Twenties Girl

Have you ever read a book that made you wish you could be haunted? I have. Twenties Girl is about Lara, a twenty-seven-year-old woman, who is visited by the ghost of her great aunt Sadie. Sadie was 104 when she died but appears to Lara, during her own funeral, as a twenty-three-year-old flapper.

Twenties Girl Summary

While wandering around the funeral parlor asking people where her necklace is, Sadie realizes that no one can hear her except Lara. After some persuading, Lara begrudgingly agrees to help Sadie. To buy some time to find the necklace, Lara stops the funeral and subsequent cremation by telling the vicar that she believes her 104-year-old great aunt had been murdered. The incredulous vicar stops the funeral and calls the police, and Lara sets out on her journey to help Sadie while managing her crumbling head-hunting business, dealing with her family, and attempting to win back her ex.

Twenties Girl Book Review

Twenties Girl is a little different from Kinsella’s other work. First, there’s a ghost. Second, she includes elements of historical fiction. Third, there are more subplots in this one than Kinsella’s other books. As in I Owe You One and My Not-So-Perfect Life, the male love interest is secondary. The budding relationship at the center of Twenties Girl is the relationship between Lara and Sadie. I enjoyed their relationship so much, I found myself wishing a clever flapper with an impeccable sense of style would haunt me and call me out on my BS. As you can see, Twenties Girl is as easy to get lost in as Kinsella’s other books. I also loved the fun tidbits about 1920s fashion, and Kinsella’s nod toward the importance of self-efficacy.

Enough seriousness though. We’re supposed to be keeping it light! Most people don’t read Kinsella for anything other than an enjoyable break from the real world. That’s why I read her books. It is, however, nice to find a nugget of wisdom (or two) hidden in seemingly frivolous entertainment. Kinsella is an excellent writer. All of her books are page-turners including Twenties Girl. Sadie’s spunk and Lara’s devotion to helping Sadie will warm your heart and help you set aside your troubles, if only for a moment. 

Twenties Girl

by Sophie Kinsella