Jennifer Hillier’s acclaimed thriller, Jar of Hearts, has captivated readers with its dark secrets and intricate plot. But did you know that the novel’s title is directly inspired by a powerful and evocative song? The “Jar Of Hearts Song” by Christina Perri isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a deeply emotional ballad that resonates with themes of heartbreak, resilience, and hidden depths – themes that are strikingly mirrored in Hillier’s compelling book.
Jar of Hearts book cover by Jennifer Hillier, showcasing a dark and mysterious aesthetic, reflecting the themes of the novel and inspired by the Christina Perri song.
Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts” exploded onto the music scene in 2010, quickly becoming an anthem for those navigating the complexities of love and loss. The song’s raw emotion and haunting melody, driven by piano and strings, tell a story of someone determined to protect their heart from further pain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional walls built up after betrayal, a refusal to be vulnerable again. This powerful imagery of guarding one’s innermost feelings in a “jar of hearts” clearly struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
For Jennifer Hillier, the “Jar of Hearts song” became more than just a favorite track. As she reveals, during a pivotal period of personal transformation in 2012, the song became a soundtrack to her life. Experiencing significant life changes and personal growth, Hillier found herself repeatedly drawn to the song’s emotional depth. She describes how the song evoked a spectrum of feelings – grief, triumph, sadness, and hope – reflecting the turbulent yet ultimately empowering journey she was undertaking.
Years later, when embarking on writing her novel, Hillier was searching for the perfect title. It was during this creative process that “Jar of Hearts” resurfaced, and the connection clicked. The song’s themes of hidden emotions, past hurts, and the strength to rebuild resonated deeply with the story she was crafting. Just as the song encapsulates the guarded heart, Hillier’s novel delves into the hidden darkness within individuals and the secrets they keep locked away. The title became a perfect metaphor for the novel’s exploration of complex characters and concealed truths.
The themes present in the “Jar of Hearts song” are interwoven throughout Hillier’s novel. Both song and book explore the aftermath of emotional trauma and the difficult process of starting over. The lyrics of the song, which Hillier includes at the beginning of the book’s final part, emphasize this connection. Readers will find that the song’s poignant lyrics enhance the reading experience, adding another layer of emotional resonance to the narrative. The novel itself mirrors the song’s journey from heartbreak to a form of resilience, albeit within the darker context of a crime thriller.
Beyond the thematic connection to the song, Jar of Hearts is a testament to Jennifer Hillier’s own journey. As she candidly shares, the book’s creation was intertwined with her personal experiences of starting over, finding love again, and navigating life’s unexpected turns. This deeply personal context adds another layer of authenticity and emotion to the novel, making it even more impactful for readers.
Jennifer Hillier enjoying wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, reflecting on personal experiences that influenced her writing, including Jar of Hearts.
Jar of Hearts is more than just a thriller; it’s a story infused with the emotional power of Christina Perri’s haunting ballad. By understanding the inspiration behind the title, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the novel’s themes and the author’s personal connection to the story. If you haven’t already, listen to the “Jar of Hearts song” and then delve into Jennifer Hillier’s gripping novel to experience the full impact of this powerful combination of music and literature. Discover how a song can spark a story that resonates with the deepest corners of the human heart.
