Laura's Ghost

 

Laura's Ghost: Women Speak About Twin Peaks

Without giving away too much about the book, I will attempt to summarize my thoughts and feelings.

 

Courtenay Stallings' Laura's Ghost: Women Speak About Twin Peaks is sectioned into three parts. The first contains interviews with Sheryl Lee, Grace Zabriskie, Sabrina S. Sutherland, and Jennifer Lynch. Several female members of the Twin Peaks fan community are interviewed as well. There are stories of abuse, but overall the stories are of female empowerment. Among those interviewed are: Mary Czerwinski, Milly Moo, Mya McBriar, Rosie Stewart, Maja Ljunggren, Amy T. Zelinski, Marya E. Gates, Mary Hutter, Anita Rehn, Francine "The Lucid Dream," Gabrielle Norte, Joyce Picker, Lindsey Bowden, Rose Thorne, Cheryl Lee Latter, Laura Stewart, Melissa Reynolds, Lisa J. Hession, Jennifer Ryan, Melanie Mullen, Lindsay Hallam, Jill Watson, Sezin Koehler, Geneva Rougier, and Mary S. Reber. 

Many topics arise, including being a female in a male-dominated fandom and workplace, Twin Peaks season three, the mystery of Carrie Page, the impact of the film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, and the novel The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer. Many other thoughts, theories, and opinions are discussed, including topics regarding the characters of Laura, Maddy, Carrie, BOB, Leland, Dale, and Sarah.

The interviews are often written as casual conversations, though sometimes they read as private confessions. Some might find topics distressing to read due to their subject matter, but I urge others who have the strength to continue. To ignore them, to pass over stories of abuse because they might make us feel uncomfortable, is similar to what happened to Laura.

In the second part of the book, Jennifer Lynch imparts her wisdom and answers questions regarding The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer; Sheryl Lee discusses Twin Peaks, and Grace Zabriskie channels Sarah Palmer. Fans give their thoughts on Laura, Twin Peaks: The Return, The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.

The third part of the book, the conclusion, focuses on Laura's legacy and includes Willow Catelyn Maclay's essay on her painful past and what Laura means to her. Samantha Weisberg's moving essay regarding the murder of her dear friend Amie Harwick, a victim of stalking, follows. 

 

Laura's Ghost is essential for all Twin Peaks fans. If there is any lingering doubt, know that Sheryl Lee's poetry and stories alone are worth the asking price. Grace Zabriskie's ability to channel Sarah Palmer is remarkable. Both women leave you totally in awe of their abilities and personalities. They are an inspiration.

I hope  Laura's Ghost will act as an aid to those wounded and will open the eyes of those who have never allowed themselves to view Twin Peaks from a woman's perspective. The stories in this book grant insight into some of the trials women face every day. I hope reading them will encourage men to better understand the women in their lives and Twin Peaks.

Laura is not the only female in the series who experiences sexual assault or abuse. Ronette, Teresa, Josie, Audrey, and Diane's names can be listed alongside others. Audrey's investigation at One-Eyed Jack's is sexualized in the series. Even FBI Agent Tammy Preston is not granted the respect she deserves. Albert ogles her body as she is forced to sit out Cole and Rosenfield's discussion. It's hard to view, and digest. We love the characters. What happens to them hurts us as well. What is worse is that it informs others to accept such behavior and even grants some permission to applaud it.

The truth of Twin Peaks is often masked by pie, donuts, coffee, and eccentricities of the town and its people. When Laura is mentioned she's the "beautiful corpse". Rarely is her abuse taken into consideration. I hope by reading this book, those who objectify and sexualize a seventeen-year-old abuse victim will see the harm in their ways. I hope that fanart of her corpse might lessen in place of images of her living self. 

It is painful to consider how Laura's ghost has haunted Sheryl Lee. I hope being involved in the process of creating this book has been healing for Ms. Lee. I hope the difference between actor and character will be better realized, even if in small terms. My heart goes out to her. 

My only complaint about Laura's Ghost is that I wish we could have had more Laura. There isn't enough published about her. 

You can buy a copy of Laura's Ghost: Women Speak About Twin Peaks here

Listen to The Red Room podcast Laura's Ghost interview with Sheryl Lee, Courtenay Stallings, and Scott Ryan here

Stallings will donate a portion of all sales to https://www.rainn.org/