HICK - BOOK REVIEW by MARILYN LAZAR

This story fits into our theme of intergenerational conversations, its events influenced for better or worse by words hurled at the protagonist by a devastated mother and an alcoholic father. Not just a coming-of-age story – Hick is a physical and emotional journey which will mesmerize you.

First-time novelist Andrea Portes uses words like powerful brush strokes to contrast bright colour against the dull grey of the landscape. The colour shines through in vivid dialogue and effective thought descriptions. The despairing lack of colour is evident in the poverty, both material and emotional; not only are the cupboards bare, but the family is soon to be evicted from their home to make way for big box retail.

The main character is a bright and spunky 13-year-old, overly matured by circumstance. Her hard-won wisdom is expressed with bittersweet wit. The author seems painfully familiar with the barren wasteland in which Luli exists. Though classified as a novel, Hick falls into the category of being at least part memoir.

Portes fleshes out characters and relationships with sharp skill. She is also adept at creating empathy and building tension. While I understand that life would render Luli sadly precocious, I didn’t buy the sexual prowess conferred upon her. I also felt jarred by the change in tone from grey to black as the novel shifts from picaresque to haunting psychological thriller.

Uneven tone notwithstanding, Hick is a worthwhile read and Andrea Portes is a writer to watch.

You can visit the authors website here www.andreaportes.com

More reviews:
http://www.signonsandiego.com
http://www.calendarlive.com
http://emergingwriters.typepad.com

25.06.2007

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Andrea Portes Picture by Niels Alpert