The setting of 1980’s Ireland provides the perfect backdrop for a ghost story. THE SPIRIT OF LOUGHMOE ABBEY though isn’t a setup to scare readers. Instead, the tale is an endearing look at a home schooled, neurodivergent girl as she struggles to fit in at a boarding school.

Gwen’s first time in a school happens because her mother has been admitted to the hospital and dad is too busy with work to be involved in home education. Despite this being an unusual school where pets are allowed and the meals are superbly prepared, Gwen find herself woefully behind in all of her classes since the teaching style is one size fits all. She has no friends and classmates just laugh at her.

The school becomes even stranger when Gwen is approached by a spirit who wants to help both Gwen and her mom. Gwen is scared and refuses to believe a ghostly spirit could make Mom better.

From this point I can’t give anymore of the plot away. There are some surprising twists and Gwen discovers a lot about friendship, family, and learning. THE SPIRIT OF LOUGHMOE ABBEY is also a good discussion starter about neurodivergent learners.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 1, 2025 PAGES: 192

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SPIRIT OF LOUGHMOE ABBEY by Megan Wynne

1. Gwen eventual bonding with the school cook and Molly the spirit were the highlight of character interactions.
2. The leader of the school knows all about the spirits and is even in charge of scheduling visits with them. You’ll be wondering why, but don’t worry the pleasing plot unfolds with the answer.
3. Having students bring their dogs to school seems like a disaster in the making but here it works amazingly well. I doubt this will cause any change to the no pet rule in today’s schools.
4. The secret in the family is what needs to come out and the reveal is not only surprising but is set up nicely in the plot.
5. Gwen finally takes hold of her education thanks to a classmate who wants to be a teacher. It’s one of the many heartwarming moments in the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Wynne teaches creative writing online to children and teenagers from all around the world. She is a member of Poetry Ireland’s Writers in Schools Scheme and gives workshops at literary festivals, in libraries and schools. When not writing, Megan likes to read, swim, eat cake, drink hot chocolate and cuddle the nearest available dog. She lives on the coast of North County Dublin in Ireland.

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