A review by joannchilada
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard

4.0

Annie Dillard herself says this is the book of a young woman, and that she has developed a great deal as a writer since Pilgrim was written in the early 70s. In that context, and of its time, I give this book four stars. It’s definitely a time capsule of both the author’s life and the world at the time it was written. And that said, if you told me Dillard was on hallucinogens while having the experiences she writes about and ALSO on hallucinogens while writing, I would be none surprised. Reading this book feels a bit like being on drugs (but for less money and with fewer side effects!). It’s a ride. Some parts I absolutely adored. Other parts I couldn’t stand. The whole thing took me much longer to read than my usual reading speed, I just had to slow down in order to absorb what Dillard was trying to say. Admittedly I didn’t always get it and chose to move on. Felt a bit like finishing a marathon- I imagine, I’m not a runner. Maybe like finishing a marathon on hallucinogens.