Title: The Illustrated Hen

Author: Scott Charles

Genre: Literary Fiction / Magical Realism

The stories we tell say a lot about ourselves as human beings: our beliefs, our values, and our past experiences. Within each human being is a subconscious need to share our stories not only so that they can be heard, but so that we can be understood. The Illustrated Hen is an imaginative portrayal of a young man named Raymond Orloff, whose life and experiences are told through a series of short stories that run the gamut of every literary genre: fantasy, mystery, and even science fiction.

The author’s prose was evocative, lyrical, and yet startling in its simplicity. There was a tendency to veer into streams of consciousness, but if readers keep an open mind there was much to be gained from this book. Scott Charles managed to weave all of life’s meaningful questions, such as where we came from and what happens when we die, into a work of fiction.

The narrative structure was non-linear, as there was never a clear sense of beginning, middle, or end. The opening sequence seemed to drop you straight into the climax before bringing you back to the calm before the storm. Some readers may find this confusing, while some more may struggle with the seeming absence of a common thread to bind each individual story. At times it was difficult to understand the significance of a particular plot point, or to put a plot point into context.

However, the stories themselves were so beautifully crafted that they could be enjoyed as standalones. The subject matter of each story was as varied as the colors on the beautiful front cover. Regardless of whether he was talking about a dog, a death in the family, stuffed animals, or even vampires, Scott Charles demonstrated a deep understanding of what it meant to be human. For instance, the chapter entitled Maxi—one of the standouts in the book—felt like a metaphor for loneliness. It was an unexpectedly poignant and grounding story in a book that had random moments of magical fantasy.

The author did manage to tie it all together in the end. Readers will get the answers they seek, which were as unpredictable and surprising as the book itself. The big reveal would have been more effective, though, if the build-up to it had been a little less tangential and just a bit more structured. There were also some plot points that were left as loose threads, seemingly forgotten in the wake of all the explanations being given.

Despite its non-traditional approach to storytelling, the conclusion to this literary journey was deeply satisfying. This book digs deep into the fabric of life and human consciousness. Its abstract undertones leave room for varying interpretations and guarantees a rich and sensory experience for readers wishing to pick this up. The Illustrated Hen is not only a mishmash of genres, it is also a mishmash of all things that make us fundamentally human woven into an imaginative tapestry.

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.