Mallory Pearson’s sophomore novel Voice Like a Hyacinth is a mesmerizing exploration of friendship, artistic ambition, and the devastating consequences of dabbling in the occult. Following her acclaimed debut We Ate the Dark, Pearson crafts a chilling narrative that weaves together elements of supernatural horror with a profound meditation on the bonds between young women and the lengths they’ll go to achieve their dreams.
Setting & Atmosphere
The story unfolds at the prestigious Rotham School, an isolated arts college in rural Indiana where five senior painting students navigate their final year. Pearson masterfully establishes the claustrophobic atmosphere of the campus, with its Gothic architecture, shadowy woods, and the looming Grainer Hall where the students craft their thesis work. The setting becomes a character in itself, reflecting and amplifying the psychological deterioration of its inhabitants.
Character Development
The novel’s strength lies in its richly drawn characters and their complex dynamics:
Jo Kozak: Our narrator and protagonist whose devotion to her friends borders on obsession
Caroline Aster: The talented and troubled legacy student driven to increasingly dark extremes
Finch: The enigmatic love interest who tries to maintain distance from the group’s descent
Amrita: The voice of reason who ultimately can’t prevent tragedy
Saz: The catalyst who introduces the ritual that sets everything in motion
Their relationships feel authentic and lived-in, with Pearson expertly capturing the intense friendships that form in college – complete with their own languages, rituals, and unspoken understanding.
Plot & Pacing
The narrative builds with deliberate tension, starting with the seemingly innocent discovery of an occult book and a ritual meant to enhance creativity. As strange occurrences multiply and relationships strain under mounting pressure, the story accelerates toward its devastating conclusion. While some readers may find the first third slow-burning, the patient development pays off in the latter half’s emotional impact.
Themes & Symbolism
Pearson weaves several compelling themes throughout the narrative:
The destructive nature of unchecked ambition
The blurred line between devotion and obsession
The price of artistic creation
The power dynamics in academic institutions
The intensity of female friendship and love
The recurring motif of the hyacinth – referenced in both the title and the ritual tattoos the characters share – serves as a poignant symbol of their intertwined fates and the beauty that can emerge from destruction.
Writing Style & Technical Elements
Pearson’s prose is both lyrical and visceral, perfectly suited to a story about art and horror. Her descriptions of paintings and creative processes demonstrate deep knowledge of the field, while her rendering of supernatural elements is effectively understated. The first-person narration through Jo’s perspective creates an intimate connection with readers while maintaining enough unreliability to keep us questioning events.
Areas for Improvement
While largely successful, the novel has a few minor shortcomings:
Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped
Certain supernatural elements could be better explained
The pacing occasionally stalls in the middle section
A few plot threads are left somewhat unresolved
Impact & Resonance
What makes Voice Like a Hyacinth particularly affecting is how it uses supernatural horror to explore very real anxieties about creativity, success, and belonging. The characters’ decisions, while increasingly extreme, remain emotionally truthful and understandable. Their descent into darkness feels both inevitable and heartbreaking.
Comparison to Contemporary Works
The novel sits comfortably alongside other recent works exploring female friendship and horror like Alexis Henderson’s The Year of the Witching and Rachel Harrison’s The Return. It also shares DNA with academic gothic tales like Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and Elisabeth Thomas’s Catherine House, though Pearson’s voice remains distinctly her own.
Final Verdict
Voice Like a Hyacinth is a compelling sophomore effort that showcases Pearson’s growth as a writer. While it may not be for readers seeking fast-paced horror, those willing to invest in its slow-burn narrative will be rewarded with a psychologically rich and emotionally devastating story. The novel’s exploration of art, ambition, and the bonds between women will linger long after the final page.
Who Should Read This Book
This book is ideal for readers who enjoy:
Literary horror with psychological depth
Stories about intense female friendships
Academic settings
Art-focused narratives
Slow-burn supernatural elements
LGBTQ+ themes and relationships
Content Considerations
Readers should be aware of content including:
Violence and gore
Death and grief
Mental health struggles
Substance use
Occult elements
Complex relationships