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A review by caseys_chapters
Hieroglyphics by Jill McCorkle
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Hieroglyphics by Jill McCorkle is a highly introspective story that blends the POVs of four characters. Frank and Lil are a married couple in their 80s who share the pain of losing a parent at a young age and are reminiscing on their lives. Frank fixates on visiting his childhood home where single mom Shelly and her son Harvey currently live.
The writing takes you deep into each character’s mind, all of them grappling with grief, mortality, and the bonds of family. It’s a unique style that bounces through time using real-time narrative, flashbacks, letters, and diary entries.
I really enjoyed how this style showed the nuances of two characters’ view of one event. The author also conveyed bruising and gut wrenching emotions very well. Warning: a few of the flashbacks depict violent, tragic deaths.
I struggled with the pace and disjointed flow. Typically I enjoy a slow burn and love multiple POVs, but I grew impatient with some of the detailed, scattered vignettes. I would have preferred a more cohesive narrative. The pace and flow really hurt the reading experience for me.
The writing takes you deep into each character’s mind, all of them grappling with grief, mortality, and the bonds of family. It’s a unique style that bounces through time using real-time narrative, flashbacks, letters, and diary entries.
I really enjoyed how this style showed the nuances of two characters’ view of one event. The author also conveyed bruising and gut wrenching emotions very well. Warning: a few of the flashbacks depict violent, tragic deaths.
I struggled with the pace and disjointed flow. Typically I enjoy a slow burn and love multiple POVs, but I grew impatient with some of the detailed, scattered vignettes. I would have preferred a more cohesive narrative. The pace and flow really hurt the reading experience for me.