5.0 out of 5 stars Honor's Ghost - A psychological revelation, February 4, 2008
By Heather Freeman-may (Oxford, UK)

If, through a life-changing dream, you could talk to someone from your past who had an important message that would set you free for the future, who would that person be and what would be the message?

In this compelling, thought provoking story Voula Grand traces the family line of a psychiatrist named Honor, moving from past to future, following the thread of the challenges and life stages faced by all women. The story is imaginative and extremely engaging, showing how the things that happened long ago in a family (even things of which one may not be consciously aware) can play through into the lives of future generations.

The story is written in a conversational style, making it fun to read, the author cleverly weaving factual information with wry humour, especially in the dialogue between, and inner reflections of, the main characters.

Ultimately the story is psychological in nature, inviting the reader to reflect upon their own life and relationships, showing how dreams have the potential to reveal deeper truths and are the "royal road to the unconscious" as Jung said. Needless to say I found the first two chapters a revelation on a personal level, provoking me to ask and answer the fundamental question "what is the dream I need to have, and who is it I need to talk to?" I can't wait to read the rest of the story.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and ambitious, February 3, 2008
By Sally Potter (Manchester UK)

Honor's Ghost is an exciting and ambitious undertaking, tackling as it does themes at the heart of contemporary preoccupations: aging in a youth-obsessed culture, the future, the dream of personal fulfilment and a fascination with psychology. Elegantly sidestepping the potential pitfalls of esoteric tone or specialised language inherent in such themes, Voula Grand instead evokes them accessibly and compellingly in these opening chapters.

Through the everyday actions of the women at its centre, these chapters suggest many connections between the personal and the political, between individual identity and corporate or state intervention - we are as intrigued by the similarities with contemporary life as by the futuristic differences. The writer depicts richly visual worlds vividly inhabited by characters that quickly invite the reader's involvement with their concerns: details of the characters' lives and contexts are as deftly assembled as the `neutriceutical salad' that forms part of a quick lunch for a mother and daughter sharing a family task.

Drawn in as I was by the Voula Grand's skilful handling of theme, characterisation and narrative flow, the end of the excerpt came too abruptly, leaving me wanting to read on - I look forward to publication.

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it, February 12, 2008
By S. Lewis

What struck me with this piece of writing? Voula's warmth of writing, her empathy and respect for both her characters and the storyline she is painstakingly building and the insight she shows, not least into professional therapist-client relationships. She knows what she's writing about. She creates curiosity and intrigue so easily and I loved the way she uses a connection to nature in both images and symbolism. She has a maturity of writing and understanding of life processes that is precious and, I suspect, hard-won. I loved it.

5.0 out of 5 stars When is the rest coming?!, January 29, 2008
By Elliot Hiller (Malta)

Voula Grand manages in the first two chapters of her novel, "Honor's Ghost", to fully capture the readers' interest, and indeed make us hungry for more. Not only does the story take place in different times, which we are able to straddle comfortably thanks to the excellent bridges which she weaves into the characters conversations and trains of thought, but also on different levels: from practical advice for everyday life to deep spiritual truths, from the personal and private to the objective professionalism of a psychiatrists' practice. Her ability to move freely and effortlessly between all these themes sets a fast pace that is unusual in being both rapid and yet calm, nothing is rushed but so much is happening.
Some of the spiritual themes that are introduced in such a palatable style are of eminent importance: befriending ones' inner child, forgiving someone not only in life but especially before we die, and keeping a journal of our dreams and analysing them. At the same time we are given recipes for good food and healthy drinks, insights into the workings of the pharmaceutical industry, and a vision of the future which is realistic and convincing!
"Honor's Ghost" will delight with its fine attention to detail, fluent story-telling and a group of interesting characters who draw us into their inter-connecting lives and destinies. We will hopefully not have to wait too long to read the rest of this entertaining and thought-provoking novel!

5.0 out of 5 stars YiaYias and more....., February 7, 2008
By Denise Eigen (Washington, DC USA)

As we enter into a familiar domestic scene I wonder if this will be another ponderous tale of a female character in her quest for true happiness, burdened by the shackles of middle-aged angst and an adulterous husband. Without much lingering however, Ms Grand draws us swiftly into the ever-intriguing psychotherapeutic world complete with drug experimentation, analysis of dreams, and the inscrutable workings of the pharmaceutical industry. Then we find ourselves in a not-so-distant future space with tantalizing tickles to the imagination and the promise of shrink-wrap bodysuits, state involvement in family life, and a society offering voluntary conscription into alternative lifestyle groups such as the socially responsible YiaYias or the frivolous ForeverTeens.

Why are the seemingly effective happy pills so quickly withdrawn from clinical trials? How did Dr. Honor Sinclair dispose of the remaining Instil? Does she live up to her name or does she self-medicate? What thread will tie the past, present and future generations of this family together? What family secrets will we uncover? Can we ever aspire to true personal fulfilment and happiness?

Such rapid delivery of complex themes is ambitious, but Ms. Grand's fresh and pithy style is so engaging that we are able to comfortably straddle this rich multi-generational story and enjoy her artful weaving of individual and collective contemporary concerns. It has all the ingredients of an entertaining psychological suspense novel. I am intrigued and eagerly await publication.

4.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary themes - we need the whole novel!, January 27, 2008
By J. Keeling (Bermuda)

It is difficult to judge from an excerpt exactly what is going to unfold (hence 4 stars not 5) - but this opening is SO promising. The first part of the opening chapter - the reflections of a woman adjusting to "a certain age"- is so incredibly human: self-absorbed, resigned, aware of many things and not sure how to react to them all. The foundation for some of the themes that I would love to see developed are laid. We then move on to the probable mechanics for some of the multiple timelines that the novel promises - Instil, the miracle? drug.

In Chapter 2, the novel moves on to a future that is obviously very different, but terrifyingly possible. The YiaYia tribe? Parent maintenance contracts? This is not science fantasy, the roots of evrything are here today. That's when I decided that this is a rather addictive novel - one wants to read more and to see how the intriguing ideas unfold, merge and conclude. "Page-turner" is not an elegant enough description for the clever opening and approachable style, but the fact is that I want to read on. In a short space of time I have become drawn to the characters and drawn into the narrative.

A great read - we need the whole novel!



5.0 out of 5 stars A really excellent opening - I am keen to read the rest of the book, January 25, 2008
By Sean Anderson (San Jose, CA, USA)

I like the way this book got started - I so often get bored after a few pages - generally because I havn't found a character I can believe in. The author's writing style is minimalist yet she paints a good picture of her characters - I am already intrigued by the link to Honor's great granddaughter, Isobelle and her own great grandmother, Annie, who comes to her in a dream and asks her to find the "secret" of Bill, her great grandfather. "What made him bad?"

Honor is a psychiatrist who is testing a "Happy Drug", Instil, which has a remarkably positive effect on one of her patients. Incredibly, the drug company decide not to continue with trials and shut down all activity associated with the testing.

In Chapter 2 we fast forward - very plausibly - to the year 2065 when Isobelle and her mother are clearing out the attic of Honor's house, which is due to be demolished. The reader is given a taster of the modern world that Isabelle lives in and I am fascinated to know more about how people live, are there cars? What type of government is there?

From reading the authors notes, I see that Isobelle is a neuro-scientist and that this book should raise questions about the factors that contribute towards happiness - I guess Instil returns! Does it work? Why was it withdrawn?

Good luck Ms Grand - you have something very readable, judging by these 2 chapters.

5.0 out of 5 stars John Elliott review, February 11, 2008
By Cj Elliott (UK)

Ok, I'm hooked on a number of different levels with this ambitious sci-fi-esq page turner! A brilliantly bold attempt to marry a Dr Jekyll theme through the wonder Instil drug into a fast forward world of Yia Yia's and temperature controlled skinsuits. The dialog effortlessly draws you in to a hitherto unknown but beguiling world of the future, whilst cleverly combining an insightful glimpse into what defines the human psyche. If only we had access to that time machine - or maybe not? Dying to find out where the journey ends though - or begins!


5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic - this one's a winner!, February 8, 2008
By Y. P. Marsden (Surrey,UK)

What a great start to a novel - and how refreshing to have a story and style which is neither technical nor condescending. It is simply engaging and draws the reader into the lives of the characters easily and speedily.
In the two chapters Ms Grand provides excellent linkage between past,present and future. Gliding between different characters and times feels very "normal" with no giant steps to be made. I particularly enjoyed the prospect of a future world which is more accepting that people have different needs and can live out their lives in environments and with people they choose.
I would love to read the rest of the book and discover more of the characters, their hopes and dreams.
Publication date not soon enough!



5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing & compelling read, February 8, 2008
By Valerie Spence (Brighton)

Ms Grand has created a powerful opening to what promises to be an intriguing and compelling read. Her descriptions of the interactions between the characters are well observed. She uses an ambitious narrative structure to introduce us to generations of women, finding connections across time, to excellent effect.

I particularly liked the sense she creates of how society and environment may change, but the fundamental questions about how we live our lives remain the same. There are a number of strong hooks in the plot (e.g. why has Instil been withdrawn?), which makes me want to read more ....

5.0 out of 5 stars Honor's Ghost - where is the rest please!, February 7, 2008
By Christina M. Bachini (U.K.)

I started to read the extract as I had my morning cup of tea and an appointment looming, I did not realise just how engaging the extract would be and before I knew it I was late for my appointment.

I now need to know the rest of the story, the whole idea of managing the generations and projecting out into the future and revisiting the past for further data really got my attention.

The story stirred some old thoughts and ideas of my own and made me think about my history, where I had come from and what were the hidden secrets, that I have yet to find out about. I am sure as with most families there are many.

So it touched me on many levels, as a novel with ideas that intrigued and enthralled me, with an unusual structure that was easy to follow like piecing a jigsaw together.

Voula's easy style of writing, was so conversational that I got right into the story from the beginning, to me that is a creative art that is first class and I applause her engaging, interesting and easy to read style of writing.

I want to know the secret and what there is to find out, so need more of the story. Lets have more.

Christina Bachini

5.0 out of 5 stars Three italian fans, February 6, 2008
By A. Misino "BE ROME" (ITALY)

I found these first 2 chapters exciting. They have stimulated my curiosity and I would like to go on reading this book. The first chapter seems to follow the vein of a psychological novel where the mystery of the mind is the basis of the thriller, the psychological malaise starts a game bordering between dreams and reality, the conscious and unconscious.
The second chapter introduces us to the inside of a family saga which covers 7 generations and evokes the style of magic realism found in South American novels. The characters are well described . What remains is the wish to unravel the web of relationships that join one to the other and discover how the story unwinds.
Alessia Morici 4/2/08

LOOK FORWARD TO READING ON ..
Very well written. Both character and scenery described well so that the reader can visualise the people & places referred to in the story. The problems the women face both personally & family related , although spaced over different generations, are actual & interesting to see how they cope and compare.
The theme of a 'miracle drug' that can change a person's character completely makes one want to continue reading to find out what the possible (or probable) side effects this will have on the person taking them.This part is also disconcerting as it makes one think after closing the book what science is doing to the human race today & therefore the story remains in one's mind when concluded.
This is a book I would certainly buy and want to read.
Julia Burr
5/2/08

I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE WHOLE THING...
I was intrigued immediately after this first page, at the writer's ability to capture the feelings and emotions that tend to engulf most of us at some time or other but that are so difficult to describe or actually put into words.
I was then drawn into the story, compelled to know more and delve deeper into the characters life.
Onto the clinincal trials for the drug "Instil" - I wonder if such a drug exists or ever will?? Leads me to wondering if this book is going to be some kind of mystery...
Then I am catapulted into the future, generations on, and I wonder how the stories are going to merge.
Basically this very brief but enjoyable insight into this book has earned my interest and curiosity - I can't wait to read the whole thing.

Fiona Martin
6/2/08

 

5.0 out of 5 stars So Many Stories waiting to be explored!, February 6, 2008
By D. Ciniglio (UK)

When I read this excerpt, I was really drawn to the first character, Honor, and felt some disappointment and frustration that we had so quickly left her story - a 50 year old with her anxieties about aging (all too recognisable) as well as her fascinating work and her experiences with `Instil'.and the effect it had on her patients. It left me with many questions, why did the pharma company abandon the trial? Did she go on to experiment with the drug for herself? What did the dream mean?. I also got hooked into the whole idea of `the dream we need to have'. Rich pickings indeed.

Picking up the family line in the next chapter gave quite a different perspective both on the progress of the story and the genre of the book. Is this a futuristic novel? a study of a woman at a certain stage of her life? or even a text designed to provoke meaningful questions around our psychological journey through life? Again I felt involved quickly with the story and characters and then intrigued by the references to Honor from the perspective of later generations.

I want to read this book, I am already engaged with the characters and I want to get to the bottom of the Instil thread, as well as how Carrie gets on with the yia-yias. From this excerpt, it seems clear that this author has a number of rich, interweaving stories, and if it is executed as well as this short excerpt demonstrates, it is definitely a novel worth publishing. I hope so; I would love to read the whole thing.



5.0 out of 5 stars Daves review, February 6, 2008
By D. G. G. Scott

The scene is set, i'm looking forward to the chapters to come, the family characters (all girls?) look as though they well develop nicely. Let me know when its published.

5.0 out of 5 stars Instil - a dream medication...., February 5, 2008
By Vanessa Hoddle (UK)

When I read this extract from Honor's Ghost, it grasped my attention immediately and I was intrigued to discover the mysteries and how everything would unfold. 'Instil' seems to be the dream medication - what are the drawbacks - questions, questions.? Regarding Honor. What is she going to find out about Bill? What next for Isabelle? This is a story with a difference - how exciting the learn about the parallel lives and see them unravelling. I am very excited the read the entire story.


5.0 out of 5 stars And then....?, February 5, 2008
By PI "PI" (London UK)

What a fab start to this book. Voula Grand has made me want to read more. Partly because I am intrigued by the use of the drug and why it has been withdrawn...... and partly because the characters have been described in such a way that I am already interested in them as people. The next chapters please !


5.0 out of 5 stars Never let the weeds take over!, February 4, 2008
By Margie Gib (London, UK)

In this extract we meet all too briefly Honor the title character and yet I felt a connection with her. I didn't immediately think I would like her however, as although the opening chapter is very chatty, open and undoubtedly echoes the thoughts of many a 49 year old woman, I thought Honor would turn out to be a little shallow. Then the pace changes and it really starts to take off with the introduction of Honor's case notes and the meeting of one of her patients Mary, and we hear of her dream - the author tells the most moving of tales through Mary's dream, so gently but so sweetly and I must confess I really did feel quite emotional reading it. Thereafter the questions that are thrown up about the drug trial of Instil, the family tree we are tempted with and the introduction of Honor's Granddaughter and Great granddaughter when we jump to the future only leave one desire and that is to read the rest of the novel!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegantly constructed with a gift for character, dialogue and narrative., February 4, 2008
By Ingrid Collins (London England)

Voula Grand has a profound instinct for well drawn characters. Her women are life-like and believable, their lives, in the present and the future, are focused upon real and timeless issues. Honor's questions to herself and to her patients on page 7 are practical and also very helpful to the reader wise enough to realise their usefulness and therefore to apply them to her or his own life.

I particularly appreciate the intelligent way Ms Grand has played with the dimension of time and magically interwoven conversations with Honor's great grandmother Annie and her succeeding generations of women. Here we are taken seamlessly from the present to the past and then on to the future. These jolts in time in less expert hands could have detracted from the narrative, but Ms Grand uses this construct to entice the reader and I found myself being engaged enticingly into the lives of the central characters. In these first two chapters, the narrative promises some interesting inducements for the reader to continue, and buy the whole book: the dilemma of the woman in middle age whose marriage is not fulfilling facing the prospect of the children leaving home, presenting the prospect of lone coupledom once more; the question of whether past experiences of abuse need necessarily damage a person's future; the importance we attach to dreams and the perennial question as to what is the importance and the function of our dreams, waking and sleeping; the sad and often nostalgic task of clearing out the attic of a family home and with it histories, images and family memories.

The whole extract is full of nourishing riches and the writing style is lively and articulate. I look forward to Honor's Ghost's publication and based on this extract thoroughly recommend this excellent novel.

5.0 out of 5 stars I feel this book will reveal lots!, February 4, 2008
By Chrys Tsoflias (Rome - Italy)

I found these two chapters fascinating from the start. The way Voula Grand writes makes it so easy to identify with the characters and their feelings/emotions. I felt like she was actually reading my mind in the first chapter. Both chapters are written in a very 'fluid' fashion and although easy to read her style is by no means banal. The subject matter is thought provoking and Voula manages to create a certain expectancy in both chapters. I found the jump from present day to future an easy passage and was intrigued by some of the ideas she outlines in future society. I hope this book carries on in the same promising fashion and that the characters in the past grip my interest and curiosity in the same way as those in the present and future. I feel that this book will not only be thoroughly enjoyable, but it will also be personally revealing. Well done!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent plot!, February 3, 2008
By Marie Greenfield (London UK)
This is a fascinating story - what an excellent plot. A page turner I can't wait to read. What intrigue.... What happens to this magic drug? I can't wait to find out.

5.0 out of 5 stars When is publication?, February 3, 2008
By CJ (London, UK) -

This excerpt from Honor's Ghost combines an intriguing thriller with profound themes that are reminiscent of Margaret Atwood.
The worlds of both present and future come alive quickly in this suspenseful page-turner. From the outset, Honor is a sympathetic and believable character - I wonder if there is a significance to the choice of name? The reader immediately becomes engrossed in Honor's life, and the paradox of her dedication in helping others to achieve happiness, while she is personally so unhappy with her own life. Though much has changed in the future world of Isabelle and Carrie, the desire for happiness is the same.
The story highlights such relevant concerns as the ethics of drug testing, corporate greed, an aging population, government intervention in family life, and ultimately, how to be happy. An extremely thought-provoking read. I look forward to reading the entire book. When is publication?

5.0 out of 5 stars Honor's Ghost by Voula Grand, February 3, 2008
By Ms. H. Greenfield

This is a really intriguing, compelling and very enjoyable read. The reader is taken into the story effortlessly and easily (I am put off reading books when the first chapter is like "wading through treacle") and then gets really hooked wondering why and how this new anti-depressant drug worked so successfully and what happens to the rest of Honor's life and then her great grand children's lives. Honor's character is fascinating - she is a middle aged professional female obviously highly successful in her career but has suffered loss and disappointment in her personal life. The author gives very helpful and interesting explanations with regards to the pyscho - biology of her patients' illnesses. When you get to the second chapter you are left wondering how Honor's life and her great grandchildrens' lives connect and how her ghost (as the title tells you) impacts onto their lives. I would have gone out and bought this book on the very same day if it was available. I like books that have a character that you can relate to, there is suspense and intrigue, they are easy to read and you can't put the book down! - this book seems to be right up my street! I am a middle age female and this is just the sort of book that my friends and I look out for.



5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful writing ... and ambitious themes, January 31, 2008
By Nicola Potts (London)

This novel has an absolutely fantastic opening section .. taut writing skillfully setting the scene and the mood of one of the main characters. Who wouldn't be compelled to read on? In these first two chapters, Voula Grand achieves a lot: a clever introduction to some of the key characters; a strong sense for a story spanning seven generations; a jump forward in time to an age that is not far away; a hint of some fascinating themes ... families, relationships, health ... and a sense of some controversial and very contemporary debates.

This already feels like a very unique story. From this excerpt, I'm intrigued about the women in this family and the course their lives have run. My book group was so impressed that our whole meeting this month was devoted to a discussion about 'Honor's Ghost'. We can't wait for it to be published!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Please sir....Can I have some more....?, January 30, 2008
By Linda HowardSorrell (CT, USA)

After just this little taste...I now need to read the rest of this novel. The contemporary and controversial themes, the picture of a near future we can already glimpse,the very human, pithy and compassionate voice...it all add up to a great start.
Ms Grand has in these two chapters planted the seeds of a compelling and intriguing storyline, highlighted by believable characters.
I already feel the possibilities...is this a love story?...a mystery?...a thriller?
In the words of my aspirational 'Forever Teen' personae......."Dude,just publish......."

5.0 out of 5 stars Time Travel for the Mind, February 13, 2008
By Alexandra Liosatos (Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA)

I was enchanted by Honor's Ghost. The first chapters weave the first silky connections in our minds between generations and make us believe that those connections will become more tangible as the chapters progress. The women in this book are women we relate to and want to know so we quickly become invested in the connections between them. What 50-year old woman wouldn't be curious about a seemingly miraculous cure for the mid-life doldrums? And what middle aged woman, now or in the future (the setting for chapter two) wouldn't be intrigued to find pieces of a life already lived, if that life connected to one's own? We often look for clues to our deepest selves in the clues left behind by our own relatives. If we never even met these relatives, the intrigue somehow intensifies. In these chapters, we are given glimpses into the past and the future of a family whose women will surely connect in future chapters. The storyline drops enough clues along the way to pique the reader's interest, while not giving so much away that we pronounce the outcome predictable. The glimpses into the future is what will keep the reader coming back for more. The idea of the YiaYias, the conscious community of older women who are valued for their age and wisdom. The enforced social checks on marriages and parenting. The future in Grand's second chapter is a feasible construct; less science fiction than a small leap of the imagination to a future we are half way into.
I loved these first chapters and am eagerly awaiting more....

5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing start....!, February 13, 2008
By Sandy Cotter (Bath, England)

This is an auspicious start! I love the humanity of Ms Grands' writing style, especially her female perspective. I was transported effortlessly into Honor's world and forward to Cassie's world and I look forward to being transported back, to Annie's world. Might we have another Ursula Le Guin on our hands? She treats her characters with a warmth, clarity and insight that is rare and stretches the readers' understanding without patronising them. I'm enchanted already.
I found Instil, Maintenance Contracts, ForeverTeen and the YiaYias wryly observant and a little frightening! They certainly take those desires to be youthful, nurturing and free into new territory!
I want to know more about Bill and a future where divorce doesn't happen and life stages are acknowledged and planned for and the hint that meaningful personal change is possible together with the different pharmaceutical and lifestyle options of other worlds is very intriguing - particularly if human happiness and peace are at stake.
It's high time we had some inventive and pacy psycho-science fiction where readers can learn a few things about themselves along the way! Thank you and more please!

5.0 out of 5 stars An addictive Must Read!, February 13, 2008
By Nigel Grierson (New York) - See all my reviews

Voula replicates the unique way the human mind manages thoughts of the past, present and future contemporaneously. The story line and the style effortlessly draws the reader into being emotionally engaged and intrigued. The themes are exciting and they flow effortlessly making the read an absolute pleasure. The book catalyses the emotional mind and without doubt has all of the attributes of dinner party conversations and an addictive Must Read!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars I want more, February 13, 2008
By Mrs. H. L. Andrew

An absolutely gripping extract from Honor's Ghost, cannot wait to read the book when it is published.
I found Honor a most believable character, does she take the Instil?
The transition to the future works well keeping Honor in mind and I was so disappointed to get to the end....I want more.



5.0 out of 5 stars When can we have the rest?, February 11, 2008
By E. Westcott

I found the first two chapters of this book intriguing - I just wanted to read more. I also really liked the way that it moved between generations with such ease and you felt that you were present in each. The future generation was futuristic enough to get my interest but not so much so that it detracted from the relationships that were so much a part of the story. I was left wanting to know how these lives intertwine and the combination of generations, mystery and relationships promised a really good read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Start... I Looking Forward to Finishing It!, February 11, 2008
By Mrs. Sarah Louise Howson "Sarah Howson" (Buckinghamshire, UK)

I really enjoyed reading the first two chapters of 'Honor's Ghost' - the story is engaging from Chapter 1 and leaves the reader wanting to unravel all the different aspects the Author has touched upon so far.

We are able to warm to the different characters immediately. We are left wondering what will happen with the Instil drug - why close the project? How will Isobelle's character evolve? Will anything else be found in the attic? What will the YiaYia community is about - and the other tribes mentioned? How will we get introduced to the other generations, will we go back to Honor? ETC... So many questions to be answered.

What is really important to me is that it leaves me wanting to read more!

Overall, I like Voula Grand's style of writing and I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
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5.0 out of 5 stars I am so looking forward to getting to know Honor!, February 10, 2008
By G. Dogmetchi (UK)

The opening lines of Honor's Ghost grab the throat of the `rising 50' generation. We immediately get drawn into Honor's world of children, marriage, husband and work. Suddenly, though, there are twists. Honor's patients present with bizarre effects from medication, the drug company suddenly abandons it's trial. Chapter 2 and we have been transported far into the future, and many questions present themselves. Who are these women? What are the communities they are discussing? What kind of salad are they eating? The plot is beginning to tangle and enfold in a most intriguing way as we are drawn into a world of mystery and speculation, where the generations link and communicate. Voula Grand's tight and pared down prose whets the imagination and tantalizingly leads us on. I can't wait to read the rest!
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5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing start, February 8, 2008
By Karim Jadwat (London)

An intriguing start which definitely made me want to uncover the story. Did Honor try Instil - what effect did it have on her? I look forward to learning about progression of the trials and how the story intertwines with the generations of women in Honor's family.

5.0 out of 5 stars Where does go from here?, February 7, 2008
By Edward Heyden

From the very outset it instills you with a desire to know more. What happened to Mary, did Honour try the drug, did she find what she was looking for?? I also particularly like the intertwining of the two time zones with a futuristic slant. How cruel to lure us in and leave us guessing - how long do we have to wait to read the next chapters?


5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping read, February 7, 2008
By Piers J. Johnson (UK)

An interesting couple of chapters which left me wanting to read more. I would want to understand what happens as a result of the instill research and the later lives of the characters involved. I look forward to learning what happens in the rest of story. A gripping read.
are given more time to develop, and the dynamics of the choices they are making have weight and interest. There is plenty to wait for...

5.0 out of 5 stars Intrigued!, January 31, 2008
By Anne Harrison (Columbus, OH)

So far I love it and would love to read more! The beginning reminded me of reading a letter from an old (50! ha!) friend I hadn't heard from in a while, catching up. It was a little disturbing - in a good way - in that it touched on issues I think touch all our lives as we get older. Things we wish were different, wish we had done differently, or see passing us by as we move into a new chapter. It made me reflect a bit. Then it moves on to business in a psychiatrist's office. Who doesn't want to know what goes on in a psychiatrist's office, even if it is fictional? I don't want my own dirt spilled to the world, but love to hear about other people's dirt, and successes. I love the travel through time and the mystery of the past and future. I really did want to read on to find out what happens next. I think it's a great read! I hope to see it published!

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating introduction, February 14, 2008
By Aidan Costelloe

A fascinating introduction to characters concepts and themes, this story starts with Honor, psychiatrist, mother and wife musing about aspects of her life, as she approaches fifty. She is feeling unsettled and sometimes has dreams of a different way of life.
She is invited to test a new drug on some of her patients. She does so and finds extraordinary results. She wonders about trying it herself but the drug company suddenly withdraws it from research.
We switch to the future and are introduced to Honor's descendants .They discuss forthcoming changes, where husband and wife will fulfill their separate dreams in the second half of their lives ,in a way that can be useful , creative or selfish.
These two chapters pose a number of questions, to be answered, hopefully, in the rest of this thoughtful, analytical and imaginative story.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking forward to reading the rest, February 15, 2008
By Caroline E. Jones (San Jose CA)

I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the book. The first chapters have captured my attention....why did the pull the drug with no explanation even though it looks like it might work! Is it conspiracy that the drug companies don't really want to develop cures and want us to be dependant on them or is it some crazy side affect that you get down the line or something else???? It will be exciting to see how the plot unfolds - including the mystery (the Honor's dream) of the generations and how it all links together. Great job - can't wait until it is published

5.0 out of 5 stars Begining that catches your attention, February 15, 2008
By suresh "suresh" (UK)

Voula Grand managed to catch my attention in the first two chapters of her novel, "Honor's Ghost". For me when an author makes you feel so close to reality around you and has constant dialogue in your mind. The book has emotional extracts which draws reader in. I kept thinking what is next in particularly this passage, "Maybe everyone needs a profound healing dream, where someone from their past tells them something they need to know, so that they can re-connect to themselves, to person they were before they began to believe that their badness had caused some terrible damage to someone they loved; and that once they'd had this healing dream from the past, they'd then be free to dream about their future."

I wonder how many people in today's world would benefit from what the author has written.

Voula Grand weaves into the characters conversations and trains of thought, but also on different levels: from practical advice for everyday life to deep spiritual truths. Her attention detail and close to reality will make this book a very interesting reading.

I am looking forward to reading the whole book and will recommend to my friends.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting and Enjoyable, February 15, 2008
By K. J. Steptoe "Kevin Steptoe" (London UK)

From the first sentence I was absorbed. And I cannot wait to finish and read the whole book. These first introductory chapters made fascinating reading and I was absorbed both by the unfolding story and in a very technical way also about the psychiatric subject matter and the details. Fantastic. This book has my positive vote.

5.0 out of 5 stars Honor's Ghost, February 15, 2008
By Mr. DB McIlroy "Brian McIlroy" (London)

Those first two pages really grabbed me. I think this is a great read. I want to read more.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great first 2 chaptersfound her web site www.voulagrand.com , February 15, 2008
By Barton OBrien (Napa, CA USA)

I was so fascinated by the first 2 chapters of this book that I felt compelled to look for Voula Grand's web site in the hope that more chapters or even hints of what to come would be posted there. For those who are interested, her web site is www.voulagrand.com. Her web site reveals her psychological background, which is the underlying theme of the book, as it focuses on the question of identity.

She also lays out that Honor's Ghost is the first book of a planned trilogy and the themes she will be exploring in the next two books.

Interesting to have a trained psychologist explore the realms of the human mind and the most important question of all: "who am I" in the form of a trilogy of novels. Entertaining, interesting, and educational. I look forward to finishing Honor's Ghost and reading the remainder of the trilogy.