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A review by kiwi_li
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have very mixed feelings, and I was so conflicted on what to rate this book. I have so many thoughts but at the same time find it so difficult to organize them and say anything. There were aspects of the book I really appreciated, and others that I really just didn’t enjoy. I will say firstly, I strongly believe this book should have trigger warnings for domestic violence, suicide, bullying, and sexual violence. The depictions in this novel were rather graphic, and I wasn’t prepared for that. I don’t know if I just missed them somehow, but that was the main reason I had such difficulties getting through this book. I think it took a toll on my own mental health as well.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the storyline itself, and I was annoyed by Olivia’s character at times, but I think I just don’t relate to her as a mother, so it was difficult to truly appreciate all of her thoughts and experiences. However, I’m glad half of the book is from her POV; I think it was super insightful and important to what the book ended up being.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to those who are just hoping to enjoy another murder mystery, which is what I thought going into this book. However, what I really enjoyed was the writing, not in terms of the plot, but in terms of what the book was ultimately trying to convey and accomplish. The discussions and insight on LGBTQ lives was something I wasn’t expecting but what kept me going through this book the most. And after reading the author’s note, this is probably why I’m giving it 4 instead of 3 stars on goodreads since you can’t put half stars. You can really feel how much effort went into this novel, and the representations are super important (I’m trying to write this without giving spoilers so it feels a bit general unfortunately). I think I gained a ton of insight and a surprising amount of understanding for situations that I can’t even imagine/relate to, thanks to the writing.
Ultimately, I think it’s a significant novel, and I’m glad I stuck through it. Even though it wasn’t the most enjoyable story for me, I greatly appreciate the work that went into it and feel like I’ve come out of it a more knowledgeable person. Side note: this is definitely the longest review I’ve ever written haha
I wasn’t a huge fan of the storyline itself, and I was annoyed by Olivia’s character at times, but I think I just don’t relate to her as a mother, so it was difficult to truly appreciate all of her thoughts and experiences. However, I’m glad half of the book is from her POV; I think it was super insightful and important to what the book ended up being.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to those who are just hoping to enjoy another murder mystery, which is what I thought going into this book. However, what I really enjoyed was the writing, not in terms of the plot, but in terms of what the book was ultimately trying to convey and accomplish. The discussions and insight on LGBTQ lives was something I wasn’t expecting but what kept me going through this book the most. And after reading the author’s note, this is probably why I’m giving it 4 instead of 3 stars on goodreads since you can’t put half stars. You can really feel how much effort went into this novel, and the representations are super important (I’m trying to write this without giving spoilers so it feels a bit general unfortunately). I think I gained a ton of insight and a surprising amount of understanding for situations that I can’t even imagine/relate to, thanks to the writing.
Ultimately, I think it’s a significant novel, and I’m glad I stuck through it. Even though it wasn’t the most enjoyable story for me, I greatly appreciate the work that went into it and feel like I’ve come out of it a more knowledgeable person. Side note: this is definitely the longest review I’ve ever written haha
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Suicide attempt