When Haru Was Here BY Dustin Thao

In The Ghost of Us, Dustin Thao delivers a poignant and imaginative novel about dealing with loss and the complexities of letting go. Following the death of his best friend, Eric Ly struggles with overwhelming grief. To cope, he creates elaborate imaginary scenarios in his mind, a way to escape his sorrow and maintain a connection to the past.

His world shifts dramatically when Haru Tanaka, a boy he met last summer in Japan, appears in his life once again. However, there’s a catch: Haru is now a ghost only Eric can see. This magical twist offers Eric a semblance of companionship and solace amidst his loneliness, providing a much-needed connection as he navigates his grief.

As Eric and Haru spend more time together, the line between reality and imagination blurs. Eric begins to question the nature of his experiences and whether his interactions with Haru are real or a product of his imagination. This emotional and psychological turmoil forces Eric to confront the harsh truth about his own reality and the need to let go.

The Ghost of Us blends heartfelt emotion with magical realism, exploring themes of loss, acceptance, and the struggle to move forward. Thao’s novel presents a touching narrative about finding closure and understanding, even in the midst of personal turmoil and the ephemeral nature of connections.