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A review by sadiey
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan
4.0
Trigger warnings for this book: domestic violence, LBTQ+ violence, teen sex. The abusive husband was really hard to take. So enraging. And knowing she still loved him was the kind of true thing that will be difficult to read if this hits home for the reader. Be forewarned.
What I loved: masterful narration by Carrie Coon. She's the main reason I chose this title and she did not disappoint. I listened all the way through the credits just because she was still talking. The focus on beekeeping was fascinating and enlightening. I probably could have read a sequel just about the farm and its future plans. The character of Lilly was heartbreaking in her hopes for the future. I loved her and my heart hurt for her mother, Ava. I do feel like they went a bit far in making her SO extraordinary (fencing, cello, etc) as though girls are only worthy of being mourned if they are above average and not lost and fumbling like the rest of us. What I didn't like: the backwards narration, ESPECIALLY on audio. I had a heck of a time keeping track of where we were. Plus it was too LONG for a flashback where we already know what happens to the narrator. Some of the narrative was repetitive and needed a stronger editor, preferably one who understands that this is a novel/mystery and not a treatise. All in all, a good story but it won't be for everyone.
What I loved: masterful narration by Carrie Coon. She's the main reason I chose this title and she did not disappoint. I listened all the way through the credits just because she was still talking. The focus on beekeeping was fascinating and enlightening. I probably could have read a sequel just about the farm and its future plans. The character of Lilly was heartbreaking in her hopes for the future. I loved her and my heart hurt for her mother, Ava. I do feel like they went a bit far in making her SO extraordinary (fencing, cello, etc) as though girls are only worthy of being mourned if they are above average and not lost and fumbling like the rest of us. What I didn't like: the backwards narration, ESPECIALLY on audio. I had a heck of a time keeping track of where we were. Plus it was too LONG for a flashback where we already know what happens to the narrator. Some of the narrative was repetitive and needed a stronger editor, preferably one who understands that this is a novel/mystery and not a treatise. All in all, a good story but it won't be for everyone.