The Ghost Drum

The Ghost Drum is a children's fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Russian folklore and history. In this tale, narrated by a learned cat, a slave woman's daughter is taken in by a witch to become a powerful shaman. The story follows Chingis, who learns the ways of magic and how to use the ghost drum - an instrument that allows travel between worlds, including the realm of the dead. The narrative interweaves elements of traditional fairy tales with supernatural elements from Slavic mythology. A frame narrative structure shapes the book, with a wise cat introducing each chapter and encouraging readers to share the story forward. The tale contains the darker elements common to traditional fairy stories, including violence and death. The novel explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the preservation of wisdom through storytelling. It speaks to the transformative nature of knowledge and the price of breaking free from predetermined fates.

Readers describe The Ghost Drum as a dark, folklore-inspired tale that differs from typical fairy story conventions. Many reviewers note its unique blend of Slavic mythology and shamanic elements. Readers highlighted: - The poetic, rhythmic writing style - Rich world-building and atmospheric descriptions - Complex female characters - The narrator's distinctive voice - Cultural authenticity Common criticisms: - Pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some found the violence too intense for younger readers - A few readers wanted more character development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (380 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (28 ratings) Several reviewers compared the tone to traditional Grimm's fairy tales rather than modern retellings. One reader noted: "It reads like an ancient folk tale that's been passed down through generations." Another mentioned: "The writing has a hypnotic quality that pulls you into this cold, harsh world."

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🥁 The Ghost Drum won the prestigious Carnegie Medal in 1987, marking Susan Price as one of the youngest authors to receive this honor. 🐱 The choice of a learned cat as narrator draws from Russian folkloric tradition, where magical cats often appear as wise storytellers, particularly in Alexander Pushkin's works. ❄️ The winter setting reflects the harsh climate of Siberia and northern Russia, regions where shamanic traditions flourished among indigenous peoples for thousands of years. 🔮 Real shamanic drums in Siberian cultures were believed to be living beings with spirits, made from specific trees chosen through sacred rituals. 📚 While writing The Ghost Drum, Susan Price spent extensive time researching authentic Slavic folklore in Birmingham Central Library, incorporating genuine mythological elements rather than invented ones.