A review by booklywookly
Honeybees and Distant Thunder by Riku Onda

5.0

Welcome to Yoshigae, home to prestigious global piano competition. Be ready to witness hundreds of young pianists fight it out for the top position for the next 2 intense weeks, filled with music, rivalry, and personal growth.

We majorly follow four central characters. Aya, once a child prodigy who stopped playing professionally after her mother’s death. Now 20, she is attempting a comeback, driven by her love for music and the memory of her mother. Masaru, a highly ambitious and skilled Juilliard student, who shares a past with Aya, as they knew each other as children in Tokyo. Akashi, who At 28, is the oldest competitor. He works in a music store with no formal training, and no association with any musical houses, representing the struggles of an everyday person balancing passion with practical life. And finally, Jin “Honeybee Prince,” a 16-year-old wonder who has never even owned a piano but has been nurtured by the most elusive maestro in piano world, and has a unique, natural talent that captivates everyone.

The competition acts as a crucible, bringing out the best and worst in the characters. It challenges them to confront their fears, ambitions, and past traumas.

For Aya, the competition represents a chance at redemption and a return to the world of music she once abandoned after her mothers’s death. For Masaru, it’s about making a name for himself and achieve the stardom a Juilliard student deserves. For Akashi, the competition is a last-ditch effort to achieve his dreams - to prove his worth and gain recognition in the music world dominated by prodigies. For Jin, the competition holds personal stakes, as his father promised to buy him a piano if he reaches the finals.

Through their performances and interactions, they experience personal growth and form meaningful connections with each other. The competition is not just about winning; it’s about self-discovery, healing, and the transformative power of music.

This is a love letter to music. Onda’s love for classical music shines through in her detailed and knowledgeable descriptions of the pieces played. Even if you aren’t familiar with classical music, you will appreciate the passion and expertise she brings to the subject. I immersed myself fully by playing all musical pieces that were mentioned throughout and even found a few gems I hadn’t heard of before.

Last few weeks have been overwhelmingly stressful on me, and I really wanted to read a feel good, positive book. This one checks that requirement. Onda’s writing style is a harmonious blend of lyrical prose, deep character exploration, and a palpable love for music. It’s a style that not only tells a story but also evokes the beauty and power of music itself. It can get cheesy positive with all the internal self affirmation dialogues, but I have no complaints.