Book Description:
Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost (1887) is a witty and whimsical tale that blends gothic horror with sharp social satire. When the Otis family — a no-nonsense American household — moves into the haunted Canterville Chase in England, they’re unimpressed by the resident ghost, Sir Simon, who has terrified generations of aristocrats. But the modern-minded Otises aren't easily scared, and Sir Simon soon finds himself outmatched by their pragmatism and humor.
As the ghost’s haunting schemes are met with oil for his chains and mocking trickery from the Otis children, Wilde turns the classic ghost story on its head. Yet beneath the laughter lies a poignant undercurrent, as Sir Simon reveals the sorrow and guilt that keep him earthbound.
Combining charm, comedy, and a touch of melancholy, The Canterville Ghost is a delightful exploration of forgiveness, cultural contrast, and the absurdity of both superstition and modernity.