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Jane-Emily
While spending the summer in an old Massachusetts house, an eighteen-year-old girl and her niece become increasingly aware of the presence of a spirit that seems determined to harm them
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
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2208 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Clapp
16 books36 followersPatricia Clapp was born in Boston and attended the Columbia University School of Journalism. Her first novel, Constance: A Story of Early Plymouth, was a runner-up for the 1969 National Book Award for Children's Literature. Her other books include, I'm Deborah Sampson, King of the Dollhouse, Dr. Elizabeth, and Jane-Emily. She also authored many plays for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
February 15, 2020
Oh wow, this did not disappoint! A perfectly told ghost story, Jane-Emily has a malevolent spirit girl, characters that wrap you around their little fingers, a story, well told and an awesome ending. The finale brought tears to my eyes. How come I've never heard of Patricia Clapp? I can't wait to read the other novel in this set--Witches' Children.
Nine year old Jane and her Aunt Louisa come to visit Jane's grandmother, Mrs. Canfield, in her old, but lovely mansion in Massachusetts for the summer. There Jane becomes beguiled by her dead Aunt Emily who died at age 13. Emily was a spoiled, willful child, beloved by only her father. Even her death was precipitated by her own hateful machinations. As the summer nears it's end, Emily is not quite done terrorizing the visitors, but perhaps a mother's love will have something to say about that.
Nine year old Jane and her Aunt Louisa come to visit Jane's grandmother, Mrs. Canfield, in her old, but lovely mansion in Massachusetts for the summer. There Jane becomes beguiled by her dead Aunt Emily who died at age 13. Emily was a spoiled, willful child, beloved by only her father. Even her death was precipitated by her own hateful machinations. As the summer nears it's end, Emily is not quite done terrorizing the visitors, but perhaps a mother's love will have something to say about that.
July 14, 2025
“There are times when the midsummer sun strikes cold, and when the leaping flames of a hearthfire give no heat. Times when the chill within us comes not from fears we know, but from fears unknown-and forever unknowable.”
― Patricia Clapp, Jane-Emily
Does anyone remember this eerie and fascinating little book from days gone by?
This is a chilling little read from my childhood years that I have reread since then and find just as creepy as back then. OK..Maybe not just as creepy..but still creepy nonetheless!
I remember after reading this just feeling the eeriness and the ominous feelings. And does anyone look at reflecting Balls in the same way again?
This is one of those timeless tales that can be enjoyed by anyone in any age group and despite the fact that it is a pretty small book and I am an adult now..that Emily..that reflection.. Yowsa!
― Patricia Clapp, Jane-Emily
Does anyone remember this eerie and fascinating little book from days gone by?
This is a chilling little read from my childhood years that I have reread since then and find just as creepy as back then. OK..Maybe not just as creepy..but still creepy nonetheless!
I remember after reading this just feeling the eeriness and the ominous feelings. And does anyone look at reflecting Balls in the same way again?
This is one of those timeless tales that can be enjoyed by anyone in any age group and despite the fact that it is a pretty small book and I am an adult now..that Emily..that reflection.. Yowsa!
December 20, 2012
I read this book for the first time when I was in the 5th grade. I'm 43 now, and this book is still one of my favorites. I read it multiple times as a kid and it always gave me the creeps. I lost my copy of it years ago and went on Amazon and found a used one to keep on hand. Emily is one scary little girl ghost!! Had I read it for the first time as an adult, maybe it would not have made such an impression, but reading it as a kid has made it one of my all time favorites and I would recommend it for kids in that age group who are looking for a scare!
October 3, 2007
I was surprised to see in a bookstore that this VERY scary and original children's book is back in print, in a sweet new edition that includes another novel by the author.
Recommended for those who like well-told, genuinely spooky stories. Not recommended for those who get nightmares easily.
Recommended for those who like well-told, genuinely spooky stories. Not recommended for those who get nightmares easily.
January 1, 2018
4 stars--I really liked it, though largely due to nostalgia.
I adored this book as a child (just look at that cover--no wonder I love gothic horror so much as an adult! This was my training!). On reread I still quite liked it, though it wasn't particularly scary (young me thought it was!) and was slightly dated (frankly, it's a touch sexist). Still, Clapp creates vivid scenes, lifelike characters, and plots with ease. I'm glad I reread it.
I adored this book as a child (just look at that cover--no wonder I love gothic horror so much as an adult! This was my training!). On reread I still quite liked it, though it wasn't particularly scary (young me thought it was!) and was slightly dated (frankly, it's a touch sexist). Still, Clapp creates vivid scenes, lifelike characters, and plots with ease. I'm glad I reread it.
August 31, 2015
Before I can tell you my opinion on the plot of this old children's book, let me tell you about the smell of the book. Yes, the smell.
My library ordered a copy of an old 1973 Yearling paperback from another library and it came with the most delightful musty old book smell. I inhaled several times each time I picked up the book. It took me right back to childhood, back to the musty old used bookstores we used to frequent and the smell of the paperbacks in our basement. It smelled like a book SHOULD smell and I had long forgotten that scent. Oh, to be 12 again and discovering this book in the kid's section of Jerry's Used Book Store on Federal. . . .
Interestingly enough, I never read this book as a kid. Never stumbled across a copy.
It read like a sixties pre-teen romance novel. In fact, there is so much romance you tend to forget it's actually a horror story. It takes place in the early 1900's (although the dialog seems more modern to me) and it's the story of a young girl named Jane who becomes obsessed with another girl who has been dead for 20 years named Emily. Emily is evil and Emily has power. Jane and her sister are staying in Emily's house for the summer with their grandmother who happens to be Emily's mother. The teenage sister has a real romance going that's fairy princess like but it's a good mix of good and evil. Not too scary for an adult but I think I would have liked it when I was young.
And the smell! Just like it was found in a haunted attic somewhere.
My library ordered a copy of an old 1973 Yearling paperback from another library and it came with the most delightful musty old book smell. I inhaled several times each time I picked up the book. It took me right back to childhood, back to the musty old used bookstores we used to frequent and the smell of the paperbacks in our basement. It smelled like a book SHOULD smell and I had long forgotten that scent. Oh, to be 12 again and discovering this book in the kid's section of Jerry's Used Book Store on Federal. . . .
Interestingly enough, I never read this book as a kid. Never stumbled across a copy.
It read like a sixties pre-teen romance novel. In fact, there is so much romance you tend to forget it's actually a horror story. It takes place in the early 1900's (although the dialog seems more modern to me) and it's the story of a young girl named Jane who becomes obsessed with another girl who has been dead for 20 years named Emily. Emily is evil and Emily has power. Jane and her sister are staying in Emily's house for the summer with their grandmother who happens to be Emily's mother. The teenage sister has a real romance going that's fairy princess like but it's a good mix of good and evil. Not too scary for an adult but I think I would have liked it when I was young.
And the smell! Just like it was found in a haunted attic somewhere.
December 18, 2009
This masterful little ghost story is classed as a children's book, but will scare adults as well. The story is simple: a turn-of-the-century girl named Jane is taken by her young aunt Louisa to spend a summer with her grandmother. Louisa is distracted by romantic problems when a handsome young doctor begins courting her, and at first hardly notices when Jane gets curious about a little girl named Emily who died in the same house years before. But Jane's obsession deepens, and Louisa is forced to consider that Emily may not be entirely gone - and may have designs on her niece. The book benefits from having Louisa as its narrator, an intensely practical girl who struggles to fit the house's odd happenings into some kind of rational pattern, and fails. There are no haunted-house traditions here - no rotting houses and cruel relatives; no visions in white or ghostly cries. Dread builds instead from the fragmented memories of Emily, slowly pieced together by Louisa into a horrifying picture. Not only Jane's life will be on the line at the end, but also Louisa's happiness: by falling in love with her young doctor she has somehow managed to cross one of the nastiest and most spiteful ghosts ever to be written.
February 17, 2008
I gave this book five stars for old times' sake. As I reread it these 30 years after having read it over and over and over, I recognized a few key scenes which had lodged in my consciousness and become part of me.
The way Emily made herself sick - I love both the way it shows her as strong-willed and manipulative, and the way it's old-fashioned and of its time. (I really don't think that one would become deathly ill that way, but people thought so in the early 1900's.)
One thing I did see as an adult, though, that I know I didn't see as a kid, was the red flag warning signs about Dr. Adam. A little bit too hot-headed when Louisa didn't jump at his proposal the first time, and also a bit controlling. Does his good kissing really make up for that?
The way Emily made herself sick - I love both the way it shows her as strong-willed and manipulative, and the way it's old-fashioned and of its time. (I really don't think that one would become deathly ill that way, but people thought so in the early 1900's.)
One thing I did see as an adult, though, that I know I didn't see as a kid, was the red flag warning signs about Dr. Adam. A little bit too hot-headed when Louisa didn't jump at his proposal the first time, and also a bit controlling. Does his good kissing really make up for that?
August 20, 2009
Clapp does a masterful job at creating a truly frightening story (or so I remember it being when I was a child) from pure atmosphere -- no gore, demons, or other horror elements. It is a great read for kids who like scary stories, especially because it somehow manages not to leave any sort of residual fear that might keep them awake at night.
I'm sad that everything else Clapp wrote seems like American-history stuff that I'm not interested in.
I'm sad that everything else Clapp wrote seems like American-history stuff that I'm not interested in.
February 2, 2011
Reviewed by my daughter and I.
Well, Mallory and I have read another book – this time a story I remember reading (and loving) when I was about Mal’s age. I stumbled across Jane-Emily when I was ‘shopping’ at Book Closeouts and couldn’t resist. It’s a story about a little girl, Jane, who goes to visit her paternal grandmother after her parents are killed in a buggy accident. She’s accompanied by her 18 year old aunt, Louisa. Her grandmother is kind but stern. She’s had some tragedies in her life – the recent loss of Jane’s father, of course, but also the death of her beloved husband and young daughter, Emily. Emily appears to have some unfinished business at the house.
I remember this book as being really creepy, but let’s face it, that was 35 years ago. I wonder how it compares to some of the books Mal’s read. What did you think, Mallory, did you find Jane-Emily scary?
Mallory: No. Not at all. It wasn’t scary, but I loved the way the story took place in 1912. I love books that take place in the past. What about you?
Christie: Well, I have to agree with you, Mal. Not scary at all. In fact, I have to admit to finding the book a little slow-moving. It’s just a novella, only 140 pages, but it moved fairly slowly. I think I remember it as being slightly more action-packed. I did like how atmospheric it was, though. Do you know what I mean by that?
Mallory: Umm… I think you might be talking about the feeling each day brought as it passed in the book. If I’m right, then yes, I did. I liked the way each moment seemed a little care-free or relaxed. It is summer vacation, remember.
Christie: You’re close. Atmosphere is the way the story makes you feel…so, for example, Clapp took her time making you feel the heat of each summer day – when it was hot, you knew it was. Remember how they were always going to sit in the shade of the tulip tree? And when they went up into the attic, there was this sense of foreboding, like they might discover something awful and they did – remember?
Mallory: Yeah, I do remember what poor little Jane found. That wax doll with the melted face. Emily sure seemed like a nice little girl, right?
Christie: Well, I guess that’s the difference of 35 years. This isn’t a splashy book. There wasn’t any violence or anything graphic, but as a ghost story I think it was okay. How does it compare with other creepy stories you’ve read?
Mallory: I think the romance in this book overshadowed any ‘creepy’ parts. As for a comparison- the book The Enchanted Attic by M.D Spenser forced me to read it only in daylight. Literally. And truthfully, (and I’ll only admit to doing this once) I read nearly all of Jane-Emily at night with a little reading light. I didn’t even shiver.
Christie: Busted.
Mallory: I’m going to deny anything you accuse me of. . I recommend Jane-Emily to to readers who can’t handle a huge scare- and who prefer more ‘mild’ creepy books. But I must say, this novella paints a gorgeous picture of summertime in your head. And I think every ludic reader loves a book that does that!
Well, Mallory and I have read another book – this time a story I remember reading (and loving) when I was about Mal’s age. I stumbled across Jane-Emily when I was ‘shopping’ at Book Closeouts and couldn’t resist. It’s a story about a little girl, Jane, who goes to visit her paternal grandmother after her parents are killed in a buggy accident. She’s accompanied by her 18 year old aunt, Louisa. Her grandmother is kind but stern. She’s had some tragedies in her life – the recent loss of Jane’s father, of course, but also the death of her beloved husband and young daughter, Emily. Emily appears to have some unfinished business at the house.
I remember this book as being really creepy, but let’s face it, that was 35 years ago. I wonder how it compares to some of the books Mal’s read. What did you think, Mallory, did you find Jane-Emily scary?
Mallory: No. Not at all. It wasn’t scary, but I loved the way the story took place in 1912. I love books that take place in the past. What about you?
Christie: Well, I have to agree with you, Mal. Not scary at all. In fact, I have to admit to finding the book a little slow-moving. It’s just a novella, only 140 pages, but it moved fairly slowly. I think I remember it as being slightly more action-packed. I did like how atmospheric it was, though. Do you know what I mean by that?
Mallory: Umm… I think you might be talking about the feeling each day brought as it passed in the book. If I’m right, then yes, I did. I liked the way each moment seemed a little care-free or relaxed. It is summer vacation, remember.
Christie: You’re close. Atmosphere is the way the story makes you feel…so, for example, Clapp took her time making you feel the heat of each summer day – when it was hot, you knew it was. Remember how they were always going to sit in the shade of the tulip tree? And when they went up into the attic, there was this sense of foreboding, like they might discover something awful and they did – remember?
Mallory: Yeah, I do remember what poor little Jane found. That wax doll with the melted face. Emily sure seemed like a nice little girl, right?
Christie: Well, I guess that’s the difference of 35 years. This isn’t a splashy book. There wasn’t any violence or anything graphic, but as a ghost story I think it was okay. How does it compare with other creepy stories you’ve read?
Mallory: I think the romance in this book overshadowed any ‘creepy’ parts. As for a comparison- the book The Enchanted Attic by M.D Spenser forced me to read it only in daylight. Literally. And truthfully, (and I’ll only admit to doing this once) I read nearly all of Jane-Emily at night with a little reading light. I didn’t even shiver.
Christie: Busted.
Mallory: I’m going to deny anything you accuse me of. . I recommend Jane-Emily to to readers who can’t handle a huge scare- and who prefer more ‘mild’ creepy books. But I must say, this novella paints a gorgeous picture of summertime in your head. And I think every ludic reader loves a book that does that!
May 21, 2017
Since I've become interested in children's ghost stories, I've been seeing mentions of Jane-Emily around. I finally caved and ordered myself a copy on Amazon. I'm glad I did!
It's funny - I've seen this classified as a children's book most places, but when I read it I discovered it was more of a YA book - albeit an older one. Our MC is 18 (17?) and there is a romance in here. That being said, this is still appropriate for younger readers - as long as they don't scare easily!
Jame-Emily isn't a very scary ghost story, but it is pretty creepy and I can imagine a child being fairly frightened by it. So as with any children's ghost/horror book, proceed with caution. Know what a kid can handle before handing them a ghost story. I know that when I was small I would have nightmares for weeks after my friend would tell me scary stories (heh).
I really enjoyed how the ghost was in this book. It's a somewhat subtle ghost story and there's definitely an element of mystery here - is there really a ghost or not? I'd probably give this 4.5 out of 5 stars. Jane-Emily is a nice example of a children's gothic.
It's funny - I've seen this classified as a children's book most places, but when I read it I discovered it was more of a YA book - albeit an older one. Our MC is 18 (17?) and there is a romance in here. That being said, this is still appropriate for younger readers - as long as they don't scare easily!
Jame-Emily isn't a very scary ghost story, but it is pretty creepy and I can imagine a child being fairly frightened by it. So as with any children's ghost/horror book, proceed with caution. Know what a kid can handle before handing them a ghost story. I know that when I was small I would have nightmares for weeks after my friend would tell me scary stories (heh).
I really enjoyed how the ghost was in this book. It's a somewhat subtle ghost story and there's definitely an element of mystery here - is there really a ghost or not? I'd probably give this 4.5 out of 5 stars. Jane-Emily is a nice example of a children's gothic.
October 25, 2021
I’d never heard of this book or author, but I saw it mentioned in a discussion in a Borders Facebook group, and I was intrigued. Based on the discussion, I expected it to be scarier, but it was still enjoyably creepy. I liked the first-person narration and the old-fashioned, atmospheric writing. Every time I see a lawn globe, I’ll think of this book and give it a wide berth.
March 29, 2020
One of the best ghost-stories out there that I had so much fun re-reading after God knows how many years. A vintage gem that has all the elements of a classic supernatural story with a young girl that refuses to leave the house even after her death.
Jane with her young 18 yr. old aunt is looking forward to spent the summer in Lynn at Mrs. Canfield’s house. 9-year-old Jane has lost her parents, Louisa’s sister Charlotte and Mrs. Canfield’s son John in an accident. Louisa believes the long summer would revive Jane from the melancholy that has made her withdraw into herself and thus even though she loaths to be separated from her boyfriend for such a long time, Louisa accompanies Jane to Lydia Canfield’s house. The beginning is idyllic with good weather and a lovely garden and the child taking an acute interest in everything around her but little events begin to jeopardize their much needed peace and quiet.
Emily, Jane’s aunt who is remembered as a spoilt and willful disobedient child who always manipulated people around her to get them to do things as she wants, begins to make her presence known thru the reflecting ball that is placed in the garden.
Louisa senses the eerie and unnatural presence of the spirit left behind and when her romance with Adam adds to Emily’s anger, things begin to escalate.
The story has the brooding and eerie darkness that chills the spine and even though published first in 1920’s, it still can bring joy to not just children but adults who love a good ghost story for a rainy and stormy night.
Witches’ Children soon!
Jane with her young 18 yr. old aunt is looking forward to spent the summer in Lynn at Mrs. Canfield’s house. 9-year-old Jane has lost her parents, Louisa’s sister Charlotte and Mrs. Canfield’s son John in an accident. Louisa believes the long summer would revive Jane from the melancholy that has made her withdraw into herself and thus even though she loaths to be separated from her boyfriend for such a long time, Louisa accompanies Jane to Lydia Canfield’s house. The beginning is idyllic with good weather and a lovely garden and the child taking an acute interest in everything around her but little events begin to jeopardize their much needed peace and quiet.
Emily, Jane’s aunt who is remembered as a spoilt and willful disobedient child who always manipulated people around her to get them to do things as she wants, begins to make her presence known thru the reflecting ball that is placed in the garden.
Louisa senses the eerie and unnatural presence of the spirit left behind and when her romance with Adam adds to Emily’s anger, things begin to escalate.
The story has the brooding and eerie darkness that chills the spine and even though published first in 1920’s, it still can bring joy to not just children but adults who love a good ghost story for a rainy and stormy night.
Witches’ Children soon!
November 8, 2020
Quick and fun read but I don’t consider it scary or even creepy. I also feel that they left the ending unfinished, we should’ve had a look at how their lives were after that summer.
November 9, 2024
Thrilling! I wish I had read this gothic mystery book when I was young—it would have been exactly the type of book I would have loved. Excellent writing, detailed descriptions, a sense of tension and foreboding...plus, the spookiest atmosphere. Jane-Emily really impressed me and I will definitely be revisiting this book year after year during the Halloween season. (Although it would also be a great choice for the summer, since that is the season in which it takes place.)
Highly recommended for all lovers of middle grade and/or spooky books!
Highly recommended for all lovers of middle grade and/or spooky books!
May 10, 2015
I came across this book here on Goodreads and thought it sounded interesting. I had a bit of a problem getting a decent copy since it's been out of print for a while.
The story starts out simply enough - it is 1912 and 18-year-old Louisa Amory is enjoying a "serious" relationship with Martin Driscoll, who writes dreadful poetry and has a silly, melodramatic attitude. The year before, Louisa's older sister Charlotte and her husband John were killed in a freak carriage accident, leaving their only child, Jane, now 9 years old, an orphan. Jane comes to live with Amorys, but though sweet, obedient and innocent, she is withdrawn and quiet. Louisa's parents decide the best remedy is to send Jane - with Louisa as a chaperone - on a visit to John's widowed mother, who lives in Lynn, Massachusetts. Louisa rebels - she wants to spend time with her boyfriend. However, she is forced to go. I got the impression this was also done to separate her from the annoying Martin.
At first, everything goes well - Louisa and Jane quickly settle into a comfortable routine with Lydia Canfield and her maid/cook, Katie. Louisa learns of John's younger sister Emily, who died of pneumonia at the age of 12 about 12 years earlier. Jane bears a striking resemblance to her late aunt in looks but most definitely NOT personality. Emily is revealed to have been an extremely selfish, spiteful, and violent child who would fly into rages if she was denied what she wanted. Though just a child, Emily dominated her family, especially her parents. Her father doted on her and denied her nothing.
"I recalled the odd note in Lydia Canfield's voice when she spoke of her daughter as being difficult. There had been no sadness, no regret, such as I felt whenever I thought of Charlotte. What kind of a child could Emily have been? What sort of little girl could die when still so young, and leave this kind of dark memory?"
An evil child. A child who hasn't gone away - just changed locations slightly.
The creepiness starts off slowly and things gradually become more serious. It becomes obvious that Emily IS still around - and she can kill. Finally, the family must take a stand before someone else dies.
I wasn't scared by this book, but I enjoyed it. I really liked and cared for Louisa, Jane, Adam, and Mrs Canfield. I've met several people who read this same book as children, and they said it scared the daylights out of them, so maybe the reason I didn't find it scary was because I'm an adult. That said, there is a creepy atmosphere in several scenes, especially in Chapter 3 with the reflecting ball in the garden. I think the reflecting ball was the creepiest thing in the whole book.
I really enjoyed "Jane-Emily" and will probably read it again. I'm really surprised this book isn't better known, and I don't understand why it's out of print.
The story starts out simply enough - it is 1912 and 18-year-old Louisa Amory is enjoying a "serious" relationship with Martin Driscoll, who writes dreadful poetry and has a silly, melodramatic attitude. The year before, Louisa's older sister Charlotte and her husband John were killed in a freak carriage accident, leaving their only child, Jane, now 9 years old, an orphan. Jane comes to live with Amorys, but though sweet, obedient and innocent, she is withdrawn and quiet. Louisa's parents decide the best remedy is to send Jane - with Louisa as a chaperone - on a visit to John's widowed mother, who lives in Lynn, Massachusetts. Louisa rebels - she wants to spend time with her boyfriend. However, she is forced to go. I got the impression this was also done to separate her from the annoying Martin.
At first, everything goes well - Louisa and Jane quickly settle into a comfortable routine with Lydia Canfield and her maid/cook, Katie. Louisa learns of John's younger sister Emily, who died of pneumonia at the age of 12 about 12 years earlier. Jane bears a striking resemblance to her late aunt in looks but most definitely NOT personality. Emily is revealed to have been an extremely selfish, spiteful, and violent child who would fly into rages if she was denied what she wanted. Though just a child, Emily dominated her family, especially her parents. Her father doted on her and denied her nothing.
"I recalled the odd note in Lydia Canfield's voice when she spoke of her daughter as being difficult. There had been no sadness, no regret, such as I felt whenever I thought of Charlotte. What kind of a child could Emily have been? What sort of little girl could die when still so young, and leave this kind of dark memory?"
An evil child. A child who hasn't gone away - just changed locations slightly.
The creepiness starts off slowly and things gradually become more serious. It becomes obvious that Emily IS still around - and she can kill. Finally, the family must take a stand before someone else dies.
I wasn't scared by this book, but I enjoyed it. I really liked and cared for Louisa, Jane, Adam, and Mrs Canfield. I've met several people who read this same book as children, and they said it scared the daylights out of them, so maybe the reason I didn't find it scary was because I'm an adult. That said, there is a creepy atmosphere in several scenes, especially in Chapter 3 with the reflecting ball in the garden. I think the reflecting ball was the creepiest thing in the whole book.
I really enjoyed "Jane-Emily" and will probably read it again. I'm really surprised this book isn't better known, and I don't understand why it's out of print.
August 25, 2013
BEWARE THE REFLECTIONS OF HER DARK PAST
In the summer of 1912 18-year-old Louisa Amory and her 9-year-old niece, Jane, travel to Massachusetts to the mansion of their mutual relative. Regretfully leaving behind her sappy beau, Martin, and resigned to a boring two months in Lynn, Louisa is surprised to find herself suddenly both courted (this novel is billed partly as a Romance) but gradually terrified (the novel is also advertised as a Ghost story). All right, so readers get two genres for the price of one short novel: but the results actually prove fascinating.
The arrival at Canfield House of Jane, who is healthy and a sweet, likeable child, proves a catalyst for the attempted return from a restive death of the ghost of young Emily Canfield, who had died of pneumonia many years previously. Because she was willful and selfish in Life, will she continue along the same, dark path from beyond the grave? Actually there have been several inexplicable deaths in the family in recent years, but is there one shadowy source of recurring grief? If the past is not truly dead and buried, the present seems increasingly vulnerable. As Louisa comes to grimly realize: Emily Canfield was known for always getting her own way in the end.
In the course of this ghost-romance story Louisa finds herself unwillingly attracted to a handsome young doctor--an old friend of the persecuted Canfield family. But Jane gradually becomes even more affected by the memory (or unseen presence)of the dead girl, who gains insidious control over Jane's mind and actions. Which guest is the real target of Emily's malevolence: Jane, who sleeps in her bed and plays with her toys, or Louisa, who might even marry the very man Emily once set her young heart on? Her parents did not defy her in Life, so why should she not continue to exercise her will in Death?
Louisa becomes increasingly suspicious of the strange power exerted over Jane in the form of a shining globe in the garden, mounted on a special pedestal--the right height for a young girl to stare into. Is this the portal which allows Emily to reenter the world of the living? As the relentless ghost girl stalks both her female relatives out of spite and ruthless egomania, Louisa and Adam vacillate between belief in the surreal world versus rational, scientific explanations for the odd events. Will Emily take complete control of her modern cousin, enjoying the last, cruel word even in death? For young women of all ages.
(July 23, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Comment Comment
In the summer of 1912 18-year-old Louisa Amory and her 9-year-old niece, Jane, travel to Massachusetts to the mansion of their mutual relative. Regretfully leaving behind her sappy beau, Martin, and resigned to a boring two months in Lynn, Louisa is surprised to find herself suddenly both courted (this novel is billed partly as a Romance) but gradually terrified (the novel is also advertised as a Ghost story). All right, so readers get two genres for the price of one short novel: but the results actually prove fascinating.
The arrival at Canfield House of Jane, who is healthy and a sweet, likeable child, proves a catalyst for the attempted return from a restive death of the ghost of young Emily Canfield, who had died of pneumonia many years previously. Because she was willful and selfish in Life, will she continue along the same, dark path from beyond the grave? Actually there have been several inexplicable deaths in the family in recent years, but is there one shadowy source of recurring grief? If the past is not truly dead and buried, the present seems increasingly vulnerable. As Louisa comes to grimly realize: Emily Canfield was known for always getting her own way in the end.
In the course of this ghost-romance story Louisa finds herself unwillingly attracted to a handsome young doctor--an old friend of the persecuted Canfield family. But Jane gradually becomes even more affected by the memory (or unseen presence)of the dead girl, who gains insidious control over Jane's mind and actions. Which guest is the real target of Emily's malevolence: Jane, who sleeps in her bed and plays with her toys, or Louisa, who might even marry the very man Emily once set her young heart on? Her parents did not defy her in Life, so why should she not continue to exercise her will in Death?
Louisa becomes increasingly suspicious of the strange power exerted over Jane in the form of a shining globe in the garden, mounted on a special pedestal--the right height for a young girl to stare into. Is this the portal which allows Emily to reenter the world of the living? As the relentless ghost girl stalks both her female relatives out of spite and ruthless egomania, Louisa and Adam vacillate between belief in the surreal world versus rational, scientific explanations for the odd events. Will Emily take complete control of her modern cousin, enjoying the last, cruel word even in death? For young women of all ages.
(July 23, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
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April 16, 2018
My all time favorite supernatural book. The cover was what I first noticed and made me want to check it out from the library. I still remember having to sleep on a sleeping bag in my parents' room after getting further into the story. It is so well written and makes a great ghost story.
There's no bad language or anything inappropriate for a child to read. But it's definitely scary.
I prefer books and movies where there's a slow build up, but you know something sinister is happening. Emily came across as so evil and always got her way. Something about an evil child is pretty scary. I would recommend this book to teens and adults. Would love to see a movie made from this book. Wish the author had written a lot more. Patricia Clapp's writing style reminds me a little of Lois Duncan's.
I read it aloud a 2nd time as an adult to my son.
There's no bad language or anything inappropriate for a child to read. But it's definitely scary.
I prefer books and movies where there's a slow build up, but you know something sinister is happening. Emily came across as so evil and always got her way. Something about an evil child is pretty scary. I would recommend this book to teens and adults. Would love to see a movie made from this book. Wish the author had written a lot more. Patricia Clapp's writing style reminds me a little of Lois Duncan's.
I read it aloud a 2nd time as an adult to my son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
I am so glad to see this book back in print after thirty years. I read this book when I was in 7th grade, more than thirty years ago. It is a classic ghost story. Fun and really creepy. Emily is a spoiled wicked little girl who died on her thirteenth birthday. Jane is a nine-year-old orphan who comes with her young Aunt Louisa to live with her grandmother (Emily's mother). Louisa begins to realize that Emily never left, and she wants Jane. A must read if you like ghost stories. A really good and satisying ending. I loved this book and still do. As a matter of fact, I still own my copy that I bought all those years ago. This book is a keeper.
July 3, 2016
For this story think "Audrey Rose" for children, but with a more malevolent spirit.
June 29, 2024
I can definitely understand why this is a classic. Although soft enough for kids it's tense enough for everyone to get a thrill. Classic Gothic horror vibes, an old house, a petty dead bitch, a sad lil orphan girl and even a couple of spooky trinkets~
March 11, 2011
This was a surprisingly chilling novel, written from the perspective of a young woman, taking care of her orphaned niece. This book does a good job of keeping you guessing. You are never quite sure whether the young girl is being haunted, or if she is merely mentally unbalanced. There's a romantic subplot that I could either take or leave, as it is deeply predictable, and sometimes painfully old fashioned. I know that this is a period piece, and we should expect some old fashioned elements, but Louisa often feels the way that girls of the time period were "supposed" to feel, and it came off unrealistic to me. In addition, she somewhat irrationally despises the man she ends up with when she meets him, a horribly tired romantic cliche.
However, I will try not to let my dislike of the subplot distract from the fact that the story itself is frightening and compelling, and written charmingly.
However, I will try not to let my dislike of the subplot distract from the fact that the story itself is frightening and compelling, and written charmingly.
March 24, 2015
Fantastic, creepy yet clean ghost story. Will scare adults as well. Getting ready to read this to my fifth grader.
September 7, 2023
A children's book from the 1960s about Louisa, a teenage girl who goes with her young relative Jane to spend the summer at Jane's grandmother's house. The bulk of the book is really about Louisa growing up some and having a summer romance that becomes serious, and all of that is well done, but I was expecting a more traditional creepy ghost story, so I was rather disappointed. The ghost element comes in through Jane, who seems unusually interested in her aunt Emily, who died long ago at the age of 12 -- and over time it seems clear that Emily is interested in Jane, as well, and not very friendly about it. The story of who Emily is and what happened to her comes out slowly, and as an adult person reading this in 2023 I found it remarkably didactic and unsatisfying.
Absolutely no shade to anyone who loves this book, but I think I prefer my ghost stories to have more supernatural malevolence and less
Absolutely no shade to anyone who loves this book, but I think I prefer my ghost stories to have more supernatural malevolence and less
September 16, 2018
This gothic, haunting book was a childhood favorite. Whenever I see a garden globe on a pedestal, it reminded me of Jane-Emily. For almost 45 years!!! Soooo I located an old copy with the same cover, tucked it in a special place in my bookshelves, and saved it for a rainy day. Enter Hurricane/Tropical Florence with relentless waterworks and gray days, perfect only perhaps for reading a dark, spooky, old-fashioned ghost story. The book did not disappoint. I enjoyed Jane-Emily as much as I did as a kid, am still attracted to garden globes, and will pass on ever owning one.
February 2, 2022
I just read my childhood copy of this to death; the book literally feel apart in my hands. The main thing I remember from reading it as a child was how easily it was to get pneumonia (get very cold when your hair is wet), and I considered trying this to get out of school, and of course how creepy dead Emily is. My main thought this time around was wondering if it was historically accurate for girls to go around kissing their boyfriends as much as Louisa does (particularly the first guy)
May 4, 2020
Lovely ghost story, short and atmospheric. In reading the reviews, I learned the author wrote for children and a lot of people who read this did so first when they were younger. 10-yr-old Candace would've loved this! And so did 39-yr-old Candace.
August 14, 2017
Thank you to Goodreads for existing and for helping me find fantastic books like this one, which I otherwise would not likely have come across. I can see how it is considered a young adult slash children's book, but Clapp knows how to scare and this book has all the creepy moodiness that belongs in a good ghost story.
Well written, efficient, and super enjoyable. 4.5 stars.
Well written, efficient, and super enjoyable. 4.5 stars.
February 13, 2013
This is partly an account of my reading the book. I started thinking I would read a chapter every day. After fifteen days, I would be finished.
7:15 pm: chapter one is finished, and I'm not quite ready to be done. The premise seems dull, although I am biased against anything that has been over-recommended to me.
7:30 pm: three or four chapters in, I decide I'll keep reading until I'm bored. It's much better than I expected. I'm looking forward to the obviously upcoming romance.
7:45: I decide I'll be able to finish the book tonight. I don't want to put it down. The ghost has shown itself beyond a shadow of a doubt. It is not amazingly scary, but still entertaining.
8:00: I give up on reading anything else tonight. What else would I WANT to read once I've started it? By now, Louisa has started liking the doctor. I live the way the romance is developing.
8:30: Louisa is going crazy about Jane's obsession with Emily. She is also over Martin. I lose track of time soon after.
The wax doll was the scariest part. I enjoyed the incident with the poetry, but that did not have the same effect. Definitely the best was Jane's obsession with the reflecting ball.
9:35: one chapter left. 'No sleeping until it's finished,' my mind says. I read the last chapter.
I loved Jane's near death. Only when Emily opens the window do they truly realize what is happening, and that the reflecting ball has something to do with it. It is unclear how Emily's spirit was aroused again, since she had done no damage recently, but it might be that she was mad that Jane was looking into her ball. After all, she wanted to be the only person to ever look into it. Maybe finally being flat- out denied something (see Louisa's engagement) was what REALLY defeated her, stopped her from trying a new way to get through from wherever she was. We will never know.
7:15 pm: chapter one is finished, and I'm not quite ready to be done. The premise seems dull, although I am biased against anything that has been over-recommended to me.
7:30 pm: three or four chapters in, I decide I'll keep reading until I'm bored. It's much better than I expected. I'm looking forward to the obviously upcoming romance.
7:45: I decide I'll be able to finish the book tonight. I don't want to put it down. The ghost has shown itself beyond a shadow of a doubt. It is not amazingly scary, but still entertaining.
8:00: I give up on reading anything else tonight. What else would I WANT to read once I've started it? By now, Louisa has started liking the doctor. I live the way the romance is developing.
8:30: Louisa is going crazy about Jane's obsession with Emily. She is also over Martin. I lose track of time soon after.
The wax doll was the scariest part. I enjoyed the incident with the poetry, but that did not have the same effect. Definitely the best was Jane's obsession with the reflecting ball.
9:35: one chapter left. 'No sleeping until it's finished,' my mind says. I read the last chapter.
I loved Jane's near death. Only when Emily opens the window do they truly realize what is happening, and that the reflecting ball has something to do with it. It is unclear how Emily's spirit was aroused again, since she had done no damage recently, but it might be that she was mad that Jane was looking into her ball. After all, she wanted to be the only person to ever look into it. Maybe finally being flat- out denied something (see Louisa's engagement) was what REALLY defeated her, stopped her from trying a new way to get through from wherever she was. We will never know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2014
I found this in the back of the library where I work, where all the sad, musty, cast-out books go, and my eyes being significantly larger than my bookshelves, it went into another large pile of books that I would read someday when I had time.
It was a cute little Gothic novel, rather overly dramatic and romantic and unlikely and yet charming, all the same.
The last thing Louisa wanted to do is leave her poet sweetheart and tend her orphaned niece Jane in a stuffy old house for the summer, or so she thought; the pretty gardens and charming young doctor soon convince her otherwise. But nine-year-old Jane is strangely affected by the ghostly memories of the selfish, spoiled girl who died in the house 12 years before--her Aunt Emily. Louisa at first refuses to believe it is more than memories haunting her niece, but the strange goings-on in the house convince her that something is going on, and as Emily's story unfolds, it is clear that Emily, the child who never failed to get what she wanted, is determined to have Jane!
It was a cute little Gothic novel, rather overly dramatic and romantic and unlikely and yet charming, all the same.
The last thing Louisa wanted to do is leave her poet sweetheart and tend her orphaned niece Jane in a stuffy old house for the summer, or so she thought; the pretty gardens and charming young doctor soon convince her otherwise. But nine-year-old Jane is strangely affected by the ghostly memories of the selfish, spoiled girl who died in the house 12 years before--her Aunt Emily. Louisa at first refuses to believe it is more than memories haunting her niece, but the strange goings-on in the house convince her that something is going on, and as Emily's story unfolds, it is clear that Emily, the child who never failed to get what she wanted, is determined to have Jane!
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