Seaglass

by Eloise Williams

She will come for you... Lark struggles when her family and their friends go on holiday in a lonely caravan site on the Welsh coast for the autumn half term. Her mother is ill, her little sister has stopped speaking and she has fallen out with her best friend. Is a girl in a green dress following her in the fog? Or is her sister playing tricks on her? When a local woman tells her the girl comes to take sisters, Lark finds herself the only one who can save her family. Perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Lucy Strange, Seaglass is a chilling contemporary ghost story with a determined 13-year-old heroine defending her family and learning to handle her emotions.

Genres: Childrens, Family, Middle Grade, Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2018

Reviews

[Michelle Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eerie, glittering ghost story set on the Welsh coast. Eloise Williams’ tale of two sisters, Lark and Snow, is wild and haunting enough to capture its audience, but perfectly pitched for its younger readers in that the scares will thrill, but not terrify. With beautiful, vivid descriptions of the seascapes and a smattering of tantalising folklore, its easy to see why Seaglass is garnering such high praise.

[Rhian Ivory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaglass is Eloise Williams's best yet.
What a book! My daughter said I looked like I was going to cry at one point reading it - I was so worried about Snow. The pace is excellent, so well pitched for the middle grade (and adult) reader & I love the fact that the story of the WWII girl is based on real life.
The way the author writes about the sea is very Dylan Thomas; poetic and powerful with a keen awareness of pace. I could almost reach out & touch the sea.
Lark and the rest of the wonderful cast (loved Snow in particular) are a breath of fresh air; original, admirable in their bravery and the way in which Lark stands up to bullies and racism. They unravel the mystery of the girl in the green dress at lightning speed - I read it in 2 days as I couldn't put it down because I had to know what had happened to the girl in the forest.
I adored her previous novel, Gaslight but I think Lark and Snow might have stolen my heart.

[fictitious.mosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaglass is a middle-grade novel set in a caravan park on the Welsh coast. I will admit right up that I have a massive soft spot for anything middle grade and an even bigger one for anything Welsh. However, I can say with absolute certainty that I would have thoroughly enjoyed this cracker of a book even if I wasn't a bit biased by those factors.

This book is one of those rare ones that has something for everyone and is not limited by the age range it caters to or the genre it falls under. This is the first book I have read by Eloise Williams which is a mighty shame so, to rectify that, I have gone ahead and ordered 2 of her other books, Gaslight and Wilde.

Eloise Williams writes some gorgeous, poetic prose. But what impresses me most is that she gets the voice of her characters absolutely right. She brings each character to life, be it the main ones or the ones in the sidelines. I related to her protagonist, Lark, in one too many ways! She reminded me of being a teen and the angst it brought along with it. All of 253 pages, this book deals with important topics such as racism, bullying, anger, friendship and more without ever taking the preachy route. Definitely recommended! 👍

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaglass is a Middle Grade novel for anyone from 10 to 90, as long as you can remember what it’s like to be 13, anxious and angry. Set in a caravan park on the Welsh coast during the Autumn Half Term it was an ideal read over the nights of Halloween and bonfire night.
To help her mother, Lark tries to look after her little sister, but Snow’s muteness makes communication difficult. From the moment they arrive in the seaside town, strange things occur and she is warned about a ghostly danger to her sister.
Eloise Williams writes beautiful descriptive passages of the beach and coastline, full of poetic expression and she enables us to enter Lark’s mind, seeing her worries, her rage and fear. Misunderstanding within Lark’s family have increased her stress and a secret from her grandmother’s childhood is now affecting Lark and Snow. But there is comradeship and affection from their community of friends even if sometimes this leads them into dangerous predicaments. The book deals with racism, friendship, bullying and loss within the context of a mysterious, atmospheric tale.

[Sara Gethin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's a beautifully written, thought-provoking contemporary ghost story with just enough scary for the intended age group. I actually gasped at one point and then had to laugh at myself when it became clear the ghost Lark thought she'd seen at that moment wasn't one at all. It's a perfect book for pre-teens and has great characters with emotions those readers will completely recognise in themselves and their older siblings. It's hard to beat Eloise Williams' previous novel aimed at the same age group, 'Gaslight', but 'Seaglass' has become my new favourite of hers. It's a real page-turner, so an excellent choice for reluctant readers and reading addicts alike - I totally recommend it!

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]


Lark needs a break. Her mother is ill, her sister has stopped speaking and she's fallen out with her best friend. When her family arrives at a caravan site on the windy Welsh coast, she and her little sister rush off to explore. But soon this freedom get frightening. Is there a figure in the fog? What happened at the ruined house in the woods? Why is her sister so fascinated by a girl in a green dress that no one else can see?
As the storms get wilder and events get stranger, Lark must face a long-buried secret to try to save her family.
Lark and her family are having a tough time right now she believes her mother is dying and Snow her sister hasn't spoken a word to anyone since her mother became ill. Gwenni , Larks best friend has fallen out with her so life's not good right now. On top of this her Mum and Dad decide they all need a break away on a caravan site where her Mam-gu (Grandma) and family and friends can join them. The girls quickly start exploring when they arrive and strange this start to happen when they discover a little girl who keeps appearing who seems to want to be with Snow. 
Can Lark solve the mystery of this little girl, who she is and what she wants....
What follows is a delightful story, a ghost story centred around family, friendship and loss. 
Lark is a very strong headed thirteen year old, she is however angry at the world just now since she found out her mum was ill.
She loves her sister very much and wants her to talk again. Snow is very good at drawing and loves collecting things to make collages etc. So when they get to Wales they collect Sea Glass hence the title of the book.
I loved the simplicity of this book and it's messages within the story too. It's a ghost story but so much a creepy one although the dolls head in it is a bit creepy . Children will love this story and be left with a sense of meaning to the whole story after finishing it. 
It made a nice little Halloween story to read for me.


[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaglass builds slowing, like an oncoming storm. As the foundations of the story are laid, so too are the intricate family and social relationships upon which the entire tale rests. The reader will really get to understand Lark and her turmoil; the things that creep around inside her and the misunderstanding that is driving her. There are fleckles of social prejudice revealed and that add subtle colours in the background that explode into full view in the end. Beautifully written, carefully constructed, the wildness of the stormy landscape and intriguing descriptions of all things past and present allow the reader a full sensory experience, while inviting you in to the family itself; it's history and the history of the place. It is a story that is as haunting as the ghosts that inhabit the book. Eerie, enthralling and totally consuming. I was completely captivated the whole way through.

[Claire Fayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the author's previous book, Gaslight, so when I was offered an advance copy of Seaglass, I jumped at it and read the book in a single sitting. It's a wonderfully atmospheric ghost story with unforgettable characters. Eloise's writing sparkles like the seaglass of the title, bringing the setting and characters vividly to life while the sense of menace ebbs and flows like the tide.

There are many creepy moments but the story also touches on more serious topics of family relationships, illness, and prejudice. I especially loved the character of Lark. It's refreshing to have a character who isn't wholly likeable and Lark felt very real as a thirteen year old trying to deal with a whole load of issues, including her own anger.

My thanks to Eloise and Firefly Press.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seaglass is a spooky ghost story, but it is also a story about Family. Lark is thirteen and struggling to deal with her own changing emotions, her mother's illness, and sister's silence.

A holiday is meant to bring them, and their friends and family, together. But there's something in the woods and it's not happy.

I don't want to spoil the book but if you want a spooky tale with a serious note about growing up and learning about the people around you, then I highly recommend this book.

As an adult, I didn't find it particularly spooky (I am not easily spooked) but I know that my younger self would've found this really creepy! Be careful when looking out your windows at night. You never know what might be looking back at you...

Four stars!

[Roz Radmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story so full of ghostly atmosphere !
My niece recommended this book to me . ( once a children's bookseller , always a children's bookseller )
It is a fascinating , unusual story . Lark is just thirteen , her mother is very ill . Her little sister , Snow has become mute with all the stress . The family go to Wales to stay at a caravan park so her mother can rest and breathe the sea air .
Lark and Snow set off to explore the area but too much freedom is quite frightening . The sea fog rolls in so unexpectedly . Did Lark really see a figure or was it just a badly scared imagination ? Why is Snow so intrigued by a girl wearing a green dress ?
What is real ? What is not ?
I absolutely loved this book

[Julia Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book because I really enjoyed the author's last book, Gaslight and Seaglass is, I think, even better.

The author does a brilliant job at portraying the inner dialogue of a confused, sometimes bolshy thirteen year old who is learning to handle complex emotions. She also treats the reader to beautiful descriptions of the Welsh coastline where the main character, Lark mooches about on the beach feeling sorry for herself until she begins to suspect somebody's following her in the fog and the whole mood changes.

Eloise Williams expertly sucks the reader into the murky shadows of this wonderful ghost story I hoped would never end.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4stars because I am not enamoured of ghost stories. But the story was just as gripping as the previous book I listened to by this author, Gaslight.

Lark and her family go to the seaside at the October break. They arrive a few days before more family and family friends. Lark, with her sister Snow, find a derelict house in the forest. And somehow, it seems there is someone or something watching.
What kind of holiday will this be?

The book deals with anger issues, shock, and depression, as well as inter-family relationships. The feelings that happen when someone you love is unwell and you have no control over your fears of what might happen.

[Juliette Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eloise Williams has perfectly married the natural world with the human one. This is a story where past events have intertwined with the present to create a wonderfully atmospheric and creepy tale. Narrated by 13-year old Lark, we are swept along on an emotional rollercoaster, which deliciously twists and turns. Prepare for some spine-tingling moments – you'll never look at sea glass in the same way again.

[Naomi Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lark is angry. Her mum is dying, her little sister won’t talk and to top it off, she has to go on a caravan holiday to Wales when she doesn’t want to. However, after some exploring, it isn’t as boring as she thought, in fact, there are some weird things happening.

I was a bit creeped out even as an adult by this book! It is well written and told through Lark, who has a really authentic teenage voice. Definitely recommend for pre-teens who enjoy a ghost story.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young teen book this ticked all the boxes. Well written and atmospheric I found it difficult to read before bedtime - it was that spooky! Easy for an adult to read but I can see that it would be challenging enough for a good 10yr old or above reader. Perhaps too young to be included in a young adult choice. Wanted to read this since buying it for my 11yr old for Christmas and it didn't disappoint.

[University of Chester teacher readers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne Williams I found that it took me a while to get into this book, and I didn't feel that that it had strong characterisation. It was shortlisted for the English language category in the Tir na n-Og book award, but I didn't feel that it had a strong Welsh feeling it just came from the location/names. Having said this, a lot of other reviewers have liked this book. I think it is one that you will have to make your own mind up about.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evocative ghost story set on the Welsh coast, where Lark and her family have come for a break - in October half-term. Lark looks after her younger sister, Snow - a selective mute, and they both in different ways encounter the girl in the green dress, who is in fact a ghost.

A story of friendship, family, forgiveness, and even fun!
Well worth reading - a must for young girls

[Claire Lassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. The descriptions of place and atmosphere allow the reader to escape into this world of unhappiness and the supernatural. As I read, I caught myself reading in a Welsh accent, which brought the characters alive.
This is a powerful book as it can help young people understand that rage is often a mask for other emotions: fear, loss and powerlessness.

[Jill McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple straightforward read that does what it sets out to do. It’s aimed at younger readers (upper key stage 2) and sets out engage them whilst providing some tense, scary moments. The characters were very believable but I did not warm to them but did not dislike them. An easy read after the Xmas period.

[Nicola Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in readiness to teach to year 7's in September. I thought in the beginning some of the topics would cause a problem with some readers. I kept reading and was soon hooked, it was spine chilling in places, heartwarming and I even shed a tear or two. Have no idea how I'm going to read that section when I get to it in class. Thoroughly enjoyed it, can't wait to read it again as a class set.

[Nichola · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ghost story! If Phil Hickes is the king of MG ghost stories then Eloise Williams is the queen! Haunting and atmospheric and has such realistic relationships between the characters that it makes it believable. Lark has anger issues and you can feel the anger yourself as yoy are reading too. Brilliant

[Debbie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking page turner. It’s an atmospheric modern ghost story, full of suspense, which deals perfectly with so many themes that are relevant to children nowadays: friendships, families, health, making choices.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to break out of my book slump. It came at the recommendation of the woman at the book shop. It’s a good story about a young girl navigating the mess of family drama and her own emotions.

[Nia Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It kept me throughly captivated by the realistic characterisations and description. Quite scary throughout!

[Jane Statham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welsh and witchy

An exciting tale of family and friendship, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Welsh coastline. I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through the wild woods.

[Ruth Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy, atmospheric...a rattling good read for any time of year but a lovely accompaniment to a cosy evening by the fireside.

[Runningrara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very enjoyable or spooky ghost story.

[Paula Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. A wonderful and ghostly tale with many unexpected events. Some super issues addressed too.

[Yvonne Yorkshades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an atmospheric read. I felt like I was on the beach with the mist rolling in. My heart was in my mouth in so many places. Can’t wait to read it with my class.

[Louise Elliott]

A chilling and atmospheric story that had me entranced right up to the very end. Loved it!