Olivia’s use of sign language and her artistic talents, part of the exploration of the importance of communication, are skillfully incorporated into the overall story. The gripping writing and effective incorporation of horror elements, including haunting, inky artwork, are satisfyingly spine-tingling. The evolving relationships between Olivia and her found family shine, and themes of freedom, the self, and belonging are well depicted. Olivia unravels the ominous secrets of both her family and the house, where ghouls lurk around every corner and the dilapidated garden gate calls to her. However, instead of the big, welcoming family she imagined, the opulent yet run-down Gallant only holds Matthew, her irritable cousin, and kindly caretakers Hannah and Edgar. When she receives a letter from her uncle, Arthur Prior, inviting her to live at his manor, Olivia leaps at the chance. Olivia uses sign language, taught to her by a now-departed matron (although nobody else signs) treasures the journal belonging to the mother she doesn’t remember and can see ghouls. Instead, she’s isolated at Merilance School for Independent Girls, with its strict matrons, shunned by students who ostracize and torment her for being mute. Olivia Prior has always hoped for a place to belong and a family that cares for her. Seeking a place to call home, Olivia uncovers long-buried secrets after arriving at Gallant.
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