I was so angry and frustrated on her behalf at the behaviour of every adult in her life (except maybe her swim coach and his wife). Her loyal customers treat her terribly, either misusing her age to their advantage by barging in to the shop when she is not open or yelling at her for minor issues or issues they themselves create. Not only that, but everyone takes the word of Mr. Saubertuck over that of Marjorie and her family, even if they have known her for years. And her father is no where to be seen, stuck in his grief, relying on Marjorie to run their business. Marjorie is unable to confront her own grief because she is holding her family together. I found the ghost world to be so different from anything I have read before. That they use sheets to hold their forms, which worked so well with the laundromat setting. Everything flows so well together, especially the similarities between Wendell and Marjorie's fear of water, their loneliness and isolation from everyone around them, and their neglectful parents. They both have a mistrust of authority figures who seem to misunderstand or not listen to them. They easily bond once they realize how similar they really are. Where adults fail them, their bond helps to rebuild their lives (both in the human and ghost world). The drawing style is very reminiscent of the 80s or 90s and filled me with nostalgia. Also, the pastel colour scheme added whimsy to the story, while also lightening the dark subject matter. Death is in all aspects of this book and touches everyone in this town, even Mr. Saubertuck is not immune to loss. The ghost world is bland, no colours, as colour symbolizes life and grey symbolizes dull, dreary death. The characters have long faces, often drawn with a look of sadness or blank, mirroring Marjorie's pain and torment. The moments of joy for Marjorie are highlighted when she hears music and notes flow through and around her, and she looks, for a moment, happy again. The music is also her connection to her mother and some of the only moments when she can reflect on her own sadness and start to heal. So it is telling that she hides this from everyone, especially her father. Or that the mean girl is using music as a means to be closer to a boy, when to Marjorie it means so much more. This is a beautiful book about loss, grief, and learning to live with your grief and move forward. Either by way of conquering your fears or beginning to rely on the help of others you love and trust. I am excited to read the next book, Delicates.
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