S&S Book Club: Cheryl Head’s Time’s Undoing
Lida brings a writer’s eye to Cheryl Head’s celebrated Time’s Undoing
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By Lida Sideris
Cheryl Head’s Time’s Undoing is told in first person, present tense, using dual points of view and two different time periods: 1929 and 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama. Not an easy task for any writer.
In 1929, a young and talented black carpenter is killed; circumstances unknown. In 2019, his great granddaughter, Meghan, delves into what happened. And throughout it all, the author skillfully makes the reader feel very much in the moment.
Although, in the beginning, the journalistic style in the modern-day portions read more as a factual account than fiction, it didn’t prevent me from being drawn into the story. As the second half unfolded, the story became more fleshed out, and this reader got a better grasp on Meg’s personality. She ably rises to the occasion when tested by scary, challenging, racially motivated situations.
I loved the way the author portrayed the Harnick Motel; drawing a parallel to its proprietor. A shabby roadside Inn, it was dilapidated and creaky on the outside, but on the inside, the Inn was classy and sophisticated. Once a safe harbor for black dignitaries and celebrities to stay on the down low, the Inn also played a role in helping Meg find out more about what had happened to Meg’s great grandfather. The ending was an unexpected tearjerker for me.
I’m glad Jen suggested reading this novel. Thank you, Jen!
