Review: Chasing Ghosts: An Arctic Adventure

Chasing Ghosts: An Arctic Adventure is a gripping new tale by Nicola Pierce that follows two series of true events that unfolded thousands of miles apart yet are inextricably linked. At the centre of the novel is the story of Ann Coppins, whose sister Weesy has recently passed away – but Weesy has not moved on, and her spirit remains in the family home. At the same time, a British Royal Navy expedition of two ships under the command of Captain Sir John Franklin and his second-in- command, Captain Francis Crozier, has gone missing in the Arctic Circle. Ann finds herself wondering if Weesy can tell them what has happened to the two ships.

Pierce creates a truly atmospheric depiction of Northern Ireland in the 1840s and
the unforgiving, harsh emptiness of the freezing cold Arctic, deftly balancing the gravity of the sailors’ situation with scenes of childhood innocence and mischief. Through her portrayal of complex
themes such as grief, family, love and friendship, Pierce brings new life to the story of Ann Coppins and the Franklin expedition, creating well-rounded fictional representations of real historical figures.

This account of the fate of HMS Erebus and Terror is both educational and captivating. The author’s notes at the end of the novel are a fascinating insight into the sources that Pierce consulted when writing this novel. At times amusing, endearing and heartbreaking, this book is guaranteed to have the reader hungering for the next page.

You can buy a copy of Chasing Ghosts: An Arctic Adventure here:

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Thank you to Children’s Books Ireland for providing me with an advance review copy of this book.

This review was originally published in Inis Magazine Issue 60 (July 2020).