Ghosts

Ratner makes clear by using the word "ghosts" in her title that the idea of ghosts will be an important theme in her novel. Yet eastern cultures' perception of ghosts typically differ from western notions. How do you think "ghosts" as theme operates in the novel?

I thought the idea of "ghosts" was one of the better devices of the book. I thought ghosts referred to many things, the lost people, the lost culture, the lost music, the lost personalities, the lost buildings, the loss of education and leadership. The ghosts represent all of the losses that occur when war ravages a country and a people. It is humanity itself that suffers the loss.

I think the concept of ghosts refers to what could haunt a person--the past, the unknown, the future.

I agree with the idea of,the ghosts being memories of the past which i think is still part of Cambodia, where entire families were wiped out and the memory of them is only a ghost.

In many respects I agree with what beckyh said. The ghost of all that has been lost. But I also believe that the theme of the "ghost" represent all that is still living, the sound of the music in the background, the ripple of the water and the leaves. The ghost is the handwriting on the walls of destroyed buildings and all the memories that are carried by the living.

Well said by all of you.

It is wonderful to be part of a group of such insightful readers. I love all of the ideas shared here!

I agree with all of the above too. Not just individuals and families, but pieces of everyday village life, music, instruments, mist, swimming holes...I like what Reene said, "all the memories carried by the living".

Cambodians have such ties to their country, history and family. I think of their ghosts being the feelings associated with where they are and what they've experienced in their lives.

I agree the ghosts are things and people of the past, not paranormal but in a reference of a specific time period.