“Memorials” effectively combines aspects of supernatural horror, a road trip narrative, and a coming-of-age tale. Chizmar has crafted an engaging thriller that functions not only as a conventional horror story but also as a profound exploration of grief, memory, and the hidden truths we opt to commemorate.
Roadside memorials possess an unsettling quality—these personal altars signify the locations where lives were abruptly and tragically ended. They serve as tangible expressions of sorrow, affection, and memory, scattered along our roads and byways like solemn guardians. In his recent novel “Memorials,” Richard Chizmar skillfully explores this deeply emotional facet of American culture, crafting a supernatural thriller that reinterprets these heartfelt tributes as ominous forewarnings of a darker reality.
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The Journey Begins
Taking place in 1983, Richard Chizmar’s “Memorials” centers on three college students—Billy Anderson, Troy Carpenter, and Melody Wise—who undertake a week-long road trip to create a documentary on roadside memorials for their American Studies course. What starts as a promising educational endeavor quickly transforms into a harrowing expedition through the dark underbelly of Appalachia, where a primordial malevolence lies hidden beneath the surface of small-town America.
Creating Terror in the Mundane
Chizmar demonstrates a remarkable talent for generating suspense through seemingly mundane experiences. The early chapters establish a soothing cadence as the students journey in their orange Volkswagen van, exchanging stories and deepening their connections. However, this familiar road-trip narrative gradually transitions into a more disquieting experience as they encounter a mysterious symbol appearing at various memorial locations.
The author is adept at fostering an atmosphere of rising unease through nuanced details:
- Unexplained figures lurking in the woods
- Bizarre interactions with local law enforcement
- An increasing sensation of being pursued
- Hostile responses from the townspeople
- Collective nightmares that blur the distinction between reality and supernatural terror.
Character Depth and Dynamics
A notable strength of the novel lies in its intricately crafted characters. Billy Anderson, who is grappling with the profound loss of his parents, serves as the central narrator. His viewpoint is both relatable and multifaceted, shaped by his grief yet possessing a keen observational insight that effectively grounds the more supernatural aspects of the narrative.
Troy Carpenter, an exceptionally intelligent but anxious Black student, contributes significant intellectual depth and social critique to the story. His experiences as a minority in predominantly white environments introduce an additional layer of tension to the group’s expedition through rural America.
Melody Wise stands out as the emotional cornerstone of the group, although she conceals her own secrets. The subsequent introduction of Naomi, Billy’s former girlfriend, adds new complexities to the group’s dynamics, intensifying the stakes of their investigation.
Style and Structure
Chizmar’s writing is characterized by its succinctness and efficiency, ensuring a swift narrative flow while still providing ample opportunity for character exploration and the establishment of atmosphere. His background in horror, particularly evident in “Chasing the Boogeyman,” is reflected in his skill to evoke discomforting scenarios without resorting to explicit violence or superficial frights.
The novel’s format, which shifts between a present-day narrative and transcripts of documentary footage, fosters a captivating rhythm and enhances the authenticity of the found-footage components. This approach also enables Chizmar to experiment with narrative perspective and the reliability of the storytelling in compelling ways.
Themes and Subtext
Richard Chizmar’s “Memorials” delves into a variety of intriguing themes:
- The convergence of sorrow and recollection
- The sinister aspects of small-town America
- The strength found in collective trauma
- The conflict between contemporary values and traditional beliefs
- The cost associated with revealing concealed realities.
Critical Assessment
Although Richard Chizmar’s “Memorials” largely achieves its objectives, there are instances where the pacing could be improved, particularly during the middle section when the students are engaged in their research. Some readers may perceive the gradual development as overly slow; however, those who exercise patience will ultimately find a rewarding conclusion.
When the supernatural elements are fully revealed, they sometimes appear less engaging than the preceding human drama. Nonetheless, this represents a minor critique in an otherwise expertly crafted horror narrative.
Comparison and Context
Readers familiar with Richard Chizmar’s earlier works, especially “Chasing the Boogeyman,” will recognize certain familiar themes in “Memorials,” yet the novel stands independently. It aligns well with other literature that intertwines supernatural horror with American folklore, such as Nathan Ballingrud’s “North American Lake Monsters” and Stephen Graham Jones’s “The Only Good Indians.”
Final Verdict
“Memorials” by Richard Chizmar effectively merges supernatural horror, a road trip narrative, and a coming-of-age tale. Chizmar has crafted a gripping thriller that functions both as a conventional horror story and as a profound exploration of grief, memory, and the hidden secrets we choose to commemorate.
The novel’s most significant accomplishment lies in its ability to transform something as seemingly innocent as roadside memorials into representations of underlying horror, all while maintaining a focus on the human narratives at their essence. It is a work that will prompt readers to reconsider their perceptions the next time they encounter one of these roadside tributes, pondering what other stories—and symbols—may be concealed within.
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