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Sanctuary
After the untimely death of her aunt, Cecilia Cross is forced to return to Sanctuary, a rambling, old mansion that crowns a remote island off the coast of Maine. Cecilia is both drawn to and repulsed by Sanctuary. The scent of the ocean intoxicates her, but she’s also haunted by the ghosts of her past—of her father and sister who died there, of her mother who was torn away from her and sent to an asylum, and of the vengeful spirit of a woman wronged. Flooding memories leave Cecilia shaken, desperate to run away and forget her terrible family history.
But then a mysterious guest arrives at Sanctuary: Eli Bauer, a professor sent to examine Sanctuary’s library. Cecilia is intrigued by this strange young man who seems so interested in her—even more interested in her than in the books he is meant to be studying. Who is he and what does he want? Can Cecilia possibly trust her growing feelings for him? And can he help her make peace a tragic past and a haunted present?
Luminous and evocative, Sanctuary is a remarkable exploration of love and loss—and the ghosts that come back to haunt us.
But then a mysterious guest arrives at Sanctuary: Eli Bauer, a professor sent to examine Sanctuary’s library. Cecilia is intrigued by this strange young man who seems so interested in her—even more interested in her than in the books he is meant to be studying. Who is he and what does he want? Can Cecilia possibly trust her growing feelings for him? And can he help her make peace a tragic past and a haunted present?
Luminous and evocative, Sanctuary is a remarkable exploration of love and loss—and the ghosts that come back to haunt us.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2015
7 people are currently reading
1818 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer McKissack
1 book35 followersJennifer McKissack is the author of Sanctuary. She lives not too far from the sea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 26, 2015
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Scholastic Press via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
This book had a little bit of everything. It was part ghost story, part mystery/suspense, part love story and part historical fiction. Although it seems like an odd and busy combination it actually worked quite well.
McKissack did a fabulous job in describing the setting of this book and Sanctuary. It was easy to visualise the Island and the old Gothic mansion. I felt like I was there and that I was a part of it. As the reader I was able to feel how eerie and creepy the mansion and graveyards were. I could feel the wind and the ocean right along with Cecilia.
This book tells a few stories. First is Cecilia's return to Sanctuary and her struggle to discover who she is and where she fit in. It also explores what first young love feels like. During this struggle it tells the haunting story of her father, Grandmother and sister who are all deceased and her mother who has been committed. Finally it tells the story of the ghosts that have been haunting the Island, mansion and Cecilia. These stories are all woven together in one mysterious and haunting package.
I really liked the ghost story and historical aspect of this story. In fact, I would have liked more of it. I already knew a bit about the Acadian history but it was interesting to read a story surrounding it. An entire story about this could have kept my interest alone. I also liked the sweet and squeaky clean budding relationship between Cecilia and Eli. It was sweet to read.
The book did start out quite slow and it took me a while to get into it. It was great once I got there but it took a while. While I found the historical aspect quite interesting, I do feel like younger readers may find it a little dull. I also found that the ending was a little anti-climatic as well.
Over all, I enjoyed this story and am glad that I had the opportunity to read it!
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Scholastic Press via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
This book had a little bit of everything. It was part ghost story, part mystery/suspense, part love story and part historical fiction. Although it seems like an odd and busy combination it actually worked quite well.
McKissack did a fabulous job in describing the setting of this book and Sanctuary. It was easy to visualise the Island and the old Gothic mansion. I felt like I was there and that I was a part of it. As the reader I was able to feel how eerie and creepy the mansion and graveyards were. I could feel the wind and the ocean right along with Cecilia.
This book tells a few stories. First is Cecilia's return to Sanctuary and her struggle to discover who she is and where she fit in. It also explores what first young love feels like. During this struggle it tells the haunting story of her father, Grandmother and sister who are all deceased and her mother who has been committed. Finally it tells the story of the ghosts that have been haunting the Island, mansion and Cecilia. These stories are all woven together in one mysterious and haunting package.
I really liked the ghost story and historical aspect of this story. In fact, I would have liked more of it. I already knew a bit about the Acadian history but it was interesting to read a story surrounding it. An entire story about this could have kept my interest alone. I also liked the sweet and squeaky clean budding relationship between Cecilia and Eli. It was sweet to read.
The book did start out quite slow and it took me a while to get into it. It was great once I got there but it took a while. While I found the historical aspect quite interesting, I do feel like younger readers may find it a little dull. I also found that the ending was a little anti-climatic as well.
Over all, I enjoyed this story and am glad that I had the opportunity to read it!
November 22, 2015
I think this book has flown under the radar a bit which is a shame because it's fantastic! As a YA historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural it is a bit of an unusual story with the main character Cecelia living in The Great Depression of the 1930's and a ghost story with it's roots in the Acadian Expulsion of the 1750's.
I'm ashamed that as a Canadian I didn't really know what the Expulsion was and am absolutely horrified by this dark piece of our history. The descriptions of how the Acadians were treated is heartbreaking and sickening and the fate of our ghost, Amoret, is every woman's worst nightmare.
The creepy, Gothic mood is lightened by a very sweet romance and a few solid female friendships. As many women of her time Cecilia is caught in a terrible situation with total dependence on her abusive uncle. She is quite clever and strong and I cheered her on as she attempted to gain some power over her own life.
In the end everything is explained and it all wraps up very nicely. I was satisfied with the ending although it wasn't what I was expecting. Thankfully Jasper the dog wasn't forgotten because I was worried for him the whole time. You know you're an animal lover when you are concerned for a fictional pet!
I can't stress strongly enough how much I think historical fiction and Gothic fiction fans should give this book a try. It's dark without being depressing, creepy without being terrifying and educational without being boring. I enjoyed every beautifully written page and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!
I'm ashamed that as a Canadian I didn't really know what the Expulsion was and am absolutely horrified by this dark piece of our history. The descriptions of how the Acadians were treated is heartbreaking and sickening and the fate of our ghost, Amoret, is every woman's worst nightmare.
The creepy, Gothic mood is lightened by a very sweet romance and a few solid female friendships. As many women of her time Cecilia is caught in a terrible situation with total dependence on her abusive uncle. She is quite clever and strong and I cheered her on as she attempted to gain some power over her own life.
In the end everything is explained and it all wraps up very nicely. I was satisfied with the ending although it wasn't what I was expecting. Thankfully Jasper the dog wasn't forgotten because I was worried for him the whole time. You know you're an animal lover when you are concerned for a fictional pet!
I can't stress strongly enough how much I think historical fiction and Gothic fiction fans should give this book a try. It's dark without being depressing, creepy without being terrifying and educational without being boring. I enjoyed every beautifully written page and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!
December 20, 2018
I struggled to get through this book at first. It started slow and the plot was not very clear. When it became clear, it wasn't that interesting. I felt the book was weird and that's really the best way I can describe it. It's unlike anything I've read before. However, I think the author was successful in writing for the time and setting, and also writing an original story. If you like hauntings and slower books, this is for you. However I would not personally recommend this to anyone.
November 23, 2015
An intriguing YA read that could pass for an adult read. Filled with mystery, the story centers around Cecelia who sent away as a young girl returns to her once grand home only to find a presence that does not want her there. My only thing about this book that fell flat for me was the ending, it ended abruptly and left me unsatisfied.
Read
November 21, 2015I have always loved the sea.
I stand at the edge of the shore, and wish that I could lift away the sea foam and let it curl and lap at my toes as my slippers. I want to wander deep into the salty waves, up to my neck, and let all the deep, hidden creatures wonder at my feet even as I crane my head downward to see them as they go by: wispy shadows and occasional will o' the wisp, luminescent flashes from way down below.
If there is anything that is better than actually wading in the sea, though, it is reading a book that gets that wistful and occasionally dark atmosphere. And if there is anything that Sanctuary excels at it, it is a wistful and a dark atmosphere - waves of it.
This is one of those titles where you wish you could have had it all, but also feel that you can be happy enough with what you've gotten: skeletons in the family closet, elegantly positioned historical references, and enough Gothic twists and turns that it made my ever-yearning heart near giddy with satisfaction.
The writing is occasionally awkward and I would have liked more show rather than tell (also, explanation for some of the ensemble characters' motivations), but the lingering sense of salt on my tongue and something hovering over my shoulder makes it all worth it.
Of note: Death. I don't think that should bother anyone, but death is almost a character in itself within this story. There are references to mental illnesses and asylums, along with the archaic manner of addressing the former at the time, and the horrific practices rife in the latter.
I stand at the edge of the shore, and wish that I could lift away the sea foam and let it curl and lap at my toes as my slippers. I want to wander deep into the salty waves, up to my neck, and let all the deep, hidden creatures wonder at my feet even as I crane my head downward to see them as they go by: wispy shadows and occasional will o' the wisp, luminescent flashes from way down below.
If there is anything that is better than actually wading in the sea, though, it is reading a book that gets that wistful and occasionally dark atmosphere. And if there is anything that Sanctuary excels at it, it is a wistful and a dark atmosphere - waves of it.
This is one of those titles where you wish you could have had it all, but also feel that you can be happy enough with what you've gotten: skeletons in the family closet, elegantly positioned historical references, and enough Gothic twists and turns that it made my ever-yearning heart near giddy with satisfaction.
The writing is occasionally awkward and I would have liked more show rather than tell (also, explanation for some of the ensemble characters' motivations), but the lingering sense of salt on my tongue and something hovering over my shoulder makes it all worth it.
Of note: Death. I don't think that should bother anyone, but death is almost a character in itself within this story. There are references to mental illnesses and asylums, along with the archaic manner of addressing the former at the time, and the horrific practices rife in the latter.
December 19, 2015
I found this hard to get into and lost interest quickly. I think I struggled with the writing style because it didn't feel gothic or spooky to me at all.
April 16, 2016
Also on my blog, Luthien Reviews
I wish I could give Sanctuary four stars. The writing is beautiful and mature, particularly for a YA novel, and the chilly coastal-New-England atmosphere McKissack creates is delightful, perfect for a Gothic tale like this one. Cecelia is also a memorable and sympathetic heroine with whose plights I really sympathized.
Alas, for all its high points, Sanctuary is little more than a paint-by-numbers Gothic story. That is not to say it’s bad–it’s not at all. It’s quite entertaining, sometimes edge-of-your-seat reading, though something about the pacing and writing style prevents it from being truly riveting. There are a variety of interwoven mysteries that do get somewhat confusing, and they check off all the Gothic fiction boxes: big, spooky, probably-haunted mansion (that happens to be on a deserted island)? Check. Crazy ladyin the attic? Check. Ghosts? Possible murders? Dark family secrets? Check, check, check.
Yet overall, the plot was underwhelming. It was trying to be big and significant, but it just wasn’t. The pace also vacillated wildly from too slow to much too fast, and even though I was invested in the story, that kept throwing me. (For instance, in the course of two very short chapters, Cecelia goes from being at Sanctuary to being in Nova Scotia. I had to read them twice, all the while thinking, “Wait, what just happened?”) Most of the Gothic elements worked well enough together, but once the larger plot was revealed, they seemed overly dramatic–things used to up the ante of a sort of an overall story that was lacking. There were also so many of them, so much backstory, that the novel really should have been longer. Three hundred pages–small type or not–was not enough to encompass everything.
As I said, I did like Cecelia, and her love interest Eli was pretty cute at times. They had a somewhat charming love story, even if it felt rushed (but it isn’t instalove!). I was, however, much more interested in Ben, Cecelia’s supposedly mentally handicapped cousinand honestly I kind of shipped him with Cecelia. The rest of the Sanctuary characters were pretty dull, namely Cecelia’s over-the-top evil uncle, Frank. He had literally zero redeeming qualities; he was just a caricature of a paranoid, sexist asshat. Even factoring in the “bad influence” that Sanctuary and its ghosts had on him couldn’t make him one jot more sympathetic. I wish characters like Cecelia’s old governess, Miss Owens, and her mother had been more developed and given more space in the book. They at least had personalities.
Of all her struggles, Cecelia’s fears about “inheriting” her mother’s supposed insanity struck a particular chord with me. My own mother has grown up to be a lot like my grandmother in her habits and personality, and since my mother is also alcoholic and very manipulative and cruel at times, I worry–quite a lot–that someday I’ll be like that.
Sanctuary was a good romp on the whole. I felt for the heroine, and the whole thing made me miss Maine a lot. (I can’t believe Cecelia went swimming–almost naked–as late as mid-September, though. You’re gonna get hypothermia or pneumonia or something, girl!)
As is usually the case, however, the actual process of uncovering the mysteries was far more exciting and compelling than the solutions to them were. The climax was extremely rushed–the last hundred pages were rushed in general, in fact–and felt just like every other paranormal/Gothic YA novel I’ve ever read. It all felt too easy, too neat, too fast. There was no resolution, either, just an abrupt final page. So even if the rest of it had gotten four stars from me, the ending probably would have bumped it down to three.
Still, it was a solid and engaging little read, and that’s really all I ask of any book!
I wish I could give Sanctuary four stars. The writing is beautiful and mature, particularly for a YA novel, and the chilly coastal-New-England atmosphere McKissack creates is delightful, perfect for a Gothic tale like this one. Cecelia is also a memorable and sympathetic heroine with whose plights I really sympathized.
Alas, for all its high points, Sanctuary is little more than a paint-by-numbers Gothic story. That is not to say it’s bad–it’s not at all. It’s quite entertaining, sometimes edge-of-your-seat reading, though something about the pacing and writing style prevents it from being truly riveting. There are a variety of interwoven mysteries that do get somewhat confusing, and they check off all the Gothic fiction boxes: big, spooky, probably-haunted mansion (that happens to be on a deserted island)? Check. Crazy lady
Yet overall, the plot was underwhelming. It was trying to be big and significant, but it just wasn’t. The pace also vacillated wildly from too slow to much too fast, and even though I was invested in the story, that kept throwing me. (For instance, in the course of two very short chapters, Cecelia goes from being at Sanctuary to being in Nova Scotia. I had to read them twice, all the while thinking, “Wait, what just happened?”) Most of the Gothic elements worked well enough together, but once the larger plot was revealed, they seemed overly dramatic–things used to up the ante of a sort of an overall story that was lacking. There were also so many of them, so much backstory, that the novel really should have been longer. Three hundred pages–small type or not–was not enough to encompass everything.
As I said, I did like Cecelia, and her love interest Eli was pretty cute at times. They had a somewhat charming love story, even if it felt rushed (but it isn’t instalove!). I was, however, much more interested in Ben, Cecelia’s supposedly mentally handicapped cousin
Of all her struggles, Cecelia’s fears about “inheriting” her mother’s supposed insanity struck a particular chord with me. My own mother has grown up to be a lot like my grandmother in her habits and personality, and since my mother is also alcoholic and very manipulative and cruel at times, I worry–quite a lot–that someday I’ll be like that.
Sanctuary was a good romp on the whole. I felt for the heroine, and the whole thing made me miss Maine a lot. (I can’t believe Cecelia went swimming–almost naked–as late as mid-September, though. You’re gonna get hypothermia or pneumonia or something, girl!)
As is usually the case, however, the actual process of uncovering the mysteries was far more exciting and compelling than the solutions to them were. The climax was extremely rushed–the last hundred pages were rushed in general, in fact–and felt just like every other paranormal/Gothic YA novel I’ve ever read. It all felt too easy, too neat, too fast. There was no resolution, either, just an abrupt final page. So even if the rest of it had gotten four stars from me, the ending probably would have bumped it down to three.
Still, it was a solid and engaging little read, and that’s really all I ask of any book!
Read
October 11, 2015This is a really fascinating, if not a bit overlong and not entirely fluid, gothic YA novel. It's got one of the most uninspiring covers I've seen in a while that offers absolutely no insight into the story and does not hint at all about how atmospheric it is.
Ceceila's returned to Sanctuary, the big home on the island off Maine, where she's been told not to return. But she feels like she has to, and when she's there, she begins to experience the sorts of strange, haunting experiences that plagued her mother (now locked up in an insane asylum), her sister (now dead), and her grandmother (also dead). Slowly, we learn more about the girl whose ghost haunts them, unraveling into a centuries-long history of Sanctuary, of how men treated the women in their life, and the role of the Great Acadian Expulsion played in how lands, places, and people found "home."
Readers who love gothic, atmospheric work will fall right into this. There is quite a bit of distance between the character and the reader, but seeing this book is set at the height of the Great Depression and we're not entirely sure what is going on with Ceceila's experiences, this distance is okay. There is a little bit of romance here, but it's not driving the plot nor the character development at all; Ceceila doesn't give up what answers she's looking for because of Eli's presence. And she certainly doesn't depend upon him to do her work for her.
An interesting story about lineage and history, as well as the sorts of ghosts and haunted legacies in our individual and collective experiences. Readers who like books like REBECCA or who have enjoyed the book (and the movie...) THE WOMAN IN BLACK will want to pick this one up. This would also be a pretty good read alike for fans of LONG LANKIN.
More haunting than creepy and with virtually no gore, though death does play a role -- a pretty big role -- in the story.
Ceceila's returned to Sanctuary, the big home on the island off Maine, where she's been told not to return. But she feels like she has to, and when she's there, she begins to experience the sorts of strange, haunting experiences that plagued her mother (now locked up in an insane asylum), her sister (now dead), and her grandmother (also dead). Slowly, we learn more about the girl whose ghost haunts them, unraveling into a centuries-long history of Sanctuary, of how men treated the women in their life, and the role of the Great Acadian Expulsion played in how lands, places, and people found "home."
Readers who love gothic, atmospheric work will fall right into this. There is quite a bit of distance between the character and the reader, but seeing this book is set at the height of the Great Depression and we're not entirely sure what is going on with Ceceila's experiences, this distance is okay. There is a little bit of romance here, but it's not driving the plot nor the character development at all; Ceceila doesn't give up what answers she's looking for because of Eli's presence. And she certainly doesn't depend upon him to do her work for her.
An interesting story about lineage and history, as well as the sorts of ghosts and haunted legacies in our individual and collective experiences. Readers who like books like REBECCA or who have enjoyed the book (and the movie...) THE WOMAN IN BLACK will want to pick this one up. This would also be a pretty good read alike for fans of LONG LANKIN.
More haunting than creepy and with virtually no gore, though death does play a role -- a pretty big role -- in the story.
Read
May 1, 2015It's not midnight yet and I'm done!!! So proud of myself!!!
This book has potential but man does my head hurts.
This book has potential but man does my head hurts.
August 18, 2017
After her Aunt Laura's recent death, Cecilia's uncle has come to retrieve her from boarding school and take her home again to Sanctuary, her uncle's estate that holds more than just memories. Even the local townsfolk are convinced that the isolated island mansion contains trapped spirits. Cecilia's entire family is, or rather, was tied to Sanctuary. Her father killed himself when he was young, just after the stock market crashed and his entire fortune was lost. After the loss of her husband, her mother was put away into a local psychiatric hospital, and Cecilia hasn't seen her since. Not long after this, her grandmother and her elder sister perished suddenly when the cottage where they were spending the night caught fire. To keep her safe, Cecilia's aunt sent her away to boarding school, but now, with her death, Cecilia must return at the whims of her uncle.
Many things have changed in her absence. The cook, Anna, is her uncle's new bride, and Anna's nieces, Patricia and Mary, have come to live and work. Her cousin Ben is more reticent than usual and seems to be hiding a secret. A visitor, local professor Eli Bauer, has come to Sanctuary to study and possibly buy rare books from the library. Despite these changes, Cecilia still feels she's living very much in the past: hearing her sister's whispers, seeing fairy lights, discovering the legacy of a woman killed at Sanctuary long ago. As Cecilia tries to piece together the secrets of Sanctuary with that of her own family, she also grows closer to Eli and runs the risk of raising her uncle's deadly ire. Once he might have been a loving man, but now Cecilia more than suspects his cruel nature, especially since she believes he might have had everything to do with her mother's commitment. However, much more evil forces are at work as Cecilia learns more about Amoret, Captain Winship, and the true nature of Sanctuary. Is it really a house filled with spirits? If so, Cecilia is the only one left to make things right, but her risks are many as missteps could mean she's declared mad, possibly harmed by her uncle, or worse, claimed--as her family before her--by the malefic phantasms occupying Sanctuary.
"Something stirred deep inside of me, something primal and potent. I felt like I was coming home and that I was farther away than I'd ever been."
Last year at ALA Annual, I was exploring booths when I ran across a woman picking up a book. That woman was Jennifer McKissack overcome with emotion at seeing her book in print and displayed for readers. We were speaking a few minutes, and ever since then, I've been trying to get this book out of my TBR pile! I am glad I did. It is more than simply another ghostly paranormal story. The setting of Sanctuary is eerie, yet conjures up some familiarity for the reader in returning to a place of our own past and finding it both similar and unknown.
Though it seems more of a haunted house story, the setting does not dwell heavily on the house and exploring the house, but rather Cecilia and her slow maturation from childhood thoughts and memories and justifying that with the person she is now and who she will be in the future. I loved this juxtaposition of past versus present and future for Cecilia. Her self-identity is in crisis and yet she is the only one who can fix herself. Through a slowly spellbinding and mysterious rhetoric, Cecilia unravels mysteries and commits herself to be a curse breaker and do what generations of women before her have ultimately failed and been trapped themselves at attempting--to free Amoret and the spirits of Sanctuary.
Along with a strong theme of feminism or the hidden strengths of women, there is a deep sense of ancestry and heritage that is significant in the novel revolving around Cecilia and the Acadians of Canada. For those who are unfamiliar, Acadia was an area colonized by French settlers which is now part of Quebec, the Maritime provinces of Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island [of Anne of Green Gables fame] etc.), and parts of Maine. Acadians, while mostly French, were also made up of the Mi'kimaq who were people indigenous to that area. The history contained in the book is something I missed the first time around, but it plays a key role for Cecilia and Sanctuary. Amoret, whom Cecelia's mother and sister were obsessed with, was Acadian and along with her family and other Acadians were forcibly removed from their land by the British, part of the Great Upheaval during the French and Indian War. (Fun fact: When the British sent a portion of the Acadians to France, a majority of them resettled in southern Louisiana thereby making the area Acadian or "Cajun", the heritage of which is still significant today.)
There are some romantic elements as Cecilia finds the professor, Eli, intriguing and begins to confide in him, since he appears to be sympathetic and kind and altogether unlike her terrorizing uncle. As their trust grows, Cecilia finds herself falling in love with him when she never thought something was possible, and Eli seems to love her too. Still, Cecilia knows he's holding something back from her. She grows conflicted with her relationships, her past, and her own mental state which she figures must be coloring his judgment of her. These doubts and secrets have the potential to ruin any chance at future happiness.
Sanctuary is written with haunting precision, like being slowly drawn into a web by a malicious spider. The historical details were woven throughout with care and added rich depth to the story. This book is perfect for those nights of fall and winter! Be sure to curl up with a nice hot cup of tea or cocoa and don’t forget to find a nice haunted mansion for inspiration!
Many things have changed in her absence. The cook, Anna, is her uncle's new bride, and Anna's nieces, Patricia and Mary, have come to live and work. Her cousin Ben is more reticent than usual and seems to be hiding a secret. A visitor, local professor Eli Bauer, has come to Sanctuary to study and possibly buy rare books from the library. Despite these changes, Cecilia still feels she's living very much in the past: hearing her sister's whispers, seeing fairy lights, discovering the legacy of a woman killed at Sanctuary long ago. As Cecilia tries to piece together the secrets of Sanctuary with that of her own family, she also grows closer to Eli and runs the risk of raising her uncle's deadly ire. Once he might have been a loving man, but now Cecilia more than suspects his cruel nature, especially since she believes he might have had everything to do with her mother's commitment. However, much more evil forces are at work as Cecilia learns more about Amoret, Captain Winship, and the true nature of Sanctuary. Is it really a house filled with spirits? If so, Cecilia is the only one left to make things right, but her risks are many as missteps could mean she's declared mad, possibly harmed by her uncle, or worse, claimed--as her family before her--by the malefic phantasms occupying Sanctuary.
"Something stirred deep inside of me, something primal and potent. I felt like I was coming home and that I was farther away than I'd ever been."
Last year at ALA Annual, I was exploring booths when I ran across a woman picking up a book. That woman was Jennifer McKissack overcome with emotion at seeing her book in print and displayed for readers. We were speaking a few minutes, and ever since then, I've been trying to get this book out of my TBR pile! I am glad I did. It is more than simply another ghostly paranormal story. The setting of Sanctuary is eerie, yet conjures up some familiarity for the reader in returning to a place of our own past and finding it both similar and unknown.
Though it seems more of a haunted house story, the setting does not dwell heavily on the house and exploring the house, but rather Cecilia and her slow maturation from childhood thoughts and memories and justifying that with the person she is now and who she will be in the future. I loved this juxtaposition of past versus present and future for Cecilia. Her self-identity is in crisis and yet she is the only one who can fix herself. Through a slowly spellbinding and mysterious rhetoric, Cecilia unravels mysteries and commits herself to be a curse breaker and do what generations of women before her have ultimately failed and been trapped themselves at attempting--to free Amoret and the spirits of Sanctuary.
Along with a strong theme of feminism or the hidden strengths of women, there is a deep sense of ancestry and heritage that is significant in the novel revolving around Cecilia and the Acadians of Canada. For those who are unfamiliar, Acadia was an area colonized by French settlers which is now part of Quebec, the Maritime provinces of Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island [of Anne of Green Gables fame] etc.), and parts of Maine. Acadians, while mostly French, were also made up of the Mi'kimaq who were people indigenous to that area. The history contained in the book is something I missed the first time around, but it plays a key role for Cecilia and Sanctuary. Amoret, whom Cecelia's mother and sister were obsessed with, was Acadian and along with her family and other Acadians were forcibly removed from their land by the British, part of the Great Upheaval during the French and Indian War. (Fun fact: When the British sent a portion of the Acadians to France, a majority of them resettled in southern Louisiana thereby making the area Acadian or "Cajun", the heritage of which is still significant today.)
There are some romantic elements as Cecilia finds the professor, Eli, intriguing and begins to confide in him, since he appears to be sympathetic and kind and altogether unlike her terrorizing uncle. As their trust grows, Cecilia finds herself falling in love with him when she never thought something was possible, and Eli seems to love her too. Still, Cecilia knows he's holding something back from her. She grows conflicted with her relationships, her past, and her own mental state which she figures must be coloring his judgment of her. These doubts and secrets have the potential to ruin any chance at future happiness.
Sanctuary is written with haunting precision, like being slowly drawn into a web by a malicious spider. The historical details were woven throughout with care and added rich depth to the story. This book is perfect for those nights of fall and winter! Be sure to curl up with a nice hot cup of tea or cocoa and don’t forget to find a nice haunted mansion for inspiration!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
Better than I expected and a totally different story line than how I thought it would go. The description does not do the story justice. Not suspensful but keeps your curiosity.
January 19, 2019
I was surprised that this book did not get better reviews. I really enjoyed it. I will say that if you look at it as anything other than a ghost story you may be disappointed. It does have historical fiction elements which I thoroughly enjoyed and make the story interesting and drive the plot to believability but it is first a ghost story. When viewed through that lens I believe more people would value the smart, deep plot line that sometimes lacks in that genre. Well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2015
I do enjoy a good Gothic tale. It was nice to see a move away from the current dystopian trend in YA fiction. Not that I don't enjoy that genre but a little variety is always nice. For younger readers unfamiliar with Gothic literature, perhaps this book will spark an interest and lead them to explore some of the Gothic classics. This book had great atmosphere and I found the story to be very imaginative and creative. This book could also had an element of historical fiction. Some of the history was familiar to me but some had me turning to Wikipedia for more information. Learning new stuff is always good. For my taste though, the story could have been a little tighter and the characters could have been a bit more consistent. [Semi-spoiler alert] Overall though, I enjoyed the book. Thank you to Goodreads First Reads for this advance copy.
November 13, 2015
Too many things worked against this book.
I think the one I struggled the most with was pinning down what era the book was talking place in, as some scenes seemed way in the past and others straight out of the roaring 20s and then a few post-Great Depression and even some that felt alarmingly recent.
I think the romance worked out well, and I felt emotionally connected with the pair. So that was good.
Another thing I began to realize was that information was relayed back and forth, but I could never recall the MC obtaining that information. This could have just been me, but I definitely felt like clues and facts were popping out of nowhere.
The last thing would be the pacing of the story. I did enjoy most of what was written, but when I got to the end of the book I realized that a huge bulk of the book could have been cut and nothing would really have been lost. There was all this build up with an extremely rushed ending. Seriously, the climax was maybe one paragraph, and then two more pages and the book ended.
I was certain I would enjoy this book but it just did't work for me.
I think the one I struggled the most with was pinning down what era the book was talking place in, as some scenes seemed way in the past and others straight out of the roaring 20s and then a few post-Great Depression and even some that felt alarmingly recent.
I think the romance worked out well, and I felt emotionally connected with the pair. So that was good.
Another thing I began to realize was that information was relayed back and forth, but I could never recall the MC obtaining that information. This could have just been me, but I definitely felt like clues and facts were popping out of nowhere.
The last thing would be the pacing of the story. I did enjoy most of what was written, but when I got to the end of the book I realized that a huge bulk of the book could have been cut and nothing would really have been lost. There was all this build up with an extremely rushed ending. Seriously, the climax was maybe one paragraph, and then two more pages and the book ended.
I was certain I would enjoy this book but it just did't work for me.
May 16, 2017
This book is interesting with it's concept but I feel the execution of the book just falls flat a bit. The storyline is interesting. How spirits can effect us and how history can be so rich. I had an issue with how short the chapters were. I feel like some of those chapters could have been combined. Some chapters were only one side of a page.
The last few chapters I feel were rushed to be finished. It was as if Jennifer McKissack decided to just hurry it along and get the story over with. Maybe a longer few chapters, an additional chapter, something else. The concept was great at the end, but too rushed.
I like the idea of the book, and I found it an easy read. However, I feel like it just needed a little something more towards the end to really like the book.
The last few chapters I feel were rushed to be finished. It was as if Jennifer McKissack decided to just hurry it along and get the story over with. Maybe a longer few chapters, an additional chapter, something else. The concept was great at the end, but too rushed.
I like the idea of the book, and I found it an easy read. However, I feel like it just needed a little something more towards the end to really like the book.
July 13, 2015
Total Gothic fun! And set in Maine (my favorite place on Earth), this book is packed with all sorts of intrigue and family secrets. I learned too about the Great Expulsion of Acadians in the 1750s...a dark piece of history that had remained unknown to me.
Grade 7 and up. Will appeal to girls primarily. A ghost story, a strong leading lady and a dash of (chaste) romance. Highly recommended.
Grade 7 and up. Will appeal to girls primarily. A ghost story, a strong leading lady and a dash of (chaste) romance. Highly recommended.
October 19, 2015
Rating: 3.5
Surprisingly good and perfect for a quiet October, supernatural read.
Surprisingly good and perfect for a quiet October, supernatural read.
May 9, 2016
the ending was disappointing compared to the intensity of the rest of the book
July 11, 2017
I used to be a historical fiction enthusiast and in the past few years have found them less attention grabbing. I picked this one up on a hunch (and the synopsis) and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. It may not strictly fall into the historical fiction category as it does not give much insight into the true happenings of the time period, but it is set in America near the very beginning of WWII. It is very much a ghost story, but also very much a romance that tugs the heartstrings. It had more depth to it than I expected. A quick read and definitely worth the time.
April 9, 2024
This book reads like a Victorian gothic novel even though it is set in the 40's at the beginning of WWII. There is a big, creepy house on its own island. family secrets and lies, murder, ghosts, two family members sent away, one to boarding school and one to an asylum. There is even a cozy, virginal romance. Magic and witchcraft as well. All around a well written fast paced story. the Chapters are short, 1-5 pages so it is easy to read. Not bad for a dollar store book.
July 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book actually! It was confusing at some points and I’m still not fully sure of some things that happened but I still liked it. It was a page turner and I wanted to know what would happen next.
October 4, 2023
I haven't read it in years, but this book got me through my middle school years. It was such an amazing book that I still hold dear to this day. Beautiful story with a haunting vibe, but also gets you hooked on the mystery.
January 27, 2019
Fun gothic YA read. The plot did not go the direction I thought it would go but I still enjoyed it. The end was strange to me and anti-climatic.
April 17, 2019
Enjoyable historical ghost story for YA. I stayed a bit removed from the characters and events, tho. Couldn't quite connect. I will recommend for student readers.
July 19, 2021
Loved it.
February 15, 2022
3.5-4 A good little mystery with an interesting turn of events at the end. I feel like there could have been things explained more clearly or tied up some loose ends.
September 28, 2017
This is a solid 4.5 stars. I loved this book.
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading Sanctuary by Jennifer McKissack. I was hoping for a good mix of a contemporary, mystery/thriller, and ghost story. That is exactly what I got. I ended up loving this story and everything about it.
The author did a great job of combining three stories: Cecilia’s return to Sanctuary and her struggle to make sense of her memories; the haunting story of her father, grandmother, and sister’s restless souls, and the truth of Cecilia’s family history; and the budding relationship with mysterious Eli Bauer. This all seems like a lot for one book but the stories were woven together beautifully into a mysterious and haunting ride. The way everything was described made me feel I was actually there at Sanctuary. It was easy to visualize the Island and the Gothic mansion.
Despite some sluggish pacing at the start, McKissack's tale drew me in with an alluring mystery. I felt the characters were well developed and I almost instantly became invested in their plights. The protagonist is strong, capable, and vibrant, with shades of moodiness, anger, and impulsivity. While I found the historical aspect of this story very interesting, younger readers might find it a bit dull. They may also find the ending a bit anti-climactic as well.
This story is a breath of fresh air in a sea of ghost stories and thrillers. This tale is a fantastic Gothic tale that hopefully will drive readers to want to read more stories like it. I felt this was a solid 4.5 stars. I loved this story and hope to read more like it soon.
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading Sanctuary by Jennifer McKissack. I was hoping for a good mix of a contemporary, mystery/thriller, and ghost story. That is exactly what I got. I ended up loving this story and everything about it.
The author did a great job of combining three stories: Cecilia’s return to Sanctuary and her struggle to make sense of her memories; the haunting story of her father, grandmother, and sister’s restless souls, and the truth of Cecilia’s family history; and the budding relationship with mysterious Eli Bauer. This all seems like a lot for one book but the stories were woven together beautifully into a mysterious and haunting ride. The way everything was described made me feel I was actually there at Sanctuary. It was easy to visualize the Island and the Gothic mansion.
Despite some sluggish pacing at the start, McKissack's tale drew me in with an alluring mystery. I felt the characters were well developed and I almost instantly became invested in their plights. The protagonist is strong, capable, and vibrant, with shades of moodiness, anger, and impulsivity. While I found the historical aspect of this story very interesting, younger readers might find it a bit dull. They may also find the ending a bit anti-climactic as well.
This story is a breath of fresh air in a sea of ghost stories and thrillers. This tale is a fantastic Gothic tale that hopefully will drive readers to want to read more stories like it. I felt this was a solid 4.5 stars. I loved this story and hope to read more like it soon.
April 6, 2016
As Seen On The Quiet Concert
Gothic, haunting, and eerie. Sanctuary immediately draws the reader into the mystery of Cecilia's family mansion, Sanctuary. Cecilia feels this un-explainable draw to Sanctuary's grounds, the sheer unusual circumstances of her return and the death of her family members peaked my curiosity.
The haunting beginning had me flipping through pages but the plot began to slow and focus on the budding relationship between Eli and Cecilia. While the reader still slowly learns more about the underlying ghosts of Sanctuary, the details are blended throughout the pages filled with character building, romance, and descriptive imagery. The descriptive imagery paints an eerie yet hauntingly beautiful scene that slightly reminds me of older (not too scary) ghost stories. Even though there are some evil spirits lurking around the grounds, Sanctuary is not horror story, at its core its a good versus evil story.
My main reservation is the plot pacing, the book started off with a fast paced plot that quickly slowed down until the last 40ish pages. The last bit is where all the action happen but it felt rushed and underdeveloped. While I did not guess at the couple of plot twists, there was looming sense of deceit throughout the book. The imaginative writing and haunting story came to a quick abrupt finish leaving me with an unresolved feeling. Ultimately, Sanctuary is a shorter book with quick chapters, beautifully Gothic writing, and a haunted family ghost story.
Gothic, haunting, and eerie. Sanctuary immediately draws the reader into the mystery of Cecilia's family mansion, Sanctuary. Cecilia feels this un-explainable draw to Sanctuary's grounds, the sheer unusual circumstances of her return and the death of her family members peaked my curiosity.
The haunting beginning had me flipping through pages but the plot began to slow and focus on the budding relationship between Eli and Cecilia. While the reader still slowly learns more about the underlying ghosts of Sanctuary, the details are blended throughout the pages filled with character building, romance, and descriptive imagery. The descriptive imagery paints an eerie yet hauntingly beautiful scene that slightly reminds me of older (not too scary) ghost stories. Even though there are some evil spirits lurking around the grounds, Sanctuary is not horror story, at its core its a good versus evil story.
My main reservation is the plot pacing, the book started off with a fast paced plot that quickly slowed down until the last 40ish pages. The last bit is where all the action happen but it felt rushed and underdeveloped. While I did not guess at the couple of plot twists, there was looming sense of deceit throughout the book. The imaginative writing and haunting story came to a quick abrupt finish leaving me with an unresolved feeling. Ultimately, Sanctuary is a shorter book with quick chapters, beautifully Gothic writing, and a haunted family ghost story.
October 26, 2015
middle / upper grades
first person POV
no AR test but only just published
standalone
gothic romance / ghost story set in 1939 Maine
Cecilia, now almost 18, has returned to her island home (Sanctuary) after the death of her aunt. Both her uncle and the brooding air of malevolence are worse since she went to boarding school 5 years earlier. Cecilia feels compelled to understand the mysteries of the island and its ghosts, including the deaths of her sister and grandmother, even though her uncle claims she is mad like her mother and threatens to commit her to the insane asylum, also. Cecilia's plans are complicated by the young professor who is studying the valuable books in the library.
This is not horror but there is a very dark and brooding tone and there are ghosts. It is nicely done for the genre and intended audience and wraps up the storyline at the end so major questions are answered.
first person POV
no AR test but only just published
standalone
gothic romance / ghost story set in 1939 Maine
Cecilia, now almost 18, has returned to her island home (Sanctuary) after the death of her aunt. Both her uncle and the brooding air of malevolence are worse since she went to boarding school 5 years earlier. Cecilia feels compelled to understand the mysteries of the island and its ghosts, including the deaths of her sister and grandmother, even though her uncle claims she is mad like her mother and threatens to commit her to the insane asylum, also. Cecilia's plans are complicated by the young professor who is studying the valuable books in the library.
This is not horror but there is a very dark and brooding tone and there are ghosts. It is nicely done for the genre and intended audience and wraps up the storyline at the end so major questions are answered.
June 12, 2015
Loved this book!! An interwoven tangle of love, lust, betrayal, hatred, rage, families drawn together and families thrown apart. Faced with a life altering decision, which path will she choose? Will she choose forgiveness or revenge?
Cecilia returns home – to the place that draws her down deep in her soul, Sanctuary. An odd and ironic name for a home haunted by the brutality of the past. The death of her sister, her father, her grandmother. The madness of her mother. But the sorrow is not restricted to the recent past. The pain weaves a pattern through the family history. Cecilia must face the pain of the past and write the future. Of course, nothing comes easy and she must be strong in her decision, risking her own love, life and future. What choice would you make? Taking the easy path or the dangerous hike all uphill?
Cecilia returns home – to the place that draws her down deep in her soul, Sanctuary. An odd and ironic name for a home haunted by the brutality of the past. The death of her sister, her father, her grandmother. The madness of her mother. But the sorrow is not restricted to the recent past. The pain weaves a pattern through the family history. Cecilia must face the pain of the past and write the future. Of course, nothing comes easy and she must be strong in her decision, risking her own love, life and future. What choice would you make? Taking the easy path or the dangerous hike all uphill?
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