R.A. Dick (1898–1979)

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir - R. A. Dick
Audio performance by Elizabeth Jasicki
4 stars

This one made me miss my mother. We watched the black and white 1947 movie version many times. Rex Harrison was well cast as the irascible ghost, Captain Daniel Gregg. The movie didn’t quite capture just how much this sweet story was a feminist protest. Lucy Muir reminded me of Townsend Warner’s Lolly Willows. I was surprised to find this pro-woman theme in a book from a male author until I realized that show more R.A. Dick was the pen name of Josephine Aimee Campbell Leslie. show less

I am shedding some soft tears as I listen to the last few moments of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Whatever possessed me to borrow this book? Nostalgia. I remembered how much I loved the old black and white film with Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. When I found the book on Audible Plus, I snatched it up eagerly and there is sat on my shelf with all the rest of the books I’ve borrowed and never got around to reading – until yesterday. This is not a page flipping suspense thriller, but it was an show more extremely pleasant entertainment for my walks in the neighborhood yesterday and today.

Lucy enters into a loveless marriage to Edwin Muir; she is penniless, and the marriage afforded some financial security. The marriage also afforded a home already inhabited by a pushy domineering mother-in-law and two equally pushy domineering sisters-in-law. Presently the almost invisible Edwin disappears from the story altogether after losing most of his money in a poor stock market investment, dying, and leaving his wife a widow at the age of 31. Lucy is now free to live her life as she sees fit, albeit on a very tight budget. She finds a house by the sea, far away from the domineering eyes and tongues of her in-laws. Despite a rental of only One Pound per month, no prior tenant has ever lasted even one day in Gull House. Lucy insists on renting the house despite the estate agent’s remonstrations. She is nonplussed at rumors that it is haunted by the Sea Captain who built and later died in the house. Lucy moves her two small children into Gull House, where she lives out her life more or less how she pleases over the next hundred and fifty pages, has a bitter-sweet romance with a scoundrel, and ghost writes a book (pun intended). She and the sea captain remain in the house happily ever after!

Published in 1945, under a pseudonym, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a sweet diversion, and I loved it. The book is almost always available in one form or another from the library, free with audible plus, and immediately available in audio on Hoopla (if your library subscribes). The 1947 Mankiewicz film was also delightful – look for it! show less

I fell in love with the 1947 movie based on this book many years ago and so I was looking forward to reading the original story which was published in 1945. The author, Josephine Leslie decided to hide her gender and published under the name R.A. Dick but to me, it was quite obviously written by a woman. The story is of Lucy Muir, a young widow who defies her overbearing in-laws and moves herself and her two children to Gull Cottage on the seaside. The cottage is for rent at a very reduced show more price and she soon learns why. It is haunted by Captain Daniel Gregg and he is not shy about making his presence felt.

The crusty old sea captain and the dainty Mrs. Muir learn to get along remarkably well and she comes to rely on his companionship. They help each other, ignoring both the spiritual and physical boundaries that exist between them. When Lucy experiences money difficulties, the captain dictates his life story to her and it becomes a best selling book. Both these characters evolve through the years, Lucy becoming a stronger person, more able to stand up for her rights, while the Captain learns patience, understanding and gentleness.

An original and unusual love story in that passion isn’t part of the relationship at all. Instead through their humorous exchanges, the characters learn to understand, like and respect each other. Unlike the movie, Lucy never “sees” the captain, he is simply a voice that speaks in her mind. Nevertheless, they are a delightful couple and I found the book very entertaining. show less

Once more, I find myself reading a book upon which a favorite movie has been based. Even though I've never been a fan of either Gene Tierney or Rex Harrison, the 1947 screen adaptation of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir has always been a favorite. Since I don't care for the actors, I think it's safe to say that it's all due to the story.

The movie actually follows along rather closely to the book, only changing the chronology from time to time and having Mrs. Muir have just one child-- an excision I show more could understand completely.

At the very beginning of the book, we are told that Lucy Muir is a little woman, but it takes no time at all to see that the only people who call her little are those who go through life with blinders on-- and those who insist on keeping her "in her place." R.A. Dick's novel is so much more than a ghost story; it's about a woman who insists on living the life that she wants without other people telling her what to do.

My experiences in reading books that have been the source of favorite movies have been a bit hit-or-miss, but I'm happy to say that reading The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is a success. Both book and film are well done. Both stand the test of time, and both can bring a tear to the eye. show less