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Ella Roman
Fourteen-year-old Ella has paranormal powers - powers that can be used for good or evil.
Paperback
First published December 31, 1998
About the author
Uri Geller
45 books10 followersUri Geller (Hebrew: אורי גלר; /ˈʊri ˈɡɛlər/; born 20 December 1946) is an Israeli illusionist, well known internationally as a magician, television personality, and self-proclaimed psychic. He is known for his trademark television performances of spoon bending and other supposed psychic effects. Throughout the years, Geller has used simple conjuring tricks to simulate the effects of psychokinesis and telepathy. Geller's career as an entertainer has spanned more than four decades, with television shows and appearances in many countries.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 28, 2016
I have just read this book for the second time... the first time was a few years ago after seeing Uri Geller speak at the Hay Festival, where his signing queue was so long he had to rush off by helicopter before signing my copy! However, I later received a signed postcard with his photo and a crystal, which was a nice thing to have while reading.
The book is a novel about a teenager with psychic powers, and if anything I enjoyed it even more the second time around. Quite apart from the strange happenings around Ella that appeal to my fantasy side, it's a great book about media attention and how people can suddenly attain celebrity status and what happens afterwards. I've a feeling Uri Geller must know quite a lot about this, since I found all the characters convincing, especially the smooth-talking agent.
I felt quite sorry for the heroine Ella, who towards the end becomes something of a puppet controlled by the journalist who 'discovered' her, rather than the kickass fantasy heroine she might have become in a modern YA version of this book, but the ending is perfect...even if it made me cry!
Well worth seeking out if you're a fantasy fan looking for something a bit different. (Not for underage readers, though... it has adult themes).
The book is a novel about a teenager with psychic powers, and if anything I enjoyed it even more the second time around. Quite apart from the strange happenings around Ella that appeal to my fantasy side, it's a great book about media attention and how people can suddenly attain celebrity status and what happens afterwards. I've a feeling Uri Geller must know quite a lot about this, since I found all the characters convincing, especially the smooth-talking agent.
I felt quite sorry for the heroine Ella, who towards the end becomes something of a puppet controlled by the journalist who 'discovered' her, rather than the kickass fantasy heroine she might have become in a modern YA version of this book, but the ending is perfect...even if it made me cry!
Well worth seeking out if you're a fantasy fan looking for something a bit different. (Not for underage readers, though... it has adult themes).
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May 10, 2021There are so many different topics you could dissect with this book, I'm just going to highlight a few that caught my attention:
I honestly had no idea that it had such a strong Christian theme to it; of course, Ella's family is Christian and it is mentioned throughout the story. However, it was used in a hypocritical way: 'adultery and greed' (to name a few) or cherry-picking whatever suited the character. The ending was completely unexpected for me, and the Jesus introduction scene made me roll my eyes. I'm really glad that Geller brought two polar opposite mysteries together. Religion has always boycotted any type of mystical power, so it's refreshing to see them go hand in hand. I just felt that it was a last-ditch effort ending. It didn't seem genuine just because it was so rushed. The whole story dragged on, with a lot of meaningless details, and the ending happened in basically two chapters.
As far as Guntarson goes, I was so invested in him at first... His intentions were so genuine and then everything slipped through the cracks *which is okay, for the purpose of the plot. He was very similar to her father, and I suppose that could be why they clashed a lot and why Ella showed an interest in him. I had a theory that I was so deadset on: Ella was Guntarson's mother in a past life. It would make a lot of sense just because of the timing of her age, and how they were eerily similar-looking. Also, a huge coincidence that he chose drowning as his execution? That could be why the conclusion may have disappointed me.
I had so much sympathy for Ella. The poor girl was verbally abused and taken advantage of in almost every way possible. I don't know how I felt about this as a whole, there were just more questions than answers for me. It was a good book, but it could have been a great book with a few adjustments. The fact that it was written in 1997 proves that it was definitely ahead of its time.
I honestly had no idea that it had such a strong Christian theme to it; of course, Ella's family is Christian and it is mentioned throughout the story. However, it was used in a hypocritical way: 'adultery and greed' (to name a few) or cherry-picking whatever suited the character. The ending was completely unexpected for me, and the Jesus introduction scene made me roll my eyes. I'm really glad that Geller brought two polar opposite mysteries together. Religion has always boycotted any type of mystical power, so it's refreshing to see them go hand in hand. I just felt that it was a last-ditch effort ending. It didn't seem genuine just because it was so rushed. The whole story dragged on, with a lot of meaningless details, and the ending happened in basically two chapters.
As far as Guntarson goes, I was so invested in him at first... His intentions were so genuine and then everything slipped through the cracks *which is okay, for the purpose of the plot. He was very similar to her father, and I suppose that could be why they clashed a lot and why Ella showed an interest in him. I had a theory that I was so deadset on: Ella was Guntarson's mother in a past life. It would make a lot of sense just because of the timing of her age, and how they were eerily similar-looking. Also, a huge coincidence that he chose drowning as his execution? That could be why the conclusion may have disappointed me.
I had so much sympathy for Ella. The poor girl was verbally abused and taken advantage of in almost every way possible. I don't know how I felt about this as a whole, there were just more questions than answers for me. It was a good book, but it could have been a great book with a few adjustments. The fact that it was written in 1997 proves that it was definitely ahead of its time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
I read this book when I was 14, I remember finishing it in class and trying not to bawl. Heartbreaking story, worth the read
January 26, 2024
One of my favourite books, it's a strange, dreamy, addictive read. Highly recommend.
March 26, 2008
The story was very very weird. Ok, I know it would be about paranormal abilities, but still... The things that happen after Ella's 'talent' goes public, especially that Peter can keep Ella against the wishes of her parents, that's just stupid. I do believe that in UK there is something like legal guardianship. In addition, the combination of the psychic powers and religion really annoyed me. Normally they don't go together. And last but not least: I cannot believe that you can live for a year without eating anything.
But what probably decreased my reading pleasure most significantly was the fact that there were no likable characters at all in this book. Not even Ella. Ok, she does have a hard childhood, but she acts way too stupid and childish for a 14 year old. All the other sooner or later turn out to be either brutal, selfish, greedy or weak, or all of the above. Only Frank seems to really care for his sister.
The end was just as stupid, but probably the best solution to this drama.
To mention a positive thing: I was surprised at the writing style of Uri Geller, it was really acceptable for a guy who's greatest achievement was 'bending' a spoon.
But what probably decreased my reading pleasure most significantly was the fact that there were no likable characters at all in this book. Not even Ella. Ok, she does have a hard childhood, but she acts way too stupid and childish for a 14 year old. All the other sooner or later turn out to be either brutal, selfish, greedy or weak, or all of the above. Only Frank seems to really care for his sister.
The end was just as stupid, but probably the best solution to this drama.
To mention a positive thing: I was surprised at the writing style of Uri Geller, it was really acceptable for a guy who's greatest achievement was 'bending' a spoon.
July 9, 2013
this is a great book, i am a big fan of Uri and have been lucky enough to have met him and gone to his house.
Ella is a fantastic tale and a gripping adventure
i read it in 1999 just at the time of the eclipse which was on the 9/9/99
the night before i the eclipse after reading some of the Ella book, i dreamt that i was floating off my bed towards the ceiling.
It was one of the most real dreams that i have ever had. i woke up and tried to feel for the mattress with my left hand and just felt air beneath me.
freaky or what!!!
i would recommend this book 5 stars
Ella is a fantastic tale and a gripping adventure
i read it in 1999 just at the time of the eclipse which was on the 9/9/99
the night before i the eclipse after reading some of the Ella book, i dreamt that i was floating off my bed towards the ceiling.
It was one of the most real dreams that i have ever had. i woke up and tried to feel for the mattress with my left hand and just felt air beneath me.
freaky or what!!!
i would recommend this book 5 stars
October 31, 2016
Not what I expected - special powers ? So what ? What is the point ?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews