering whether something has truly reached across the veil to save her life.

'Ella's Ghost' is the debut novel by Sarah Harper, a psychological thriller with fusions of the supernatural, exploring the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the healing power of connection. An intense and gripping novel; we are plunged immediately into the visceral violence as a fearful Ella is attacked by her partner, barely left alive. Heartbreaking and superbly written, this is part crime thriller, part supernatural mystery, part survival story, with touches of romance and humour to balance the darkness of themes and events.

Harper delves deep into the insidious nature of abusive relationships, superbly captured in the first few chapters - the subtle pushing of boundaries, the manipulation of perception and empathy; the simplicity of twisting what on the surface mimics something benign, innocent and reasonable, but is truthfully moulding a perception that being controlled is normal and everyday. Through Ella, we experience the dizzying polarisation of aggression and affection, the abuser’s profuse apologies after "mistakes" and claiming the role of the victim for themselves; the obsessiveness and possessiveness; the criticism, planting and weaponising insecurities, wearing a victim down psychologically through gaslighting and the distillation of fear, escalating to violence and sadistic cruelty; and the devastating impact on mental health, physical wellbeing, and safety.

The supernatural twist takes the story in an unexpected direction, one that is enriching and sublime. Throughout her attack and its aftermath, something has been trying to reach out to Ella. Feeling entirely alone, haunted by her trauma and the spectre of her partner, Ella attempts to take her own life. This proximity to death brings into sharp focus the spirit that has been trying to reach her. Ben is himself haunted, his life having been ripped from him suddenly and cruelly. He barely acknowledges his death. Together, they embark on a journey of introspection, self-discovery, and healing.

Harper has developed a stunning, intricately woven narrative, a rich and moving tale of lost souls, both living and dead. The relationship that develops between Ella and Ben is heartwarming and beautiful. Even in death, Ben’s spirit touches Ella in a way she has never known, teaching her how love truly feels – gentle, kind, and protective. Mystery is threaded throughout, as Ben discovers his purpose for why his spirit remains, his unfinished business, and how he and Ella’s fates are inextricably linked. Perhaps they were always destined to meet, in one way or another.

The hauntings, indeed Ella’s ghosts, are both figurative and literal, psychological and spiritual; we explore how one doesn’t have to be dead to be living in Purgatory, how a harrowing of Hell can be psychological as well as spiritual. This is a story about living with abuse, surviving abuse, and healing from abuse; as well as the desire for justice – the power of karma, and striving for retribution and redemption; and the hope for a life after survival. Even when all seems lost, that glimmer of love can save you from despair, healing the lingering scars of abuse, trauma and fear, and, perhaps, even death itself.

Compelling and hard-hitting, ‘Ella’s Ghost’ is an incredible debut novel; a powerful, impactful tale of survival. I will be eagerly awaiting more books by Sarah Harper in the future.



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