The Hungry Ghost - H S Norup

Freja has just moved to Singapore to live with her father, his new wife, Clementine, and their twins. It’s a big move from Denmark and she’s wary of leaving her mum who is unwell.  When she arrives, she finds everything new and different; even more so when she sees her Dad wandering by the pool on her first night, seemingly oblivious to the pale girl in the white dress dancing behind him.

Freja’s arrival coincides with the festival of The Hungry Ghost where dead ancestors are able to return to visit their relatives who leave food for them.  When it becomes apparent that the girl in the dress (Ling) is a ghost, Freja is determined to follow her and help her discover who she is - but what is the link between the two girls and how can Ling help Freja?

Freja is a wonderful character: stubborn, fierce, determined and always prepared but also in turmoil over her family situation. She feels guilty about having left her mum; she is desperate to spend time alone with her dad the way they used to and doesn’t really want to get to know Clementine or the twins. She has her own style of dressing and won’t be swayed to change (combat shorts and trousers are perfect for carrying her survival kit; dresses are not!). She’s seemingly fearless when it come to exploring Bukit Brown or tackling potentially dangerous creatures, yet there’s a vulnerability when it comes to family and her need to be loved.

The idea of parental separation and new families is handled well and I particularly liked Clementine and her approach to/discussions with Freja which hint towards how difficult it must be on both sides.

The story itself is pacey and mysterious, with hints and clues drip-fed throughout the plot to keep you gripped. The descriptions of the city, the graveyard and beyond are rich and captivating, transporting the reader to Singapore so that you feel you are alongside Freja every step of the way. I also very much liked the cultural elements of the book - Freja’s newness to the country allows for explanations of these which help to immerse the reader and it’s these links with the past and the traditions that that help both girls in their quest for answers with surprising and emotional results (yes, I shed a tear!).

The Hungry Ghost is a moving story that beautifully entwines family, friendship, culture and traditions in a way that will make you want to hug the book at the end. This is a book that is begging to be read.