Even though “Giving Up The Ghost” by Samantha Rose is about a difficult topic (her mother’s decision to end her life), the gorgeous writing, the meaningful themes, and demonstrations of the importance of connections make this a powerhouse of a memoir.
I was curious how Sam accomplished this masterpiece, so I took a deep dive to discover how she did this; reading the first time to learn the story, the second time to discover gems I missed the first time, and a third exploration, using “Ghost” as a textbook for how to write a memoir.
Sam skillfully uses sensory detail and strong verbs to word-paint scenes that readers can “see,” unspooling across their minds like a well-crafted movie.
Her ability to transform conversations and scenes into poignant moments paired with her willingness to be vulnerable while releasing the truth of her mother’s life and death are remarkable.
Sam’s mother, Susan Swartz, was a popular journalist who uncovered facts at a time when people wanted and needed to be informed. Sam expertly captures meaningful truths about life, connections, mental health, friendships, grief, moving on, keeping secrets, and profound wisdom in sharing her journey traveling from disbelief to realizations about people, life, and our journeys.
“Giving Up The Ghost” is so much more than a daughter’s telling the story of how her mother died.
Sam’s unique ability to tell her family story in an honest and forthright manner with a variety of important themes rocked my world.
One of the threads in this strong story is the idea of being a witness to one another’s lives. Sam explores the idea that after someone dies, especially someone who has been in your life for a long time, they are no longer a witness to your life.
I never thought about this. After reading “Ghost,” I realize the importance of this concept: How we are witnesses to one another’s lives and what that means.
Sam grapples with (and comes to a resolution) about what happens when the person who has known us the longest dies prematurely. What happens when we no longer have that person in our lives? How do we go on?
Now, I’m contemplating that concept.
I asked Sam how she became such a good writer.
She answered, “I’m a visual person. I write what I see.”
“And,” she added, “I’m a good listener.”
Excerpt from the prelude:
“. . . the best books challenge readers to see things in a way they haven’t before.”
“Giving Up the Ghost” did that for me.
