Book Review: “The Honeys”
“The Honeys” by Ryan La Sala is an intriguing novel that skillfully combines different elements and delves into complex themes. La Sala’s writing style exhibits commendable artistry, characterized by vibrant descriptions and clever one-liners that enrich the narrative. Mars, the protagonist, emerges as a compelling and multi-dimensional character, and the evolving relationship between Mars and Wyatt is a highlight of the story. La Sala deftly navigates the dynamics between the characters, crafting a genuine and heartfelt connection that is often lacking in young adult literature. Moreover, the exploration of grief and guilt within Mars’ relationship with his sister, Caroline, resonates on an emotional level, eliciting raw and poignant responses from readers.
The novel’s setting, an unsettling summer camp, serves as a striking backdrop that adds depth and intrigue to the story. La Sala expertly captures the camp’s atmosphere, imbuing it with a palpable sense of unease and dissonance. Drawing from personal experiences, I found the portrayal reminiscent of religious summer camps, effectively capturing the sense of a cult-like environment. The juxtaposition between the camp’s emphasis on lifelong bonds and the pervasive undercurrent of hostility creates a compelling tension throughout the narrative.
Opinions diverge regarding the pacing and build-up of the plot. While some critics argue that the narrative suffers from a slow and uneventful progression until the climactic moments, I found the deliberate and measured tension-building to be a strength of the novel. La Sala deftly weaves together the mundane aspects of camp life with the unraveling secrets surrounding Caroline, generating a pervasive and foreboding atmosphere that sets the stage for suspense. However, despite its success in creating an atmosphere of anticipation, the ultimate resolution falls short of delivering a fully satisfying conclusion.
“The Honeys” engages with several thought-provoking themes, notably Mars’ genderqueer identity and the camp’s struggle with acceptance. La Sala’s exploration of gender roles and performances adds depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to reflect on societal expectations and the fluidity of gender dynamics. Furthermore, Mars’ journey through grief and the enigma surrounding Caroline’s fate intertwine with supernatural horror elements, albeit with varying degrees of success. The novel presents a mishmash of ideas that hold potential for thematic cohesion, yet the climax and resolution fail to effectively weave them together into a cohesive whole. The lack of a clear and unequivocal connection between the strict gender politics and the horror plot leaves readers yearning for a more seamless and gratifying resolution.
Emotional resolution is a critical consideration in the horror genre, and “The Honeys” grapples with this challenge. While the mystery of the supernatural elements finds some degree of resolution, the emotional depth and relationships developed throughout the narrative feel somewhat neglected. The conclusion, particularly with regards to Mars and Wyatt’s relationship, falls short of providing a gratifying emotional payoff. Mars’ character arc appears overshadowed by the imperative to conclude the horror plot, resulting in a sense of unfinished emotional journeys and leaving readers craving a more satisfying sense of closure.
In comparison to “Summer Sons,” another horror novel that centers on grief, “The Honeys” shares certain similarities, such as its slow-burn horror elements and character development. However, both books suffer from a common pitfall: a failure to provide the emotional catharsis that readers yearn for. While the build-up in “The Honeys” is undeniably compelling, the ultimate resolution disappoints, lacking the clarity and cohesion necessary to seamlessly integrate the disparate narrative threads. Nevertheless, La Sala’s undeniable talent as a writer shines through, and I eagerly anticipate exploring their future works in the hopes of discovering a more fully realized and emotionally satisfying experience.
