The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston is a novel I did not expect to be satirical. It is a modernized version of a story about a girl trying to find her place in the world, all the while trying not to fall in love with a ghost. Reading this book made me realize it would be a perfect plot for a movie. By saying this, I do not mean the book was as enjoyable as the other books I have read in the past, but it was refreshing compared to the books I usually gravitate towards.
Poston writes about Florence Day, a college student trying to escape from her past and pursue her dreams of being a successful writer, to embody her artistic ability. That being said, it is worth noting a crucial component of the plot: Florence ghostwrites for the famous Ann Nichols, writing strictly happily-ever-after love stories. To keep the story interesting, Poston throws in an unusual plot twist: Florence has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts.
As the novel begins, Florence’s main problem is not being able to finish the latest manuscript for Ann Nichols; Florence does not believe in love anymore, nor that she will ever have her once-in-a-lifetime love story after being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, a successful author by the name of Lee Marlow. This being the case, Florence has to explain to her new editor, Benji Andor, that she needs another extension — asking for her second extension within the span of a year. Benji refuses, causing Florence to emotionally spiral.
While trying to finish her manuscript, Florence’s best friend, Rose, drags Florence to a bar, where Florence bumps into Benji. Benji and Florence share some mutual feelings until Florence’s family calls her to tell of the news about her father, Xavier Day, passing. Rushing back home to South Carolina, Florence helps her family with the funeral while trying to cope. What surprises Florence, however, is the ghost of Benji Andor showing up on her doorstep in South Carolina.
Killed in a car crash that same night Florence rushes back home, Benji’s ghost seeks answers and solace from Florence. As the novel continues, Florence and Benji’s ghost build a strong foundation between themselves, one of trust as well as truth. Florence and Benji help each other come to terms with who they are (or were) as people. Unsurprisingly, Florence and Benji fall in love, though they understand it is not the best thing for them.
While this book has its pros, like having a cliché plot turned interesting with the ghost factor, the plot is quite predictable. The Dead Romantics does have a “surprise” factor with the sudden death of Benji Andor, but it does not have the “wow” factor that keeps readers at the edge of their seats. Overall, this book is worth the read if a reader is willing to try out something new or wants a “break” from their usual genres and literary styles.
