Hieroglyphics

This novel is aptly named in that the story and characters were totally obscure and unknowable to me. The author has them speak alternately in their own voices, but this reader could not differentiate one voice from another in terms of the four main characters. They all spoke exactly alike, so this device seemed unnecessarily confusing and inept. As the characters are unknowable, so is the story. It was difficult to keep going in this directionless manner. The story is overladen with the anxiety and stress of the mother of two boys who has to face her career in a courtroom during a murder trial. Little does she know that her young son feels the presence of gothic horror in their new house, which is filled with ghosts and memories.

This novel is purportedly about coming to terms with the stories of your parents and fully knowing your children. The author has written six other novels and stories. This book must be written for fans of McCorkle’s writing.