| Author | Penelope Lively |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Heinemann |
| Publication date | 26 March 1973 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 160 pp (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0434948942 (first edition, hardback) |
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe is a novel for children by Penelope Lively published in 1973. The novel won the Carnegie Medal in 1973.
Contents |
Plot introduction
The story concerns a young boy James Harrison and his family who move to a cottage in a small Oxfordshire village. They are beset by a series of small domestic disasters and the family assume that James is causing them. However James discovers that he is being haunted by the ghost of a 17th Century sorcerer and no one will believe him.The story is a thriller for young children so it keeps them reading on to find more terrible happenings going on.
Major themes
The story has some other themes about the life of an ex-inhabitant of the cottage in the 19th century and the history of surrounding countryside. An interest in history and local change is a running theme in the work of Penelope Lively, and this can be seen in many of her other books.
Literary significance & criticism
The prose of the novel is very enjoyable with a lot of humour. It is still a popular children's novel.
Film, TV or theatrical adaptations
In 1978, a film was made based on the novel, which aired on The ABC Weekend Special, a showcase for a variety of different films aimed at children. The film was re-broadcast many times over the years, and has had several releases on home video. The book was also read on BBC's Jackanory.
Major Characters
- James, the main character.
- James' mother, who is called Mrs Harrison in the book.
- James' father, who is called Mr Harrison in the book.
- James' sister, who is called Helen.
- Tim the dog
Other Characters
- Simon, James' friend. He doesn't believe in ghosts.
- Bert, he tries to help James deal with the poltergeist.
- Mrs Verity, an old lady whom Thomas Kempe accuses of being a witch.
- Arnold, a boy who experienced the ghost before James.
- Aunt Fanny, Arnold's Aunt.
- Mr Hollings, James' teacher.
