This classic ghost story from the author of The Last Unicorn follows Jonathan who’s been living in a cemetery with a raven as his only friend amongst the newly dead until he discovers a pair of ghostly lovers bearing an extraordinary gift—the final chance for his own happiness.
For nineteen years, Jonathan Rebeck has hidden from the world within the confines of a Bronx’s cemetery, making an abandoned mausoleum his secret home. He speaks with the newly dead as they pass from life to wherever spirits finally go, providing them with comfort, an understanding ear, and even the occasional game of chess.
But Mr. Rebeck’s reclusive life is disrupted. An impossible love has blossomed between two ghosts at Yorkchester Cemetery. Helped along by a cynical, talking raven and a mysterious security guard, these four souls must learn the true difference between life and death and make choices that really are forever.
Told with an elegiac wisdom and beauty, Peter S. Beagle’s first novel is, “One of literature’s most beautiful works about ghostly times and places...told with wit, charm, and a sense of individuality” (The New York Times Book Review).
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"Ok, so this book was enjoyable, but I was about to give it a 3 star review. It's a very mellow book, but it does have it's moments and some great quotes. Then I hit chapter 10 and wow. This is a romantic's dream. I almost wanted to weep for the words that Beagle displayed on these pages. I wanted a pen so I could underline each single word in bold lines. I wanted to savor each and every word and I wanted to believe in love again. A love that can being life back to the dead and inspire the living to live! Wow. I am so glad I stuck with this book."
— Connie (5 out of 5 stars)
" This is an astounding book even before you learn that it was written before Peter was 20. "
— Rob, 2/20/2014" Dead people in love, a talking crow and a man who hides from his past by living in a cemetery - what could be better? It's funny, it's sad, it's bittersweet! "
— Maryann, 2/5/2014" This novel of "love and last chances" will remind readers a bit of the more recent Neil Gaiman book GRAVEYARD BOOK. There's true emotion here that anchors the fantasy and makes it real. "
— Katherine, 1/16/2014" Wow, this was a slow book that never really picked up steam for me at all. I suppose it would have been poignant if I'd been able to find even one character to like, but I didn't find them likable at all. Good thing it didn't take me too long to read. A snore. "
— Alison, 1/2/2014" A strange book, worth a read if you liked The Last Unicorn. "
— Lauren, 1/2/2014" I liked it well enough - it was something different from anything else I've read. It was a little slow-paced for my liking, with an abrupt conclusion, but it suited it. If I gave it another read I'd probably digest it a little better the second time around. "
— Shell, 12/31/2013" I read this when I was about the age of Peter S. Beagle when he wrote it, and I adored it. I have very good, if vague, memories of this book. I have this horrible suspicion my nostalgia might be violated if I opened the book again. "
— Floundering, 12/20/2013" This is my favorite book and has been most of my life "
— Lark, 12/20/2013" I have enjoyed this book many times, it's humorous and bittersweet. "
— Micha, 12/19/2013" I love Peter S. Beagle and this had some fantastic writing and an interesting premise, (in the same vein setting wise as Gaiman's GRAVEYARD BOOK) but the pacing was too slow. THE LAST UNICORN is a more engaging read. "
— D, 12/12/2013" My first Beagle book, with a very simple but well-written tale. No frills, only substance. "
— Hans, 11/29/2013Peter S. Beagle has won the Hugo, Nebula, Mythopoeic, and Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire awards. He is also the recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Honor. His novel The Last Unicorn has sold a reported five million copies since its initial publication. His other novels include A Fine & Private Place, The Innkeeper’s Song, Tamsin, Summerlong, and In Calabria. His short fiction has been collected in four volumes by Tachyon Publications, including The Rhinoceros Who Quoted Nietzsche, The Line Between, We Never Talk About My Brother, and Sleight of Hand.