Author: Vera Brosgol (b. 1984)

First published: 2011

Type of work: Graphic novel

Type of plot: Coming of age, horror

Time of plot: Present day

Locale: New England

Vera Brosgol's Anya's Ghost delivers a gripping tale of adolescence intertwined with spectral mystery, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the supernatural. As Anya navigates typical teenage challenges, she unexpectedly finds herself befriended by a ghost, leading to a series of revelations that alter her perspective on life. The novel is a unique blend of horror and coming-of-age elements, set amidst the backdrop of modern-day New England.

Principal Characters

Anya Borzakovskaya: A high school student of Russian American descent, grappling with her identity.

Emily Reilly: A ghost bound to the earthly realm for decades, with a history shrouded in mystery.

Siobhan: Anya's defiant and outspoken friend.

Sean: The charming basketball player who catches Anya's eye.

Elizabeth: Sean's girlfriend, entwined in the complexities of teenage romance.

Dima: Anya’s fellow student, the only person she knows who shares her Russian heritage.

Sasha: Anya’s younger brother, innocent yet perceptive.

The Story

The narrative kicks off with Anya Borzakovskaya preparing for yet another day at Hamilton School, a private institution that often feels alienating to her. During her commute, Anya crosses paths with classmates who embody various facets of her social life, including the rebellious Siobhan, her unrequited crush Sean, his girlfriend Elizabeth, and Dima, whom she avoids to distance herself from her Russian roots. After witnessing an intimate moment between Sean and Elizabeth and a heated exchange with Siobhan, Anya opts for an unconventional route to school, leading to an unexpected fall into a secluded dry well.

Within this well, Anya encounters the skeletal remains of Emily Reilly, a young woman whose life ended tragically decades before. Emily's ghost manifests, offering companionship during Anya's two-day ordeal in the well. Eventually, Emily helps alert a passerby to Anya's plight, facilitating her rescue. Convinced that Emily's spirit is bound to the well, Anya is surprised to discover Emily has accompanied her home, due to one of Emily's finger bones becoming inadvertently lodged in Anya's bag.

As Anya returns to her routine, Emily becomes a constant, albeit spectral, companion. She assists Anya by providing test answers, covering for her while she smokes, and even sneaking into Sean's locker to uncover his schedule. Emily shares a tragic tale of fleeing from her parents' murderer, which she claims led to her untimely demise. Her vested interest in Anya's affection for Sean is ostensibly due to her own lost love—her boyfriend, who perished in World War I. Emily encourages Anya to pursue Sean at a party, suggesting a daring wardrobe to capture his attention. However, at the event, Anya discovers the less-than-idyllic reality of Sean and Elizabeth's relationship, where Elizabeth turns a blind eye to Sean's flirtations.

Increasingly controlling, Emily pressures Anya to pursue Sean, disregarding Anya's discomfort. This prompts Anya to investigate Emily's past, suspecting that solving her murder might release the spirit. With Dima's assistance, Anya uncovers the truth—Emily did not flee a murderer but rather an enraged crowd after committing a heinous act herself. This revelation leads to a confrontation at home, where Emily hides her finger bone, preventing Anya from returning the ghost to the well. Emily's threats toward Anya's family intensify, causing turmoil.

Desperate, Anya finally finds the elusive bone and makes a frantic dash to the well, with Emily hot on her heels. Tossing the bone into the depths, Anya initially believes she has freed herself. Yet, Emily's determination enables her to inhabit her old skeleton and climb...