I wonderful book that deals with grief in what feels like a real and honest manner. The author approaches the subject from a Christian perspective, but it feels neither preachy or full of the usual platitudes. Maybe not for everyone, but I think well worth the read. ( )

David, a recently bereaved Christian speaker, is invited to a reunion of his old youth group in a 'haunted' house. Five or six friends decide to talk about what frightens them. The first time I read the book, I found it difficult to tell these characters apart, but this time I took it more slowly, savouring the words - the writing is excellent - and flipping back if I forgot who was whom. I made sure to read everything: descriptions, poetry, emotional outbursts, nightmares; and to re-read if I missed something.

And what a beautiful book it is. Adrian Plass is best known for his satirical humour, and that’s certainly in evidence in a few places; I laughed aloud once or twice. It made a perfect contrast to the incredibly moving passages with which the book begins and ends, and some unexpectedly poignant sections within.

There’s no plot to speak of, and most of the characters are a little two-dimensional. However, I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended if you like thoughtful, exploratory books about relationships and faith (or lack thereof) and honesty. ( )