The untimely loss of her true love throws a young woman’s mother into a deep depression. Missing her father desperately, and unsettled by the rumors, Gracie sets out to seek the real circumstances in his tragic death. The imbalance awakens a ghostly energy that refuses to let go of Gracie, pushing her to the edge. As this presence grows more insistent, her best friend Gus worries about her state … state of mind, as the future becomes unclear for them all.
Growing up southern on an island off the coast of South Carolina stitches a tapestry of rich characters and endless outdoor adventures. Leading to a surprising conclusion that will leave you shedding a tear or two, laughing out loud and clapping your hands for the brave, unforgettable and resourceful inhabitants of Lady’s island named Gracie, and Gus.
A timeless story that anyone with a love of southern culture, ghosts and adventure will enjoy!
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The main character really engages the reader in this book. Gracie is someone the reader can really relate to, and her curiosity and grief is very engaging. The premise of getting to the root of her father’s death is so very human, and her persistence in the face of sinister characters and a cast we all recognize. The writing is beautiful. It’s lyrical, descriptive, and makes for a very visual read. The compelling story builds into a ghostly tale which grabs you by the heart and won’t let go. The emotional story takes you on highs and lows, and to places which will surprise and delight you. The poignant ending stays with you long after the book is over. If you want to experience the South through the eyes of someone who knows it intimately, along with some paranormal poking about in the dark corners, this is the book for you.
I was gifted a copy of Carolina Spirit in exchange for my honest review. I have so far read only one other story by author Bibiana Krall, Escape into the Blue. I was deeply intrigued by the other story, but this one has truly blown me away. It was Gracie’s character that impacted me most. Being a ‘true’ southern girl myself, I fell in love with her character instantly! I felt so deeply connected to her. In so many ways her character reminded me of my younger self. Everything from the smooth southern tongue and mannerisms to the beautifully written descriptions of the south was perfectly written and on point! I felt as if I had been transported back to my childhood in the south for a time.
‘Bravery is something that doesn’t always come when it’s called… Like a naughty puppy playing in the rain’ – This was just one of my favorite lines in the story.
And then, of course, there was the deeply compelling storyline. Gracies longing to discover what truly happened to her father, and the eerie spirits she encountered along the way. I highly recommend this story to lovers of all genres. I will most definitely be reading this author’s others titles! Hats off Bibiana Krall! Outstanding!
Ms. Krall is a superb craftsman. Her detailed depiction of the environment in South Carolina is so vivid it awakened all my senses. I felt the sensation of breezes, sand, water, and smelled the salt marshes the spunky and lovable protagonist, Gracie described. Beautifully told in the first person, I felt I was living in Gracie’s busy mind as she deliberated her life, deplorable townspeople, her pathetic classmates, and the sad plight of her recently widowed mother.
Gracie has a unique ability to sense the spirit world around her, which taunts her every day. Her visions are airy and ethereal. And the reader senses the spirit world trying to tell her something. Gracie is wise beyond her years. She’s a nonconformist and understands the ways of people around her, especially the insecurities of her immature classmates, and her mother’s boyfriends.
Gracie is haunted by her father’s mysterious death and suspects he met with foul play by the hands of sleazy townspeople. Defiantly and courageously, she sets out on a dangerous venture with her best and only friend Gus to vindicate her father’s death.The reader will fear for her safety as she trudges toward a climactic end. You will cheer her bravery and determination. Without giving the ending away, I’ll just say, I applauded and wept at her discovery, and sat on the edge of my seat with anticipation for the unmentionable, awkward revelation to happen. Finally! 🙂 I’m hoping Ms. Krall will bring Gracie back in a sequel.
I love everything about this book. It’s what I like to call a literary triple threat. Great writing. Great story. Great Characters. Bibiana Krall’s Carolina Spirit: A Tale From the Lowcountry sings. As far as words go, Carolina Spirit has a rhythm that draws you in, wraps itself around you, and holds on tight.
Krall uses a first-person narrative as we see this haunting tale through 7th-grader, Gracie’s eyes. The author then seems to switch at times to second-person, bringing the reader even deeper into the pages. Gracie is a flawed but likable character, and it’s easy to follow her along as she tries to solve the mystery that plagues her. She is determined and resourceful, the kind of character readers long to laugh with and cry for.
Krall also does a great job showing over telling and uses devices like simile and metaphor to help the reader’s imagination paint vivid pictures of the sometimes moody, sometimes breathtaking, but always enchanting settings. Check it out. “Wide open and enormous, the darkness hunches the sand bar islands with gnarled trees into crouching monsters taunting us to come look closer.” Or “My heart is a rollercoaster ride and I know they must be able to hear it.” I could site quote after quote. It’s easy to get caught up in Krall’s writing.
The secondary characters are also well-developed not only through the narrative or the author’s exposition but also through their actions and dialogue. Gus is one such character that lights up the pages and creates a different dimension in Gracie that we all feel. This is the quintessential coming of age story in all respects, but it’s more than that. It’s a love story wrapped in mystery disguised as a thriller with supernatural tendencies. Five big stars for this easy must read.
Young Gracie takes you on her suspenseful journey to find the truth behind her father’s death. On the way she must deal with her emotional relationship with her depressed mother, and the awakening of a first love.
Carolina Spirit had me enchanted from the beginning—Bibiana Krall’s descriptive narrative makes you feel as if you have the sand between your toes along with Gracie as you walk through the twists and turns of her journey to find the truth on this South Carolina isle. The characters are unique and real, the ghostly visions haunting, the dialogue sweet with southern life, and the dangers alarming.
A wonderful read, highly recommended!