Heathern by Jack Womack

Rating: 2 of 5

I’ve actually been trying to read Heathern for at least 5 years. Probably a decade ago I read Ambient. While I found Ambient difficult read I enjoyed the book. Something about Ambient inspired me to try to read the remainder of Jack Womacks DryCo series. Maybe seven years ago I read Terraplane but I got stuck on Heathern. I just couldn’t seem to finish the book.
I’d pick it up read a chapter or two and then just discard it.
I just couldn’t find the story compelling. Well this week I finally finished it.

I’m not really sure what to say about Heathern. Like the other DryCo novels its fairly dark and depressing. The cover claimed a “fast-moving thriller” which I found completely incorrect. Its more of a slow drama with a rather depressing ending. I think Jack Womack was searching for something deeper with Heathern some introspection into faith and tragedy or perhaps some strange religious parable? I’m not really sure but in the end he just couldn’t seem to close the deal.

The second half of the book does pick up a little as you realize there’s a mystery to the story that needs resolving. The end of the story even contains a “bad guy tells all scene” in which one of the antagonists in the story (Bernard) reveals why poor Lester Macaffrey was pulled into the orbit of the Drydens. So there is a big build up and bit of a “big reveal”.

At the end the story all I could feel was sorrow. Pity for Lester Macaffrey, Joanna, Jensen, Jake, Avi and Gus. They were just pawns in the complex mess that is orchestrated by Brenard, Thatcher and Susie. Sadness for the trash world that the Drydens had taken advantage of and helped create.

I don’t recommend Heathern. Its not a “bad” book. Its just not a good book or one that makes you feel good at the end. And if a Novel is mediocre it should at least make you feel good in the end.