Vivian Vande Velde, celebrated for her young adult fantasy fiction, delves into the chilling realm of spectral tales with her collection, Being Dead. While marketed towards younger audiences, the seven stories within resonate with a depth and darkness that captivate adult readers as well. Vande Velde’s narratives confront the stark reality of mortality, eschewing escapism for a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the lingering presence of the departed. This review examines the collection’s strengths and weaknesses, highlighting its uncompromising approach to the supernatural and its impact on readers of all ages.
A Spectrum of Specters: Exploring the Longer Stories
Being Dead showcases a range of ghostly encounters, from the subtly unsettling to the profoundly disturbing. The collection opens with “Drop by Drop,” a tale of a sixteen-year-old girl grappling with the upheaval of a family move to the countryside. Her new home harbors a spectral secret: the ghost of a younger girl, inexplicably linked to the presence of water. The story builds a palpable sense of dread, culminating in a shocking twist that, while foreshadowed, remains deeply impactful.
In contrast, the titular story, “Being Dead,” offers a touch of levity amidst the somber themes. Set against the backdrop of the 1929 stock market crash in New York City, it follows a newspaper boy who meets a gruesome end. Offered a glimpse of what appears to be heaven, he finds himself drawn back to the earthly realm by unfinished business. While charming, this story feels somewhat less substantial than others in the collection.
“Shadow Brother” explores the devastating impact of the Vietnam War on a family. The narrator grapples with the loss of his brother and the profound effect it has on their father. This story, while emotionally resonant, carries a pervasive sense of despair, reflecting the enduring scars of war and loss.
Fleeting Encounters and Lingering Chills: The Shorter Stories
Vande Velde’s shorter stories offer glimpses into diverse spectral encounters, varying in length and intensity. “Marjorie’s Ghost” presents a darkly humorous vignette of a hypocritical, abusive husband whose theatrical mourning at his wife’s death yields unexpected consequences. “The Ghost,” a lighthearted tale of college students encountering a spectral roommate, provides a brief respite from the collection’s more somber themes.
“For Love of Him” follows a young man who, after tending to a gravesite, encounters a grieving woman amidst a collection of ancient tombs. While the story’s resolution feels somewhat contrived, it offers a poignant reflection on enduring love and loss. “October Chill,” perhaps the collection’s strongest piece, tells the story of a terminally ill teenager who encounters a Revolutionary War-era ghost during her volunteer work at a historical site. As their bond deepens, she unravels the ghost’s tragic history, forging a connection that transcends time and circumstance. The story’s ambiguous ending resonates with a profound sadness, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the inevitable.
A Solid Contribution to Young Adult Horror
Being Dead stands as a commendable collection of young adult ghost stories. While it may not transcend the genre in the way some exceptional YA fiction does, it offers a compelling and often unsettling exploration of the supernatural. Vande Velde’s straightforward prose and unflinching portrayal of death distinguish her work from the more sensationalized horror often found in YA literature. This collection provides a thoughtful and engaging reading experience for both young adults and adult readers seeking a taste of the spectral.
A Final Thought: The Enduring Power of Ghost Stories
Vande Velde’s Being Dead reminds us of the enduring power of ghost stories to explore complex themes of loss, grief, and the human condition. While rooted in the supernatural, these tales ultimately reflect the human experience, prompting reflection on our own mortality and the legacies we leave behind. This collection offers a chilling yet ultimately rewarding exploration of the spectral realm, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
