Entertaining

The Ghost Of Thomas Kempe by Penelope Lively is a children’s adventure for ages ten years and over. Though written in 1973, it still entertains audiences today.

Penelope Lively has a young boy, James, as the central character. Having moved into a new house, things go bump in the day and night – and James gets the blame. It is only James who recognizes this for what it is, and sets about trying to help a spirit lay to rest. Few people believe James, except a carpenter.

James is a very likable lead character. He is very plucky and able to save the day on more than one occasion.

A stray dog also perceives what is going on.

Foraging in the attic room, James finds an old diary from the mid nineteenth century and finds that he is not alone in his perceptions.

The Ghost Of Thomas Kempe was an entertaining read.

JULIA WILSON