Established author Alice Sebold has a way with words; her writing style is unique and captivating. You may know her work from The Lovely Bones (2006), a novel later adapted into a highly successful film (2009) by Director Peter Jackson. I remember watching the film for the first time – it gave me nightmares for months. I then decided to pick up the novel and became impressed immediately. It’s odd how things like that happen isn’t it? Something so terrifying becomes a favourite on the shelf.
The film does justice as an adaptation, yet Sebold provides the “inside scope” in her novel. We get taken back to the murderer’s childhood and pushed forward into the family years later. Gaining extra information is crucial to further understand a characters motives, and see how trauma and loss effect a family: emotionally and psychologically.
After I read The Lovely Bones, it was followed shortly after by her first autobiographic-style novel Lucky, which in itself is a beautiful and painful text focusing on Sebold’s early adult life. Sebold has an interesting way of reflecting on past events and telling the story to the reader. It is a skill I admire strongly in her work.
I finished her trilogy of published novels in less than a year later with The Almost Moon – I feel two ways with this one. Her writing style is on par as always, however there is a frightening edge to this one. I would be interested to hear feedback if any of you have read it. Sebold writes characters in this one like no other: flawed and at times unbearable. Either way, it is a fascinating one to read.
I have no idea where she gets her natural ability with words – it would be an interesting answer I am sure. Sebold has a way of taking the readers hand and walking them through any journey. A key element that runs through all her novels is how they start: the main plot. Don’t be put off! This is one of Sebold’s many hooks to drag the reader in nice and quick – and it works wonders trust me. You are slammed with shock, fear and curiosity. What happened to the character? Who is the person who did this? Why is this scene crucial to the novel? You get the idea.
I would love to read your thoughts below! Have you read any of her novels or planning to? Perhaps you have watched The Lovely Bones film?
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