She Is a Haunting — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist
Instant New York Times and Indie Bestseller
This house eats and is eaten . . .
"A riveting debut from a remarkable new voice! Trang Thanh Tran weaves an impressive gothic mystery in which Jade's father is determined to restore a decrepit home to its former glory and Jade is the only person who feels the soul-crushing devastation of colonialism lingering within its walls." --Angeline Boulley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Firekeeper's Daughter
A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.
When Jade Nguyen arrives in Vietnam for a visit with her estranged father, she has one goal: survive five weeks pretending to be a happy family in the French colonial house Ba is restoring. She's always lied to fit in, so if she's straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough, she can get out with the college money he promised.
But the house has other plans. Night after night, Jade wakes up paralyzed. The walls exude a thrumming sound while bugs leave their legs and feelers in places they don't belong. She finds curious traces of her ancestors in the gardens they once tended. And at night Jade can't ignore the ghost of the beautiful bride who leaves cryptic warnings: Don't eat.
Neither Ba nor her sweet sister Lily believe that there is anything strange happening. With help from a delinquent girl, Jade will prove this house--the home they have always wanted--will not rest until it destroys them. Maybe, this time, she can keep her family together. As she roots out the house's rot, she must also face the truth of who she is and who she must become to save them all.
Frequently asked questions
Is She Is a Haunting appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains elements of violence, particularly in the context of a ghost story that includes ghoulish surprises and a climactic battle that is described as detailed and gory. The violence is tied to the supernatural elements of the plot. The book is described as a ghost story filled with sinister shocks and eerie atmosphere. It employs horror tropes, including a haunted house, to explore deeper themes related to colonialism and personal identity.
Does She Is a Haunting have violence?
The book contains elements of violence, particularly in the context of a ghost story that includes ghoulish surprises and a climactic battle that is described as detailed and gory. The violence is tied to the supernatural elements of the plot.
Does She Is a Haunting have scary content?
The book is described as a ghost story filled with sinister shocks and eerie atmosphere. It employs horror tropes, including a haunted house, to explore deeper themes related to colonialism and personal identity.
Does She Is a Haunting have religious themes?
No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the narrative. The story focuses on personal and cultural themes rather than religious elements.
Does She Is a Haunting have racial/cultural content?
The story addresses themes of colonialism and the Vietnamese diaspora, highlighting the protagonist's struggle with her identity as a Vietnamese American. The narrative critiques the historical impacts of colonialism on personal and familial relationships.
Does She Is a Haunting have profanity?
The book features frequent swearing, including words such as 'damn,' 'hell,' 'a--hole,' and 'f--k.' This language is part of the character's expression within the story.
Does She Is a Haunting have climate change?
No specific themes related to climate activism or environmentalism are present in the narrative. The focus is primarily on personal and cultural issues rather than climate-related content.
Does She Is a Haunting have sexual identity?
The narrative includes romantic elements between Jade and Florence, characterized by flirting and kissing. Additionally, the protagonist's exploration of her bisexuality is a significant theme, contributing to the overall narrative.
Does She Is a Haunting have gender roles?
While the protagonist navigates her identity and familial expectations, the narrative does not explicitly promote or critique traditional gender roles or modern feminist themes.
Does She Is a Haunting have lgbtq+ themes?
The protagonist, Jade, identifies as queer and struggles with her bisexuality throughout the story. Her feelings for Florence, the niece of her father's business partner, are a central aspect of the narrative, highlighting her journey of self-acceptance amidst familial and cultural pressures.
