#ghostland

Like The Modern Antiquarian, Ghostland (2020), by Edward Parnell, is a guidebook. A strange and multifaceted one. Let’s start with the ghost stories, both written and televised. Parnell, in the context of this book, is fairly obsessed with them, their writers and their relationship with the topography of their settings. He makes a broad survey, looking at the work of authors like M.R. James, Arthur Machen, Alan Garner, William Hope Hodgson, Charles Dickens, Walter De La Mare, Algernon Blackwood, E.F. Benson as well as television programs and films like Penda’s Fen, Robin Redbreast, Wickerman, the Quatermas series and the terrifying public service announcement Lonely Water. (Is this psychogeography? That term is usually applied to urban landscapes, I think, but it feels appropriate here, but I am not sure because I’ve never been able to get through an Iain Sinclair book). On this level, the book works as an excellent primer for British folk horror and weird tales. My to-watch list grew by feet reading this. Y’all gotta dig into the original Ghost Stories for Christmas, I’m telling you (I’m mostly unimpressed by the modern Mark Gatiss resurrection, though).

Be warned, however, there are two additional narratives intertwined with Parnell’s fiction-related travels. He’s an avid birder (I’m a much lazier birder, but I found myself envious of the energy Parnell is willing to devote to his hobby), a hobby he pursues with his brother and looms with increasing significance as he navigates a series of tragic deaths in his family. In this way, Ghostland is a cathartic memoir and Parnell’s investigation into ghost stories takes on larger implications. This makes the book dififcult reading in some points, particularly near the end, but it stands as one of the most moving pieces of creative non-fiction I’ve read. I find myself thinking about it often.

1. Wispfruit

Flavor: Cool mint and lychee with a hint of foggy sweetness.

Fun Feature: Disappears into mist if not eaten quickly.

2. Spookleberry

Flavor: Blackberry mixed with a zing of sour apple.

Fun Feature: Giggles softly when picked.

3. Booquince

Flavor: Pear and vanilla, with a slight chill.

Fun Feature: Emits soft ghostly hums at night.

4. Phantom Fig

Flavor: Sweet fig with a mysterious plum undertone.

Fun Feature: You only see it in the corner of your eye… until you look

5. Glowbite Apple

Flavor: Tart green apple and dark cherry.

Fun Feature: Glows brighter with each bite until it vanishes in a puff.

6. Creepear

Flavor: Smoky caramel with soft pear.

Fun Feature: Whispers soft secrets when peeled.

7. Screamelon

Flavor: Sweet cinnamon melon.

Fun Feature: Lets out a tiny squeak or scream when cut open.

8. Ghoulgourd

Flavor: Pumpkin spice and icy grape.

Edward Parnell, opening and final line to Ghostland (William Collins 2019)