Since college, reading has been my companion, escape, and credence during challenging times. Occasionally, someone or something gets on my nerves. I turn to books for solace and they welcome me with a warm embrace. I have been known to forget all existence and pour myself into their company for hours, sometimes days. Yet, for me, they’re neither a project to complete nor an achievement to flaunt. There’s a connection between us that seeks me out. The umpteen amazing books in my TBR hence often get ignored for a random pick. This time it was The Ghost Writer by A. R. Torre.

Let me clarify, this isn’t a book review. Thinking aloud, maybe? The Ghost Writer touches on many topics I could relate to as a writer and a mother. It is often said that writing is a lonely job. One can easily zone out amidst a sparkling dinner conversation or treat friends or family as fodder for your next venture. Quality and success aren’t necessarily mutually inclusive and this bothers you no end. Whilst this may seem fair to a creative mind, are others as forgiving of such quirks? The Ghost Writer makes you wonder about such things.

What is The Ghost Writer by A. R. Torre about?

Helena Ross is a best-selling author of fifteen books and has quite a reputation in the literary world. A reluctant host, following the death of her husband and daughter she takes reclusiveness to another level. She lives alone and lets no one, including her agent and mother inside her huge house. Although successful, she believes that she is yet to write her best novel which would tell the readers her real story. With her brain tumor and few months to live though she has little time or energy to undertake this task and hires a ghost writer to do the job.

Interestingly, her choice is her arch nemesis Marka Hentley who she finds promising but shares a rocky past with. Things move along as she extends an olive branch, and a fat cheque, out of desperation. The book then charts her journey during the final days while putting down her life for her readers, sharing her space and world with strangers, and reliving deceitful, guilt-ridden, and painful memories through it all. All the while waiting for a certain end.

Why could I relate (and not) to Helena’s character in The Ghost Writer?

Helena grows up dreaming and knowing that she’ll be an author. While this makes her a dedicated writer, it also makes her an extremely self-centered and rude person. I still shudder at the instance where she leaves her bleeding daughter alone to jot down a story idea. This made me wonder whether a balance can ever be achieved between writing and motherhood. Can I, do it?

Helena’s mother is a professional therapist who puts everything she does under a scanner. While Helena hates that, she tries to over-control her daughter and has questionable parenting ways. A parent must own their child’s joys and tantrums alike. As a mother, I questioned my non-negotiable rules at home and felt a pang of guilt for being tough on my kids. But, if I don’t, who else will?

Helena’s relationship with her husband is complicated, to put it mildly. She grudgingly agrees to marry and even more so to have a child. While one may see him as the soft, caring one his true sinister side reveals itself as the story progresses. Yes, we may never know someone completely but living in your own world robs you of the possibility to observe others closely. Thankfully, there are no comparisons to my life here!

Finally, the ghost writer. The character expectedly had an emotional past and selflessly catered to Helena’s relentless curt behaviour. A dying person, Helena is alone and broken but finds solace in the company of a stranger who understands her. Loss makes people do surprising things and even after being told off, the persistence and devotion to complete the story stays. Not to mention, there’s no judgement. All of us need a friend like that, hopefully without having our life in a twist. Not sure if I’ll want someone else to sort mine out for me.

The Ghost Writer by A. R. Torre stayed with me for a while after I turned the last page. Considering that it was a random pick on Kindle, I was impressed and even surprised with how deeply it touched a chord with me. My prolonged bouts of reading and writing almost felt like a crime until I reminded myself “I’m not Helena and am a wonderful mother, and wife, and not insanely committed to my craft, words, and stories.”

Is there something that consumes you enough to forget everything else? Can you relate to something about The Ghost Writer? Do let me know.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.

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