The Hungry Ghost
H.S. Norup
Freja arrives in Singapore during the month of the hungry ghost, when old spirits are said to roam the streets. She’s struggling to settle into her dad’s new, ‘happy’ family, and dreams only of escaping home and leaving this hot, unfamiliar city.
Then one night, a mysterious girl in a white dress appears in the garden. Freja follows this figure to lush, secretive corners of the city, seeking to understand the girl’s identity. Her search will lead her to an old family mystery – one that must be unravelled before the month is over, to allow both girls to be freed from the secrets of the past.
Reviews
The story follows Freja, a twelve-year-old Danish girl who moves to Singapore with her father. As she struggles to adjust to her new surroundings, Freja becomes intrigued by the local folklore, especially the concept of "hungry ghosts" — spirits of those who have died with unresolved issues, and who are believed to wander the earth during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Her curiosity deepens when she encounters a mysterious girl, Ling, who seems to be tied to the ghostly world. As Freja unravels the mystery surrounding Ling and the strange occurrences around her, she also grapples with her own feelings of loss, loneliness, and her complex relationship with her distant father. The narrative skilfully intertwines Freja's personal journey with the supernatural elements, creating a story that is both eerie and emotionally resonant. The Hungry Ghost by H.S. Norup is a beautifully crafted novel that deftly weaves together elements of mystery, culture, and personal growth. This book has very emotional and happy ending which includes her relationship with a hungry ghost called Ling. I recommend this book to anyone who can get their heads wrapped around in the mystical world of fantasy.
Principal Tulip Washington 12.08.2024
Star Reviewer
(SPOILER ALERT! It contained Chinese and Singapore mythology, an underworld, a mystery and it was very good. I liked the main character because she was a Scout and she liked adventuring. There is a ghost in it who has unfinished business because it's the month of the hungry ghosts which means they can access the living world. It's also about the man character's family because her sister died and the main character feels guilty, and her mum also has depression so her dad remarried and the main character has gone to live with her dad and his wife, Clementine. They live in Singapore and it contains a lot of mythology, and some Feng Shui. I also liked the use of Morse Code as a secret language between the main character and the hungry ghost that she can talk to. There was a villain in the land of the dead that they can reach through a tree, who was a vampire ghost, and she tried to imprison the magical creatures there - a black tortoise, a white tiger, a phoenix or vermillion bird, and a dragon. Please like this review so I can get the badge for it.
Principal Ursula Menace 19.07.2023
Star Reviewer
I enjoyed the book like lots but if you don’t like scary stories then maybe don’t read this book. It’s all about a girl who has just moved to Singapore.One day she spots a girl who’s unbelievably fast and can walk through walls. She couldn’t be a ghost….could she?
Dona Pansy Porridge-Oats 01.08.2022
