Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn

Here's what I love about Gillian Flynn, but others seem to dislike - not a single one of her characters are likeable, but somehow I always thoroughly enjoy reading her books. Sharp Objects is no exception. The story surrounds junior reporter Camille Preaker, a journalist at a third tier newspaper in Chicago. Camille is asked to return to her hometown of Wind Gap, MO to cover the story of a second missing girl. Camille reluctantly agrees and slowly, as only Gillian Flynn can, the background of Camille and her reluctance is laid out in the open.

I find one of the best things about Gillian Flynn's narrative style is how she uses the first person narrative voice and so forces you to experience the story as the main character. And for a while you trust and are lulled by the main character's point of view. You agree with them. You don't question them. Then, when you are good and comfortable, she smacks you with some objective truth or secret about the main character. And you realize you really knew nothing all along.

In this case, we slowly learn about Camille and her childhood. Flynn takes some pains not to make Camille completely unlikeable. In fact, I caught myself liking her despite myself. This debut novel is certainly not as polished as Gone Girl or Dark Places (you can read my review of Dark Places here), but it's timing of reveals is pretty brilliant. And while I did sort of predict the ending, it was still satisfying nonetheless. There were a few tropes that I felt cheapened the story a bit - for example, a line by one of the detectives that he's "fallen" for Camille. The whole dialogue in that section seemed out of character for the book.

Gillian Flynn is a master at writing and delving into unlikeable characters. Her heroes are always flawed and damaged. And there is something rewarding about that, as a reader, to explore with her. 

5/5 Stars.