Sophie Kinsella's new novel, Twenties Girl, explores the issues of death and family relations while still including the signature quirky humor that makes her Shopaholic series such a great read. Although the fact this was a ghost story made me hesitant, the novel turned out to be completely worth it.
The main character, Lara Lington, sees the ghost of her great-aunt, Sadie, at her funeral. Even though Lara thinks that she has gone crazy and tries to ignore Sadie, she has no choice but to help Sadie fulfill her last wish. As the two search for Sadie's necklace and try to solve the problems in Lara's life, they gradually become friends. The plot is unrealistic but it entertains and combines fantasy and reality in a manner that keeps the reader interested.
At first glance Twenties Girl may seem like a book about a ditzy girl who sees a ghost that helps her sort out her life, but it explores deep issues too. Kinsella juxtaposes the lives of two girls, one living and one dead. Lara lives her life in denial because she is afraid to move forward. She is convinced that what she had in the past was perfect and tries to repair a relationship that was not meant to be, instead of moving on. Sadie, on the other hand, is extremely sure of who she is and was. It is ironic that Sadie, the one who is dead, is the one who teaches Lara how to live.
Because of Sadie, Lara learns to be strong enough to let the people she cares about go, in life and death, and to start anew despite the risks.
The main character, Lara Lington, sees the ghost of her great-aunt, Sadie, at her funeral. Even though Lara thinks that she has gone crazy and tries to ignore Sadie, she has no choice but to help Sadie fulfill her last wish. As the two search for Sadie's necklace and try to solve the problems in Lara's life, they gradually become friends. The plot is unrealistic but it entertains and combines fantasy and reality in a manner that keeps the reader interested.
At first glance Twenties Girl may seem like a book about a ditzy girl who sees a ghost that helps her sort out her life, but it explores deep issues too. Kinsella juxtaposes the lives of two girls, one living and one dead. Lara lives her life in denial because she is afraid to move forward. She is convinced that what she had in the past was perfect and tries to repair a relationship that was not meant to be, instead of moving on. Sadie, on the other hand, is extremely sure of who she is and was. It is ironic that Sadie, the one who is dead, is the one who teaches Lara how to live.
Because of Sadie, Lara learns to be strong enough to let the people she cares about go, in life and death, and to start anew despite the risks.
This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.
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Celine L. 
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