Review of The Boy who Lived with Ghosts

[Aurora Benjamin]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Boy who Lived with Ghosts" by John Mitchell.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts" by John Mitchell is a memoir detailing the experiences of young John, who suffers from neglect and abuse while growing up in poverty in England. Living in a home dominated by his father's alcoholism and his elder sister Margueratta's cruel, manipulative behavior, John faces daily hardships, including sleeping on the floor and enduring psychological torment. Margueratta's disturbing actions and stories exacerbate his fear, particularly of the dark, leaving lasting scars on his imagination. The narrative is further complicated by the presence of mysterious, unnerving ghosts that seem to follow him, adding a layer of supernatural horror to his already traumatic childhood.
 
The book is a deeply moving and unsettling memoir that powerfully captures the impact of childhood trauma and fear. The author's recounting of his experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family, marked by neglect, abuse, and the presence of ghosts is both compelling and haunting. The author's vivid storytelling and raw honesty invite readers into the darkest corners of his childhood, evoking strong emotional responses and leaving a lasting impression. This book is a profound exploration of the complexities of fear and trauma, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read.
 
My favorite aspect of this book is the raw, unfiltered honesty with which Mitchell recounts his traumatic childhood experiences. His vivid descriptions and emotional depth draw me into his world, making me feel his fear and pain. The interplay between the real-life horrors of neglect and abuse and the supernatural elements of the ghosts adds a unique and haunting layer to the narrative. This blend of harsh reality and eerie mystery kept me engrossed, making the book not just a memoir but a deeply impactful and unforgettable story.
 
One aspect that I found challenging was the intense and sometimes disturbing nature of the content. The author's detailed descriptions of the abuse and neglect he endured, as well as the eerie presence of the ghosts, can be difficult to read and may be triggering for some readers. Additionally, the relentless portrayal of suffering throughout the book without much relief or resolution can be emotionally draining. For this reason, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. The book is professionally edited because I only found one error in it.
 
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotionally intense memoirs and are interested in stories about overcoming childhood trauma. 

******
The Boy who Lived with Ghosts
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Sunday N Florence]

The most compelling aspect of "The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts" is Mitchell's unfiltered recounting of his traumatic childhood, blending real-life horrors with supernatural elements.

[Williams Frank]

"The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts" by John Mitchell is a memoir about John's harrowing childhood in England, marked by neglect, abuse, and psychological torment from his alcoholic father and manipulative sister.

[Elendu Divine Ugochi]

A compelling and thought-provoking read, this book delves deeply into the complexity of trauma and terror.

[Chiemego Nwokolo]

For those who like the unusual, this book is a fascinating read because of its inventive plot and lighthearted use of language, which subvert traditional storytelling. Well written review!

[itz maya]

What stands out most is Mitchell’s unfiltered recounting of his experiences, blending the real-life horrors of abuse with eerie supernatural elements. This unique combination makes the memoir both gripping and unforgettable, drawing readers into the darkest corners of his childhood and leaving a lasting impression.

[Emmanuel Chiahulamiro]

John Mitchell’s memoir, *“The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts,”* vividly recounts his harrowing childhood in England, filled with neglect, abuse, and psychological torment from his alcoholic father and manipulative sister.

[Wendy Eric]

One of the book's strengths is Mitchell's raw and unfiltered honesty in recounting his traumatic past. His vivid storytelling immerses readers in the fear and pain of his childhood, blending the real-life horrors of neglect with eerie supernatural elements.

[George B Rhonda]

The book details John's experiences with neglect and abuse in a home overshadowed by his father's alcoholism and his sister Margueratta's cruelty.

[Esther Unurhie]

"The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts" effectively conveys the deep emotional trauma and psychological scars of childhood neglect and abuse. Mitchell's vivid and honest recounting of his experiences creates a powerful and haunting narrative that resonates with readers, evoking empathy and a profound sense of the harsh realities he faced.

[Krebs Karen]

Wow. Such a nice book and review. I love books with themes like this, making me want to read this book

[Dubem Jecinta]

The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts* by John Mitchell is a haunting tale that delves deep into the emotional and psychological struggles of a young boy growing up in a troubled home. The way the author intertwines the real-life horrors of abuse and neglect with the supernatural presence of ghosts creates an eerie atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.

[Hay-bee Tosan]

The character of Margueratta in *The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts* is chilling in her cruelty. Her manipulative and bullying behavior adds another layer of horror to the story, making John’s life even more unbearable. Her actions, such as locking John in the dark cellar, are deeply disturbing and highlight the impact of psychological abuse on a young mind.

[Okobi Louis Awele]

One of the most compelling aspects of *The Boy Who Lived With Ghosts* is how the story is told from John’s perspective. This narrative choice allows readers to fully immerse themselves in his world, experiencing his fears and challenges firsthand. The intimate and personal nature of the storytelling makes John’s journey even more poignant and relatable.