A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle is a haunting yet humorous tale that takes place in a cemetery, focusing on the character of Jonathan Rebeck, a man who lives among the dead and helps them pass on. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and what it means to be human, with a touch of the supernatural through the interactions between the living and the dead. The narrative is character-driven, filled with introspective musings and minor mysteries that keep the reader engaged till the end.

The plot revolves around the relationships between the characters, including ghosts slowly losing their memories, a man who has isolated himself in the cemetery, and a widow who befriends him. Through philosophical conversations and interactions, the book explores profound questions about life, death, and the human experience, ultimately leading to a heartwarming and thought-provoking conclusion.

Characters:

Characters include Jonathon Rebeck, a reclusive man; Michael Morgan, an angry ghost; Laura, a resigned ghost; and a talking raven, each contributing depth to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is lyrical and detailed, with long dialogues that capture emotional depth and humor.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features Jonathon Rebeck, who interacts with ghosts in a cemetery, exploring themes of love, memory, and existentialism.

Setting:

The setting takes place in a New York cemetery, enhancing the eerie yet charming atmosphere of the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and reflective, focusing on character development and introspection rather than action.

The baloney weighed the raven down, and the shopkeeper almost caught him as he whisked out the delicatessen door. Frantically he beat his wings to gain altitude, looking like a small black electric fa...

Notes:

The protagonist Jonathon Rebeck is a former pharmacist who lives in a graveyard for nineteen years.

Rebeck's only companions are a talking raven and the ghosts of newly deceased people.

Ghosts in Beagle's world do not move on to an afterlife; they slowly forget their lives and fade away.

The book explores themes of love, memory, and the nature of existence.

The characters include Michael Morgan, who is angry about his death, and Laura Durand, who has a different view of death.

Rebeck develops relationships with both the ghosts and a recently widowed woman named Mrs. Klapper.

The author, Peter S. Beagle, was only 19 when he wrote this novel, showcasing his early talent.

The writing style is described as lyrical and elegant, immersing readers in the story.

Beagle's work combines humor and introspection, with a unique perspective on life and death.

The narrative is driven by character interactions and emotional dialogues rather than action.

Has Romance?

Romantic themes are present, particularly in the relationships between the ghosts and between Mr. Rebeck and Mrs. Klapper.

From The Publisher:

This classic tale from the author of The Last Unicorn is a journey between the realms of the living and the dead, and a testament to the eternal power of love.

Michael Morgan was not ready to die, but his funeral was carried out just the same. Trapped in the dark limbo between life and death as a ghost, he searches for an escape. Instead, he discovers the beautiful Laura...and a love stronger than the boundaries of the grave and the spirit world.

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About the Author:

Peter S. Beagle is the best-selling author of The Last Unicorn, which has sold a reported five million copies since its initial publication in 1968. His other novels include A Fine & Private Place, The Innkeeper's Song, and Tamsin. His short fiction has been collected in four volumes by Tachyon Publications, including The Rhinoceros Who Quoted Nietzsche, The Line Between, We Never Talk About My Brother, and Sleight of Hand. He has won the Hugo, Nebula, Mythopoeic, and Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire awards as well as the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

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A Fine and Private Place

Peter S. Beagle