Book Review: The Abbott’s Ghost

The Abbott's Ghost
by Louisa May Alcott
Pages: 128
Published by Thomas Nelson
Publication Date October 10th 2005
Source: Bought
Genres: Classic
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Maurice Traherne is wrongly accused of fraud and gambling and must play a careful hand if he is to win his love, Octavia, from the grasp of other, less honorable men and retain the trust of those who had faith in him. Traherne is temporarily crippled saving the life of his well-born friend, Jaspar. Thus, Jaspar is assured of inheriting his father's estate, but it is expected that Traherne will inherit great wealth as gratitude for saving the heir. But--surprise!--on the death of Jaspar's father all are shocked to learn that Traherne has been disinherited: the will has been changed at the last minute and only the suffering Traherne knows why but won't tell and then he falls in love with Jaspar's sister, the fair Octavia. However, Octavia is forbidden to marry, as Traherne is penniless.

The Abbott’s Ghost is another hidden gem written by Louisa May Alcott. Maurice Treherne saved his cousin Jasper’s life after a misadventure in the water and was made a cripple because of it. Jasper, of course, is forever grateful but due to a small faux pas does a poor way of showing it. Maurice is in love with his cousin Octativa but due to his circumstances Octavia’s mother puts a wrench in any happiness as her daughter should and could do better. In the end, a ghost story comes true paving the way for the couple’s future.

I felt the Abbott’s Ghost was a cross between a Jane Austen novel and A Christmas Carol. Ninety percent of the book occurs during a dinner party with witty dialog and scandal, also the ending has a very Austen feel with all the happy marriages. A Christmas Carol is reminiscent because The Abbott’s Ghost is, in fact, a Christmas story, but I would use this loosely as it is not very merry; this really reminds me of A Christmas Carol because of the amount of ghost stories in it, each more tantalizing than the last. The Abbott’s Ghost is a small story with great depth, keeping eyes wide open to the unexpected end.