Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan (2022)
Jodi Picoult’s book tackle timely social topics and Mad Honey is no different. Her books also come with twists – some the reader may seem coming and others that come as a complete surprise. This novel deals with both domestic violence and transgender issues.
The underlying theme of beekeeping and honey is, of course, a metaphor for life. Mad Honey refers to the honey made from rhododendrons and mountain laurels. The grayanotoxins from these flowers can make one very ill. Mad honey is deceptive, because you believe it to be sweet, but not to be deadly. It isn’t until after you become ill, that you realize the potency of the honey.
In this novel, high school senior Asher McAfee is living with his mother in northern New Hampshire. They moved there when he was a young child after his mother left his abusive father. His mother took over her family’s beekeeping operation following the death of her father.
In his final year of high school, he meets Lily Campanello, newly arrived from the west coast. Like Asher, Lily is living with her single mother, having fled a troubled relationship with her father. Lily has deep secrets and to keep these secrets, she lies about her past. Some big lies, some small lies, and some lies of omission.
The novel goes back and forth in time. The novel is told mostly in the voice of Asher’s mother Olivia, and in flashback, in Lily’s voice.
The book opens with Asher cradling the body of Lily at the bottom of the staircase in her home. It appears they had a fight and Asher is charged with her murder. Throughout the long trial, in which Asher’s uncle is the defense counsel, evidence is presented that could be interpreted to present a guilty verdict. Mixed into the texture of the novel are tidbits about bees and honey. I found these to be more interesting than the trial itself.
Read: October 15, 2023
3 Stars
