Rather funny and quirky, but I am not sure why it is such a classic. ( )

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde was published in 1887.

I really found this story a wonderful and entertaining read which contrasts American and British people and culture. The story is told from the viewpoint of Sir Simon, the ghost. This is a really short story and I found it humorous and yet enjoyed the stereotypical characters that represent both England and the United States. Wilde takes an American family, places them in a British setting, then, through a series of mishaps, pits one culture against the other.

I really enjoyed this story and will be adding more of Oscar Wilde short stories to my to read list. ( )

As another reviewer says, it's a funny ghost story. What's not to love, at least for fans of Wilde?

However, it does rely on some understandings of the context, some knowledge of how the British aristocracy works, for example, to get the full effect. A lot of the word-play and clever aphorisms went right over my head.

Here's one that is made clear by the structure. The ghost and the sweet young girl are getting to know each other. He says, "I don't think I should like America."
She says, "I suppose because we have no ruins and no curiosities."
"... you have your navy and your manners," he replies. This comment prickles her enough he apologizes.

Some of the other wordplay is easier to appreciate. And I'm glad that the "gypsies" had a good alibi and were excised from suspicion. And the way the American and British patriarchs both tried to be honorable and insist that the jewels were each others' was funny... and it's sad that few of us now would be so honorable.

And the main story itself, the core of it, is really a nice friendly ghost story with an enchanting heroine. I'm just very glad it's short, because many a modern author would draw this out to an epic fantasy and that would spoil it completely. ( )

This book is a classic for a reason. It’s a perfect blend of satire, farce, melodrama, spirituality, and even romance. Centuries of British tradition meet their match in a new generation of no-nonsense American children. Themes of revenge and redemption are woven seamlessly throughout. A laugh-out-loud ghost story with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. Oscar Wilde never fails to amaze. ( )

4.5 ( )