The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romero
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pros: novel in verse, Jewish and Latina representation, spooky folklore, lovable characters, beautiful cover
Cons: kind of a slow start
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Antisemitism, Child death, Death, War, Child abuse, Genocide, Violence
Listen... I got the opportunity to read this courtesy of Netgalley and there are not enough "thank you's" in the world. The sweeping prose of this book told a creepy, cute story that I instantly connected to. The prose and the whimsical, ghosty vibes, the history... these are my kind of books. I am slowly but surely figuring out that anyone who can mix all these things together.. those are my favorite people.
I haven't stopped talking about this book since I finished it a few weeks ago and seeing as my preorder copy will arrive soon, I won't be stopping so buckle up and let's talk about The Ghosts of Rose Hill.
The story follows a young girl named Ilana who loves music more than anything. In hopes of guiding her down a more stable career path, her parents send her to stay with her artist aunt in Prague so she can see what the life on an artist really looks like. What awaits for her in the hills of Prague can only be described as unexpected, haunting, entrancing and beautiful.
Of course, I connected with Ilana and her desire to create. Her thing was the violin while mine is illustration… but creators understand each other. I also understood the need to make your family proud, the crossroads that lay at your feet when you are just getting adjusted to the world and how overwhelming that can feel. Also... in 10-11th grade, I also hung out in cemeteries too so yes, I understood this character. The ghosts she encounters and the folklore are also incredible enveloping. I won't spoil anything for you, just know you are in for a treat with the folks she encounters in her time in Prague.
Knowing that the author is herself, Jewish and Latina, I knew that this book would be rich in cultural history and her unique voice. The folklore, the look into the lived experience of Jewish individuals throughout history, the desire to please your parents while also being true to yourself - there was so much punch packed into this book and interwoven with all of these things was a cute, coming of age story and ghosts! I literally could not have asked for a better book; it was unique, fun, sweet and layered storytelling and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Like I said, my preorder copy will get here soon and I am on edge waiting for it to arrive so I can hold it in my hands. Thanks again to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for allowing me the chance to read this digital ARC and get in early on such a magical book. I plan to read anything this author puts out from now on.