Description
The Hungry Ghosts by Anne Berry is a literary debut novel set between Japanese-occupied Hong Kong in 1942 and a later institutional setting, using a dual timeline to explore trauma, memory, and the lasting psychological effects of violence. The story opens with the death of Lin Shui during the war, after which her presence becomes tied to a hospital building later converted into a school. There, her existence intersects with Alice Safford, a troubled twelve-year-old girl from a prominent family. Rather than functioning as conventional horror, the novel draws on the concept of the “hungry ghost” as a thematic and narrative device, examining how unresolved suffering lingers across generations. Berry’s style is restrained and introspective, with a focus on atmosphere, character interiority, and emotional depth.
Shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ First Book Award and winner of the Amazon Rising Stars Award in 2009, The Hungry Ghosts was widely noted for its ambition and literary scope. It will appeal to readers of literary fiction with an interest in historical context and psychologically layered storytelling.
