"The Ghost Clause" gives pause to ponder marital relationships and the skeptical realm of mystic anomalies. Howard Norman received the Nat'l Book Award for "The Bird Artist". "The Ghost Clause" is an intriguing intertwining of 2 marriages connected by a gossamer entity. Simon & his wife Lorca inhabited the charming home that gets purchased by Muriel & Zach after Simon's death at 48. Simon's passing transforms his existence into a spiritual realm where he doesn't exist - yet exists. He's an invisible voyeur of the newly married couple; Muriel a writer & Zach a detective. The novel is enriched by Japanese poetry adding a layer of artistry and consternation considering what gets lost in translation. Praise bestowed to Muriel by her editor reflect Norman's novel "a truly original and intellectually...emotionally - provocative book." Zach's first case in the new home is the missing 11 yr. old, autistic girl Corrine. Corrine has an endless fascination with moths. She benevolently gathers, studies and releases these moths. Zach successfully recovers the kidnapped child. The case itself is a fascinating study which relies on critical listening and questioning. Corrine's birthday celebration is held in Zach & Muriel's yard. A large sheet strung up and lit from behind elicits a magical magnet gathering a phalanx of moths. The many tiers of perception and patience add transcendent & iridescent elements. Simon's presence doesn't go unnoticed. The house cat, Epilogue, is constantly aware of his presence. Lorca is drawn to the property & visits often where she speaks to Simon. Muriel perceives a ghostly presence and Zach's logical deductions eventually arrives at the same conclusion. But, when Lorca is presented with the legible diaries of Simon's ongoing observations on the family, Lorca steps in. She addresses Simon "Your writing about their marriage can't complete the years taken from your and my marriage." She warns Simon he must allow this family to lead their own lives in privacy or she'll never forgive him. Lorca tells him, "We had a good marriage with some difficult things in it. We began 2 or 3 marriages within the one we had." Simon's omnipresent eavesdropping served as a conduit to his memories & relationship with Lorca; their happiness and sadness. It gave him an overwhelming sense of loss because their intimate conversations opened realms of wisdom and emotion he could no long alter. The house sale has a legal ghost clause stating should the seller be aware of an entity residing in the house the seller is obliged to inform the buyers and should an entity prove problematic the seller is obligated to buy back the home. "The Ghost Clause" is a mesmerizing novel of elegiac anticipation and contemplative wonders. Prior to the light fading before gathering moths, Corrine who rarely speaks repeats softly "Wait, wait, wait, wait." This novel is great, great, great.
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