The Ghost and Mrs. Muir - Spoilers > Likes and Comments

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R.A. Dick is our February 2026 New School Group Read. This is a spoiler thread.

Sometimes before and sometimes after I read a novel, I look to see what time period this book was written, sometimes written about. Here the the book was written during WWII and published in 1945., a time important in the lives of many Western women, including English women. Remembering this helped me understand this book as both a delight to read and a confirmation to English women in particular that all their struggle--It was a struggle--to support their beloved men serving in the military.

I agree Cynda that especially in this case it really helps to appreciate the novel knowing the historical context.

Here is my review, which I am happy to expand upon.

A slow-burn romance with a ghostly twist, I found this novel to be a rich exploration of loneliness, independence, and practical matters of finance, especially facing "single" women/mothers in the 1940s. I think Leslie was brave to tackle these topics at the time. In addition, her writing is beautiful, encompassing wit, charm, and understated elegance.

The 1947 film adaptation is excellent and follows the novel fairly well given the time constraints of a movie, while the novel feels more nuanced and with a philosophical depth the film only hints at.

I have rented the movie Klowey and hope to watch it this weekend. With Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney, I know it's got to be good!

Here's my review.

By 1945, the year this novel was written, many women of the WWII era had found abilities within themselves they did not know they had. When called to fill in for men and to support men in their military service, women stepped up. They traded their youth and innocence for learning and wisdom. The women found out that often they were smaller than men but not weak and instead were competent.

The themes of youth/innocence, wisdom/book learning, and smallness/weakness are often named in this novel. The narrator seems to be describing what concerned the women filling in and serving in order to help the men they loved--husbands, loves, fathers, brothers.

It is easy to say only that this is a fun read--which it is--and not see how timely this novel is.

A good book, easy to enjoy.

Hi everyone!
I usually don't do book club reads, preferring to just pick my own or I do a lot of arc reading also... but, this one I saw and I read sooo long ago I thought it would be fun to re-read.

Most of us have commented on the time frame and how different things were for women, all so true!🥰 I just made various notes that I thought might be worth chatting about? 🤷🏼‍♀️ maybe??

*Of course, her headstrong style about buying the cottage, did the captn guide her into that?
* "beatrice burner"? I guess that is like a propane tank these days.
*The captn is very "earthy" for a spirit.. He describes things as earthy, her hands, her thoughts..
*I was a bit surprised when she mentions maybe seeing a psychologist, due to seeing herself as weak, and selfish too.
*How many of us were thinking: that sister-in-law!😕rearranging rooms and her life- I wished she would have tossed her out!🤣
*What do we think of the captn using a married man to try to teach her a lesson?
*The captn did make one comment that I think has stood the test of time: "Women forever want to FIX a man". (and I'm female!)
*I loved the way the author demonstrated her as societally challenged-- like the typewriter should magically work like a sewing machine, or how she thought the radio works?
*Even after extreme success, she is still not understanding how things work-- money/living frugally.
* I love the ending, was it ahead of it's time? It was sweet the way she realized even after the kids grew up and time passes, the important memories for her seem to be the time with the captn.💖Anyway, those were just notes I found interesting ❓🌹

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Liz~In~Colorado wrote: "https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

I didn't know a different version existed. Did you read both this one and the original novel?

Wow Klowey that's a really good question! I had to go double check.🤔
I saw that some ppl were reading a version by Frieda Grafe, but that was published in 1995.. I already knew the original publish date was 1945, so luckily I picked the right one.
No, I didn't read the one by Grafe, but you got me curious so I researched a bit:
That one says: This study features a brief production history and a detailed filmography. It appears to be written as part of a series called BFI Film Classics. Obviously written more recently as part of classic film studies, but that wasn't very clear on the cover shown.
Thanks for asking that!!🌹

Just started the book. I realized that I have seen the movie, but this is the first time reading the book.

I'm confused.. there are 2 places this book is showing discussion..
Here is the other, though you can't post to it? I'm obviously missing something?🤷🏼‍♀️
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show_...

Just finished the book. I thought the story was charming. Moved along nicely

I love the relationship between the two title characters. As a bachelor and a sea-captain, Captain Gregg is used to getting his own way. Mrs. Muir, however, has never really gotten her own way, not when her husband and his family were around. Mrs. Muir really has to overcome so many objections to get into Gull Cottage -- her in-laws didn't want her to move away, the real estate agent didn't want to show the house (because it was haunted), and Captain Gregg himself didn't want his space invaded by any old woman. She declares many times that she is strong and capable, and she successfully proves it more often than not. But there are times when the captain's presence serves as a bolster to her attitude.

Sometimes I wondered if the Captain was a metaphor or a symbol for her inner conviction -- like when she goes to pawn some jewelry or to take the manuscript to a publisher. Then the end felt pretty rushed, with the Captain apparently just waiting around for Mrs. Muir to pass on. But it was sweet that he waited for her -- she didn't deserve for all the men in her life to be crumbs (I'm especially looking at you, Miles).

Liz~In~Colorado wrote: "I'm confused.. there are 2 places this book is showing discussion..
Here is the other, though you can't post to it? I'm obviously missing something?🤷🏼‍♀️
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show_......"

The link you have posted is not a discussion link. It is reviews by group members and this will show up with any and all books on the bookshelf.

Michele wrote: "Just finished the book. I thought the story was charming. Moved along nicely"

Great way to describe the story.