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The Women of Dauphine
When Cassie’s family moves into a decrepit house in New Orleans, the only upside is her new best friend. Gem is witty, attractive, and sure not to abandon Cassie—after all, she’s been confined to the old house since her murder in the ’60s.
As their connection becomes romantic, Cassie must keep more and more secrets from her religious community, which hates ghosts almost as much as it hates gays. Even if their relationship prevails over volatile parents and brutal conversion therapy, it may not outlast time.
As their connection becomes romantic, Cassie must keep more and more secrets from her religious community, which hates ghosts almost as much as it hates gays. Even if their relationship prevails over volatile parents and brutal conversion therapy, it may not outlast time.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2019
7 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 8, 2019
3.50 Stars. This is a book that was well written but hard to read. Trigger warnings include violence, abuse, sexual assault, suicide, and the one that really bothered me, conversion therapy. Actually, had I realized this book included children in conversion therapy I would have passed on it. I do want to make clear though this is not NineStar Press’ fault or the author’s but mine for not reading the whole book blurb. I find book blubs to often be too spoilerish, so I tend to skim or ignore them all together. I read the first paragraph, saw that this was a lesfic YA-paranormal-romance, and immediately grabbed this book. I just ignored the conversion therapy part that is clearly sitting right there in paragraph two of the blurb.
I’m even having a little trouble rating this as it was well done for a hard read. I guess it really is 4 stars for being well written but 3 for my personal enjoyment, so I’m rounding it out to 3.5. I don’t want to scare people away because the author is talented and I felt good about the book’s ending, but I do have to warn that this is a tough read.
The main character Cassie is quite likeable but you spend a large part of the book just feeling badly for her. Her awful parents, crappy school situation, then the f#cked up conversion therapy. However, Cassie is resilient and while I can’t imagine how much real therapy she is going to need for everything she’s been through, she has incredible strength and it gives you the reader some hope.
This book does include a sweet YA romance. I liked Jannerson’s whole ghost girlfriend approach and I thought it worked really well. The light romance was one of the sweet spots in a tough to read book.
If you think you can handle a book with such topics, this is worth the read. It was not really a book for my personal tastes, but it was well written and not a book I will soon forget. I do hope Jannerson will write something easier to read next as I would like to read her again.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
I’m even having a little trouble rating this as it was well done for a hard read. I guess it really is 4 stars for being well written but 3 for my personal enjoyment, so I’m rounding it out to 3.5. I don’t want to scare people away because the author is talented and I felt good about the book’s ending, but I do have to warn that this is a tough read.
The main character Cassie is quite likeable but you spend a large part of the book just feeling badly for her. Her awful parents, crappy school situation, then the f#cked up conversion therapy. However, Cassie is resilient and while I can’t imagine how much real therapy she is going to need for everything she’s been through, she has incredible strength and it gives you the reader some hope.
This book does include a sweet YA romance. I liked Jannerson’s whole ghost girlfriend approach and I thought it worked really well. The light romance was one of the sweet spots in a tough to read book.
If you think you can handle a book with such topics, this is worth the read. It was not really a book for my personal tastes, but it was well written and not a book I will soon forget. I do hope Jannerson will write something easier to read next as I would like to read her again.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
June 10, 2019
This is very uncomfortable to read. There are a lot of heavy topics in this book. I think the one that will stand out the most is the conversion therapy. It highlights the cruelty of the practice and how it can simply break people. Luckily, we do have some hope in Cassie and her relationship with a ghost. Weird, but I think necessary, given what Cassie had to endure.
Since this is a YA novel, there is an obligatory love triangle - in this case, between human Cassie and Jem and her ex-girlfriend; the latter two being ghosts. At first I couldn't really wrap my head around how Cassie and Jem could touch while other things would go right through the ghost, but I decided to just go with it. I usually roll my eyes at the love triangle, because it's done so much, but in this case, I thought it was a great way to show how normal a love triangle can be for a teen compared to the abnormal abuse Cassie faced.
This is a tough read, but and important reminder about the special abuses that LGBTQ folk have faced despite being in a country like the USA. Good read, recommended.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Since this is a YA novel, there is an obligatory love triangle - in this case, between human Cassie and Jem and her ex-girlfriend; the latter two being ghosts. At first I couldn't really wrap my head around how Cassie and Jem could touch while other things would go right through the ghost, but I decided to just go with it. I usually roll my eyes at the love triangle, because it's done so much, but in this case, I thought it was a great way to show how normal a love triangle can be for a teen compared to the abnormal abuse Cassie faced.
This is a tough read, but and important reminder about the special abuses that LGBTQ folk have faced despite being in a country like the USA. Good read, recommended.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2019
An uncomfortable read as a non LGBTQIA person, but necessarily uncomfortable. If you get my meaning. It’s so upsetting what Cassie endures abc knowing people still suffer like this is unbelievable, but that’s why I say necessary uncomfortable read. These need to be shared and read so people understand, but rant over beyond that the book is wonderfully written, Cassie is a great strong inspiring character. Highly recommended read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
June 25, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, NineStar Press and Ms. Deb Jannerson for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Readers Copy.
4 stars!
Although listed as a YA, this book should not be overlooked by adults. Appropriately published during Pride Month, it is both powerful and painful.
An exquisite tale of forbidden love and the struggle to just "be".
A young girl fights to find herself in a family filled with parental brutality, extreme homophobia and strict religious beliefs.
Cassie, having just moved with her family into a Victorian Style home in New Orleans becomes best friends with the girl who lives upstairs. Only problem is that "Gem" is a ghost and grounded to the house.
Cassie and Gem fall in love, becoming inseparable, a love affair that last many years...until Cassie makes a mistake and finds herself locked up in the "Chose People Camp".
This religious camp helps teens "end relationships with ghosts" and cure them of their homosexual desires... A Conversion Therapy Camp fraught with torture, physical violence and manipulation.
This is a hard read but it's a story that needs to be told over and over again...until one day Everyone Can Just Be.
#TheWomenOfDauphine
#NetGalley
#LGBTQ2
#DebJannerson
4 stars!
Although listed as a YA, this book should not be overlooked by adults. Appropriately published during Pride Month, it is both powerful and painful.
An exquisite tale of forbidden love and the struggle to just "be".
A young girl fights to find herself in a family filled with parental brutality, extreme homophobia and strict religious beliefs.
Cassie, having just moved with her family into a Victorian Style home in New Orleans becomes best friends with the girl who lives upstairs. Only problem is that "Gem" is a ghost and grounded to the house.
Cassie and Gem fall in love, becoming inseparable, a love affair that last many years...until Cassie makes a mistake and finds herself locked up in the "Chose People Camp".
This religious camp helps teens "end relationships with ghosts" and cure them of their homosexual desires... A Conversion Therapy Camp fraught with torture, physical violence and manipulation.
This is a hard read but it's a story that needs to be told over and over again...until one day Everyone Can Just Be.
#TheWomenOfDauphine
#NetGalley
#LGBTQ2
#DebJannerson
June 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book although it was outside of my usual genre preferences. The Women of Dauphine has made me interested in reading other paranormal/supernatural novels as well. It also had a really nice lesbian main character and a sweet, pretty realistic sapphic romance (other than the ghost parts).
The story begins with an eight year old Cassie moving into an old house and meeting fifteen year old ghost Gem. Slowly the two become best friends and a little more than best friends as well. As their romance progresses, Cassie is also dipping her foot into dangerous waters and dealing with very unpleasant and homophobic parents.
I liked the representation, the acknowledgement of unpleasant happenings (e.g. sexual assault) and the author's writing style. This book definitely intrigued me even when I didn't enjoy the scenes, and I do recommend this to fans of YA paranormal/ghost romances and even fantasy lovers.
I did not like the sometimes stilted or unnatural writing, but it's mostly great. Great read!
The story begins with an eight year old Cassie moving into an old house and meeting fifteen year old ghost Gem. Slowly the two become best friends and a little more than best friends as well. As their romance progresses, Cassie is also dipping her foot into dangerous waters and dealing with very unpleasant and homophobic parents.
I liked the representation, the acknowledgement of unpleasant happenings (e.g. sexual assault) and the author's writing style. This book definitely intrigued me even when I didn't enjoy the scenes, and I do recommend this to fans of YA paranormal/ghost romances and even fantasy lovers.
I did not like the sometimes stilted or unnatural writing, but it's mostly great. Great read!
June 7, 2019
The Women of Dauphine is a well written book with interesting characters. The storyline is entertaining and fascinating. The writer pulled this off almost perfect.
September 18, 2019
The Women of Dauphine accurately captures the fraught pendulum between queer joy and queer sorrow over the course of an abusive adolescence where the paranormal is what you want to be normal and the adults in the room are the true failures. Nice positive end appearance of Tulane Gender Studies. This book straddles the line between first romance and gritty teen drama that fans of Han Nolan, Alys Arden, and Riverdale are sure to be interested in.
It’s important to note that by reading the authors other works, it can be sussed our that in many ways this is an ownvoices story. Ghosts probably aren’t real and there is no record of the specific conversion camp existing in Louisiana. But, Jannerson has written at length about parental and systematic medical abuse in her poetry and non-fiction. Parental and institutional abuse are far more common than many are ready to admit and it’s important to bear witness to these matters, especially because most of them do not occur in the horrible onslaught of “A Child Called It” but instead happen right alongside the adolescent joys that allow somebody to disassociate from that violence.
It’s important to note that by reading the authors other works, it can be sussed our that in many ways this is an ownvoices story. Ghosts probably aren’t real and there is no record of the specific conversion camp existing in Louisiana. But, Jannerson has written at length about parental and systematic medical abuse in her poetry and non-fiction. Parental and institutional abuse are far more common than many are ready to admit and it’s important to bear witness to these matters, especially because most of them do not occur in the horrible onslaught of “A Child Called It” but instead happen right alongside the adolescent joys that allow somebody to disassociate from that violence.
July 30, 2019
Official rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Initial Reaction —
This is a lot to unpack from this story, holy cow. It’s definitely not the most heartwarming read, for there is seldom a happy moment that lasts more than a few pages, but it is undoubtedly real. It talks about real issues and subjects, such as sexuality, conversion therapy, PSTD, child abuse, dysfunctional families, and so much more. The only pivotal flaw is that emotional punch to back all of that up is not entirely there.
Full Review —
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Women of Dauphine tells the heart-wrenching tale of a young girl named Cassandra. Raised by strict Christian parents that permit her with little to no breathing room to make her decisions, Cassandra felt completely and utterly trapped. No family to confide in. No friends to lend a supportive hand. No one at all. She simply went through the motions, never doing anything for herself, seeing that there was no one around to push her to pursue her own ambitions, nor did she know what they were.
Cue Gem, the strange and enigmatic girl that lives in Cassie’s most recent household. No one else can see Gem but Cassie, but Cassie never questions it because finally, she found a friend, someone kind and cool that she can have all to herself. The two girl’s friendship quickly evolves into something special, something that could not be easily severed. Nevertheless, once the truth of Gem’s unaging physique comes into fruition, and as Cassie grows from a child into a young girl, it seems that the life circumstances are determined to put their bond to the ultimate test.
There is a lot to unpack from this story, really. It brings into discussion a handful of taboo subjects and controversies, such as sexuality, conversion therapy, child abuse, toxic households and dysfunctional families, as well as the universal theme of growing up and accepting your own individuality. As said before, due to their suffocating religious convictions and overbearing demeanor, Cassie felt obligated to satisfy her parents’ overzealous expectations rather than figure out what she desired for herself. She had to follow the will of God. She had to be the high-achieving, ideal student in school. She had to be compliant and obedient and straight. But Cassie had other ideas stirring in the back of her mind, waiting idly for her permission to blossom, and once that door was breached, there was absolutely no chance of reverting back to that shell of a person.
Gem is not only Cassie’s best friend but her mentor in a lot of ways, being (un)living proof of the significance of open-mindedness, adventure, and adamance. In fact, one of my favorite moments in this book is when Cassie comes out to Gem and how genuinely exited Gem is for her. Cassie needed to be reassured that her attraction for women was normal as well as a revelation to relish in, and Gem is that consolation, advocating desire over standard. Sure, there are obstacles to behold, sometimes too expansive and bottomless to get over with a mere leap, but do not give up hope. Cassie endures her parents’ degradation and wrath. Cassie holds out during the torment of that horrific conversion camp, including the slop food and the beatings and the electricity. Cassie even speaks against Gem herself when she realizes that she cannot forever be bound to the four walls of her room if she wants to live her life and experiment and shatter the chains that had limited her for so long. Trial after trial, Cassie must enter the scene with swinging fists, the battle bloodcurdling, but she does not stop. She keeps swinging. She keeps trekking. And at the same time that the author, Deb Jannerson, is depicting a girl who refuses to yield, she is stressing how unfair it is that one must struggle so hard for joy and ecstasy.
Unfortunately, regardless of all the representation that this book attempts to bring to the table, it lacks the emotional depth to truly dive home a resounding punch and leave the reader simultaneously shaken and moved. In other words, when the book should have taken a moment to slow down and allow a moment to stew to, letting the reader submerge themselves in what was happening, it was hastily glossed over, summarized, and then proceeded with the next stimulating or gruesome event. This seems to be the downfall of more than YA novels, in which the author is almost afraid to go too dark, but I stand by the fact that making that extra stride toward bleakness and helplessness results in a more fulfilling and heartwarming ending. I felt for Cassie, without a doubt, but I could have felt more if certain things were further fermented.
I’ll admit, when all’s said and done, I don’t think that there was a single moment in which I smiled throughout the course of this book. It was extremely somber, and at times, disturbing, but I do believe that this is exactly what Deb Jannerson was trying to accomplish. This is not a story for the light-hearted. This is a story that is supposed to bring awareness, reveal that these are the problems that exist today - extreme cases of them - and begs for a solution because NO ONE should have to SUPPRESS their TRUE CHARACTER. There is no reason that a person should be forsaken happiness. Not for family. Not for one’s perception of God. Nada. Zilch.
I would recommend this book to anyone adores a story about pure and unadulterated resilience against the system, striving for autonomy, and fighting relentlessly for what you want.
Initial Reaction —
This is a lot to unpack from this story, holy cow. It’s definitely not the most heartwarming read, for there is seldom a happy moment that lasts more than a few pages, but it is undoubtedly real. It talks about real issues and subjects, such as sexuality, conversion therapy, PSTD, child abuse, dysfunctional families, and so much more. The only pivotal flaw is that emotional punch to back all of that up is not entirely there.
Full Review —
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Women of Dauphine tells the heart-wrenching tale of a young girl named Cassandra. Raised by strict Christian parents that permit her with little to no breathing room to make her decisions, Cassandra felt completely and utterly trapped. No family to confide in. No friends to lend a supportive hand. No one at all. She simply went through the motions, never doing anything for herself, seeing that there was no one around to push her to pursue her own ambitions, nor did she know what they were.
Cue Gem, the strange and enigmatic girl that lives in Cassie’s most recent household. No one else can see Gem but Cassie, but Cassie never questions it because finally, she found a friend, someone kind and cool that she can have all to herself. The two girl’s friendship quickly evolves into something special, something that could not be easily severed. Nevertheless, once the truth of Gem’s unaging physique comes into fruition, and as Cassie grows from a child into a young girl, it seems that the life circumstances are determined to put their bond to the ultimate test.
There is a lot to unpack from this story, really. It brings into discussion a handful of taboo subjects and controversies, such as sexuality, conversion therapy, child abuse, toxic households and dysfunctional families, as well as the universal theme of growing up and accepting your own individuality. As said before, due to their suffocating religious convictions and overbearing demeanor, Cassie felt obligated to satisfy her parents’ overzealous expectations rather than figure out what she desired for herself. She had to follow the will of God. She had to be the high-achieving, ideal student in school. She had to be compliant and obedient and straight. But Cassie had other ideas stirring in the back of her mind, waiting idly for her permission to blossom, and once that door was breached, there was absolutely no chance of reverting back to that shell of a person.
Gem is not only Cassie’s best friend but her mentor in a lot of ways, being (un)living proof of the significance of open-mindedness, adventure, and adamance. In fact, one of my favorite moments in this book is when Cassie comes out to Gem and how genuinely exited Gem is for her. Cassie needed to be reassured that her attraction for women was normal as well as a revelation to relish in, and Gem is that consolation, advocating desire over standard. Sure, there are obstacles to behold, sometimes too expansive and bottomless to get over with a mere leap, but do not give up hope. Cassie endures her parents’ degradation and wrath. Cassie holds out during the torment of that horrific conversion camp, including the slop food and the beatings and the electricity. Cassie even speaks against Gem herself when she realizes that she cannot forever be bound to the four walls of her room if she wants to live her life and experiment and shatter the chains that had limited her for so long. Trial after trial, Cassie must enter the scene with swinging fists, the battle bloodcurdling, but she does not stop. She keeps swinging. She keeps trekking. And at the same time that the author, Deb Jannerson, is depicting a girl who refuses to yield, she is stressing how unfair it is that one must struggle so hard for joy and ecstasy.
Unfortunately, regardless of all the representation that this book attempts to bring to the table, it lacks the emotional depth to truly dive home a resounding punch and leave the reader simultaneously shaken and moved. In other words, when the book should have taken a moment to slow down and allow a moment to stew to, letting the reader submerge themselves in what was happening, it was hastily glossed over, summarized, and then proceeded with the next stimulating or gruesome event. This seems to be the downfall of more than YA novels, in which the author is almost afraid to go too dark, but I stand by the fact that making that extra stride toward bleakness and helplessness results in a more fulfilling and heartwarming ending. I felt for Cassie, without a doubt, but I could have felt more if certain things were further fermented.
I’ll admit, when all’s said and done, I don’t think that there was a single moment in which I smiled throughout the course of this book. It was extremely somber, and at times, disturbing, but I do believe that this is exactly what Deb Jannerson was trying to accomplish. This is not a story for the light-hearted. This is a story that is supposed to bring awareness, reveal that these are the problems that exist today - extreme cases of them - and begs for a solution because NO ONE should have to SUPPRESS their TRUE CHARACTER. There is no reason that a person should be forsaken happiness. Not for family. Not for one’s perception of God. Nada. Zilch.
I would recommend this book to anyone adores a story about pure and unadulterated resilience against the system, striving for autonomy, and fighting relentlessly for what you want.
June 4, 2019
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an electronic copy to read and review.
I have many mixed feelings about this book. It was wildly engaging, but particularly the end disappointed me. It went into really deep topics and then abandoned it halfway. It left me raw. It didn’t resolve those feelings. It’s like she tried to stamp a band aid on them.
This offered no emotional resolution. She’s obviously a good writer, but this feels unfinished. I keep feeling like I need to come back and finish the book, but there is no more book to read.
It’s well written but the ending was like she rushed to give it a positive spin.
Overall I couldn’t decide if I wanted to give it 5 stars for the quality of most of the book, or 3 for the unresolved ending, so I gave it 4.
I have many mixed feelings about this book. It was wildly engaging, but particularly the end disappointed me. It went into really deep topics and then abandoned it halfway. It left me raw. It didn’t resolve those feelings. It’s like she tried to stamp a band aid on them.
This offered no emotional resolution. She’s obviously a good writer, but this feels unfinished. I keep feeling like I need to come back and finish the book, but there is no more book to read.
It’s well written but the ending was like she rushed to give it a positive spin.
Overall I couldn’t decide if I wanted to give it 5 stars for the quality of most of the book, or 3 for the unresolved ending, so I gave it 4.
May 27, 2019
The Women of Dauphine may perhaps be the first fictional book i've read that recounts the adversities of those in the LGBTQIA community might have faced. I've avoided books like this as i found hit really close to home.
So, thank you so much to the publishers at NineStar Press for providing me with this ARC, also an opportunity for me to branch out into foreign genre.
It was horrifying to read the horror and humiliation that Cassie had to endure. There were so many wrongs and the book did well translating alarming realities through a near fantastical retelling.
The horrors documented was inspired from the truth, and i don't believe it's strayed far from it either, having knowledge said horrors is very much prevalent in real life.
I'm awfully proud of how the Cassie, as well as the other queer characters in the book, who remained strong despite the obstacles thrown at them. And Cassie being who she is so unabashedly is awe-inspiring.
There is authenticity in Cassie's story, and author Deb Jannnerson did wonderful job on creating a compelling narrative.
3.8 stars.
So, thank you so much to the publishers at NineStar Press for providing me with this ARC, also an opportunity for me to branch out into foreign genre.
It was horrifying to read the horror and humiliation that Cassie had to endure. There were so many wrongs and the book did well translating alarming realities through a near fantastical retelling.
The horrors documented was inspired from the truth, and i don't believe it's strayed far from it either, having knowledge said horrors is very much prevalent in real life.
I'm awfully proud of how the Cassie, as well as the other queer characters in the book, who remained strong despite the obstacles thrown at them. And Cassie being who she is so unabashedly is awe-inspiring.
There is authenticity in Cassie's story, and author Deb Jannnerson did wonderful job on creating a compelling narrative.
3.8 stars.
June 10, 2019
Good pacing, very real feeling characters. It made me miss New Orleans.
July 25, 2019
Thank you for #netgalley for giving me this book in return for a review.
Opinions:
From first glance, I was intrigued by this story and concept of a romantic relationship between a human and a ghost. The setting of New Orleans also drew me in as well as the gorgeous cover!
The book spans several years, from when the main character Cassie is eight, to when she begins college. The story covers a long time in a small number of pages, however, the flow of the narrative always felt natural and the development of relationships between characters also felt authentic and well-paced.
The book begins when Cassie and her family are forced to move into an old house in New Orleans due to their lack of money. It is here at their new house that she first meets Gem, a female ghost who has been trapped in the house since her death.
The writing is beautifully vivid and descriptive, with a strong sense of voice. It has a lightness and ease that meant I didn’t want to stop reading. It has been a long time since a book has made me want to stay up into the early morning turning the pages, but this book did that for me. The narrative had a flow, the characters were lovable, and the story was intriguing enough that I looked forward to finding out what would happen next.
Characters:
I immediately loved Cassie and the curiosity and awe she felt for Gem are translated well to readers. Cassie goes through plenty of relatable struggles to do with growing up and her sexuality that I think would connect with all types of readers. She goes through a lot but never strays from her values and morals and I think that is very admirable.
Gem was also very likeable with her tough and rebellious persona. Unravelling Gem’s backstory about how and why she became a ghost was intriguing and fascinating. I read it the same way Cassie felt listening to it like I was being let in on some huge secret. I didn’t want to stop reading.
I loved their friendship and the fact that she was a ghost, trapped in the house and not visible to anyone else. It gave their friendship a sense of exclusivity. As Cassie put it, Gem belonged to her alone and that’s the way she liked it.
What I Didn’t Like:
The story was at times a little expositional, especially during the latter half of the novel where events and new characters felt brushed over to reach the end of the story faster. Furthermore, flashbacks such as delving into Gem’s past also felt a little summarised. That being said, her backstory was a lot of fun and allowed the story to cross over more time and issues. The backstory detailed her time in boarding school, her relationship with another girl and their subsequent escape from the school. It was heartbreaking and established an even stronger connection between Gem and readers as we got to see more of her character outside of being a ghost.
The physics and rules surrounding Gem as a ghost were a little unclear and vague at times and is another reason why this book lost a star for me. It lacked a little bit of believability and credibility for me and felt like the rules were bent for plot reasons.
Finally, the last thing that didn’t quite connect with me for this book was the nature of the climax. It built up a lot and felt very dramatic and high stakes… but then, all the problems just resolved themselves. Cassie was rarely proactive in her own story, instead, sitting back and letting events be carried out and problems to fix themselves with time. I was a little disappointed by this and would have much preferred her to react to situations more.
Summary:
Overall, this story was beautifully honest and real and dealt with a lot of tough issues across a large span of years. The main characters were memorable and loveable, and the story had an ease and magical quality about it that pulled me in. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in LGBTQ+ romances!
Favourite Quotes:
“I saw life without imagined embellishment as hopelessly dull.”
“From that point forward, I decided, I would live as a proud queer woman.”
Opinions:
From first glance, I was intrigued by this story and concept of a romantic relationship between a human and a ghost. The setting of New Orleans also drew me in as well as the gorgeous cover!
The book spans several years, from when the main character Cassie is eight, to when she begins college. The story covers a long time in a small number of pages, however, the flow of the narrative always felt natural and the development of relationships between characters also felt authentic and well-paced.
The book begins when Cassie and her family are forced to move into an old house in New Orleans due to their lack of money. It is here at their new house that she first meets Gem, a female ghost who has been trapped in the house since her death.
The writing is beautifully vivid and descriptive, with a strong sense of voice. It has a lightness and ease that meant I didn’t want to stop reading. It has been a long time since a book has made me want to stay up into the early morning turning the pages, but this book did that for me. The narrative had a flow, the characters were lovable, and the story was intriguing enough that I looked forward to finding out what would happen next.
Characters:
I immediately loved Cassie and the curiosity and awe she felt for Gem are translated well to readers. Cassie goes through plenty of relatable struggles to do with growing up and her sexuality that I think would connect with all types of readers. She goes through a lot but never strays from her values and morals and I think that is very admirable.
Gem was also very likeable with her tough and rebellious persona. Unravelling Gem’s backstory about how and why she became a ghost was intriguing and fascinating. I read it the same way Cassie felt listening to it like I was being let in on some huge secret. I didn’t want to stop reading.
I loved their friendship and the fact that she was a ghost, trapped in the house and not visible to anyone else. It gave their friendship a sense of exclusivity. As Cassie put it, Gem belonged to her alone and that’s the way she liked it.
What I Didn’t Like:
The story was at times a little expositional, especially during the latter half of the novel where events and new characters felt brushed over to reach the end of the story faster. Furthermore, flashbacks such as delving into Gem’s past also felt a little summarised. That being said, her backstory was a lot of fun and allowed the story to cross over more time and issues. The backstory detailed her time in boarding school, her relationship with another girl and their subsequent escape from the school. It was heartbreaking and established an even stronger connection between Gem and readers as we got to see more of her character outside of being a ghost.
The physics and rules surrounding Gem as a ghost were a little unclear and vague at times and is another reason why this book lost a star for me. It lacked a little bit of believability and credibility for me and felt like the rules were bent for plot reasons.
Finally, the last thing that didn’t quite connect with me for this book was the nature of the climax. It built up a lot and felt very dramatic and high stakes… but then, all the problems just resolved themselves. Cassie was rarely proactive in her own story, instead, sitting back and letting events be carried out and problems to fix themselves with time. I was a little disappointed by this and would have much preferred her to react to situations more.
Summary:
Overall, this story was beautifully honest and real and dealt with a lot of tough issues across a large span of years. The main characters were memorable and loveable, and the story had an ease and magical quality about it that pulled me in. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in LGBTQ+ romances!
Favourite Quotes:
“I saw life without imagined embellishment as hopelessly dull.”
“From that point forward, I decided, I would live as a proud queer woman.”
August 13, 2019
Review to come!
May 30, 2019
Gay girls? Paranormal circumstances? Heck yeah!
Over-descriptive conversion therapy? Become a whole other story in the middle before going back to the original setting? Less heck yeah.
I really wanted to love this book and I just couldn't. I think if you're a little more into the paranormal than I am or a little less squeamish, this book would be a good fit. It just didn't work for me though.
(Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.)
Over-descriptive conversion therapy? Become a whole other story in the middle before going back to the original setting? Less heck yeah.
I really wanted to love this book and I just couldn't. I think if you're a little more into the paranormal than I am or a little less squeamish, this book would be a good fit. It just didn't work for me though.
(Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.)
June 17, 2019
This had me at lesbian ghost story set in my prime angst years of the 90s--what more could one ask for? Ultimately, this ended up being quite a bit darker than what I had been expecting with trigger warnings out the yin-yang. It is not an easy book to get through and try as I might afterwards, I cannot even describe an actual plotline beyond the main character coming to realize she's gay, is in love with a ghost, and then surviving ex-gay(ex-ghost, apparently) conversion therapy. Even though it's lacking a fuller story I still found myself immersed in this world. More shocking to me is that I actually enjoyed the ending! This isn't an easy book, and bittersweet is the overall tone. It's probably not going to be for everyone, but it really is a unique and well-written narrative.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 10, 2019
When I first started “The Women of Dauphine” I was impressed with the rich prose and appreciated the detailed descriptions. However, as the story progressed my opinion changed. This book is shelved as YA but the main character does not think or act as an adult. I can understand a mature protagonist, but this was to such an extent that I felt alienated from the main character. Making mistakes and falling to the pressures of adolescence is part of being human. Cassie, the main character, was seemingly perfect. Even when she seemingly messed up her motivations where completely sympathetic and it was outside forces that caused the problem.
Another problem I had was that the entire story was told as past tense. At the beginning of the novel I thought that the reason for doing so would eventually be revealed, but there was never a narrative reason for the story to be told from past tense. This further caused me to feel alienated from the main character. She did not feel like a real person I could connect with.
My final problem was the story itself. As the story progressed I began to wonder what the climax would be. Once Cassie entered the religious conversion center I thought there would be some grand break out scene. When Jem’s ex-girlfriend was introduced I thought there would be a major conflict between the two characters. In the end the climax was the house burning down which ended up being a positive overall. The real conflict of the story ended up being the conversion camp which only felt like a distraction from the main plotline of Cassie and Jem’s relationship. The conversion camp itself made me feel uncomfortable. As someone who identifies as queer I felt like the scenes depicted were gratuitous in nature. I do not know if the author herself identifies as queer or has had the experiences. If she has I would feel more comfortable with the story if that was included as an author’s note.
Another problem I had was that the entire story was told as past tense. At the beginning of the novel I thought that the reason for doing so would eventually be revealed, but there was never a narrative reason for the story to be told from past tense. This further caused me to feel alienated from the main character. She did not feel like a real person I could connect with.
My final problem was the story itself. As the story progressed I began to wonder what the climax would be. Once Cassie entered the religious conversion center I thought there would be some grand break out scene. When Jem’s ex-girlfriend was introduced I thought there would be a major conflict between the two characters. In the end the climax was the house burning down which ended up being a positive overall. The real conflict of the story ended up being the conversion camp which only felt like a distraction from the main plotline of Cassie and Jem’s relationship. The conversion camp itself made me feel uncomfortable. As someone who identifies as queer I felt like the scenes depicted were gratuitous in nature. I do not know if the author herself identifies as queer or has had the experiences. If she has I would feel more comfortable with the story if that was included as an author’s note.
June 9, 2019
While the book seemed a little choppy in the beginning and seemed to end fairly abruptly, I ultimately enjoyed and appreciated it. I was drawn in with the paranormal circumstances description, but found an eye-opening story filled with issues the LGBTQIA community have endured and even continue to face. Overall, I would recommend this book to more than just fans of YA paranormal romance.
July 11, 2019
I almost feel like this book needs a different rating for each half. It started out really good. Great character development, interesting historical tidbits, unique & intriguing storyline. But then it just kind of fell apart. The characters stopped being interesting and just became rather predictable. The ending didn’t mesh with the rest of the story and felt very rushed. Disappointing...
October 4, 2019
It was very different and very interesting read.
To be in love with a ghost and live with the consequenses, wow.
I liked Cassie alot, and how we got to follow her grow up with seeing and falling in love with a ghost.
To be in love with a ghost and live with the consequenses, wow.
I liked Cassie alot, and how we got to follow her grow up with seeing and falling in love with a ghost.
September 12, 2019
All around fantastic book!
September 8, 2020
When Cassie’s family moves into a decrepit house in New Orleans, the only upside is her new best friend. Gem is witty, attractive, and sure not to abandon Cassie—after all, she’s been confined to the old house since her murder in the ’60s.
As their connection becomes romantic, Cassie must keep more and more secrets from her religious community, which hates ghosts almost as much as it hates gays. Even if their relationship prevails over volatile parents and brutal conversion therapy, it may not outlast time.
This was really hard to read. I had no idea going in that it would discuss such heavy topics and not having any warning made it so I was very uncomfortable reading about those things. I had to skim a few parts because the scenes were more graphic than I was prepared to handle.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
As their connection becomes romantic, Cassie must keep more and more secrets from her religious community, which hates ghosts almost as much as it hates gays. Even if their relationship prevails over volatile parents and brutal conversion therapy, it may not outlast time.
This was really hard to read. I had no idea going in that it would discuss such heavy topics and not having any warning made it so I was very uncomfortable reading about those things. I had to skim a few parts because the scenes were more graphic than I was prepared to handle.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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