City of Ghosts Book Summary:
“City of Ghosts” is the story about Cass, a girl able to see ghosts and the final moments of their passing in the Veil liminal space where the circumstances of their deaths can be replayed. Cass navigates her unique abilities while exploring a haunted city, grappling with her connection to both the living and the dead. In “City of Ghosts,” the Veil is a concept that will play a crucial role as a bridge between the world of the living and the realm of the dead. Here are some key points regarding its significance:
The Veil allows Cass to gain insight into the stories and tragedies of the ghosts she encounters. Through their memories, she learns about their lives and the events that led to their untimely deaths. This deepens her understanding of mortality and the impacts of unresolved issues.
The Veil makes Cass different from her peers in the ability to connect with the supernatural world. Although it isolates her in some ways, it also allows her to have meaningful connections with the ghosts. This is a theme of companionship, empathy, and closure.
The Veil becomes the locale of conflict in the context of Cass, as she faces her powers and the fallout that comes with contacting the dead. Her interactions in the Veil lead her to confront both the ghosts’ histories and, more profoundly, her fears and duties to those people who could mediate both worlds.
Main Themes Of The Novel:
1. Grief and Loss: The story looks into how people cope with the loss of loved ones and the impact of unresolved grief. Cass’s ability to interact with ghosts indicates the lingering connections between the living and the dead.
2. Identity and Belonging Cass has an identity problem in that she is different and also sees ghosts. The most important theme of belonging occurs as she learns to accept her abilities and understand where she fits in the world.
3. Friendship and Support: Cass’s friendships, most of all with her best friend Jacob, make the theme of friendship relevant in how the relationships with them support and strengthen her in going through supernatural experiences.
4. Cultural History and Heritage: The story set against the background of Edinburgh involves elements of local history. So, it encourages readers to consider how places carry memories of those who came before.
5. Courage and Acceptance: Cass demonstrates courage as she faces her fears and learns to embrace her gift, which involves accepting both the beauty and the sorrow of her abilities.
| Title | City of Ghosts |
| Author | V. E. Schwab |
| Publishing date | August 28, 2018 |
| Rating | 4/5 |
| Genre | Ghosts, Fiction, Horror |
City of Ghosts FAQs:
Themes intertwine to create a rich narrative that explores the complexities of life, death, and the connections that endure beyond the grave.
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab is for readers aged 10–13. It’s said to be perfect for kids who enjoy spooky mysteries or horror, and also a great choice for fans of middle grade books or Victoria Schwab.
The Veil is a liminal space where ghosts linger so that Cass can witness the last moments of these spirits. It is a physical and metaphysical realm that illustrates the boundary between life and death.
