The Ghost of Christmas Past
by Rhys Bowen is not all fuzzy and happy. There is a
sinister atmosphere of sorrow that is also a part of this
story. As Christmas is approaching the characters must overcome
their own set of heartaches that revolve around losing a child.
But thankfully, the spirit of Christmas rings through and
the ending is one that will put a smile on reader’s
faces.
Because of a disaster in the previous book, Time Of Fog And
Fire, the main character, Molly Murphy, sacrifices her body
to save her husband. This book begins in December 1906 where
Molly feels the despair of having recently miscarried because
of her physical hardships. Now, instead of spending Christmas
in their home her husband, Daniel, accepts an invitation to
spend the Christmas holiday at a mansion on the Hudson with
his mother. Not long after they arrive, Molly discovers that
the hostess Winnie’s moodiness is based on the disappearance
of her daughter ten years ago on Christmas Eve. Molly is able
to sympathize with Winnie and is spurred on to investigate
the mystery behind the daughter disappearing. A quote summarizes
the feelings, “Too lose a beloved daughter. It is an
ache in the heart that never goes away.” As Molly and
Daniel investigate this Cold Case they realize that the mansion
occupants are not completely forthcoming.
Bowen noted, “Holidays are stressful for people who
lose a loved one. I can sympathize with that because my mother
was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I flew over to be with
her in Australia on Christmas Eve and actually missed Christmas
Day because of the dateline. A part of me will always associate
Christmas with that call that says you need to come right
now. I can understand what Winnie goes through every Christmas
as she has this grief while others celebrate.”
But this story is also a celebration of Christmas. Readers
will yearn for the Christmas of the past when they were surrounded
by a big tree, candles, extravagant food, and the family sitting
around the fireplace talking and playing games together.
Comparing Christmas celebrated in 1906 with today, Bowen reminds
people, “Just think there were no TVs, no video games,
and no cell phones. I was able to create an ideal Christmas
that we all long for. We all have this idea of the snow, a
sleigh ride, the big roaring fire, playing games, and singing
Carols around the tree. We do not have the simplicity of Christmas
anymore. I fantasized the Christmas I would really like with
the warmth.”
The other issue explored is how women were treated in the
early 20th Century. On the surface, Molly’s husband
Daniel appears to be a male chauvinist. He takes charge of
the family and at times makes decisions without consulting
Molly. People forget that this was a different time, different
culture, and different values. There seems to be a tendency
to put 21st Century values into different eras instead of
trying to understand the times.
Historical fiction writers, according to Bowen, need to “show
people as they were at the time, but not repugnant to the
modern reader. I put in this quote, ‘He could move so
much more quickly with his trousers tucked into his boots
than I could with all those layers of petticoats and skirts.’
A woman was expected not to work after marriage. Women could
not vote and in New York State a woman could not own property.
Since I am by nature a feminist I try to have all of my stories
show what it was like during a particular time. I do get letters
saying ‘I hate Daniel. He is such a chauvinist.’
But for this time period, he is actually a good guy because
he is very tolerant.”
This is a mystery with many threads. It is realistic because
it shows that on the holidays there are some who suffer, some
who celebrate, and some who can reflect on their loss but
joyously participate in the holiday cheer. This novel will
evoke old-fashioned Christmas traditions with a resolution
of the mystery that will warm the heart.
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