Visits from the Afterlife

At this point in her highly successful career, Browne makes neither apology nor excuse for believing in spirits and ghosts. After all, she points out, huge numbers of people do, too--they call Sylvia for advice, investigation, and translations of the sometimes cryptic messages of the dearly departed. Browne finds immaterial souls on cruise ships, imprisoned for decades within their own delusions; in a Toys R Us store, as she mistakes pesky modern kids for those of 120 years ago; and so on. The author does historical and field research on each spirit when possible, producing data and intriguing personal anecdotes. Reader Jeanie Hackett neither colors nor detracts from Browne's essential message: There's a difference between spirits and ghosts, but the main thing to remember is that they're among us, and that they care. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine