Book Review: ‘Mad Honey’ by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finlay Boylan

Book Title: Mad Honey
Author(s): Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finlay Boylan
Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
Number of Pages: 464
ISBN: 978-1473692480
Date Published: Aug. 10, 2023
Price: INR 454

Book Review

“Mad Honey” tells a gripping story via the voices of prominent authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finlay Boylan. As a committed Picoult reader, I was pulled to this work by its familiar storytelling style, but I also discovered Boylan’s distinct take on the subject. Olivia McAfee and Lily Campanello’s alternating voices tell a moving story of love, sorrow, and the lingering effects of abuse.

In “Mad Honey,” Olivia McAfee navigates life as a beekeeper, inheriting her father’s passion after exiting an abusive marriage. Her son, Asher, finds consolation in a growing romance with Lily, a high school senior fleeing her own traumatic background. The writers expertly weave Olivia’s post-incident perspective with Lily’s preface, revealing the intricacies of their interwoven lives.

Initially, readers may be hesitant to recognize connections with Picoult’s prior books, notably “The Pact.” However, “Mad Honey” deviates, revealing unexpected story twists that test characters and readers alike. The novel challenges privilege and unconscious biases, encouraging observations that go beyond the pages. Picoult’s acclaimed research improves the story by smoothly incorporating beekeeping knowledge into Olivia’s character and adding depth to her beliefs.

Readers will find “Mad Honey” to be one of Picoult’s most intriguing works. It dives deeply into the fundamental topic of what love really means. The story examines the numerous types of love that exist in the world. Does a parent’s love for their child cloud their judgment about the youngster’s possible guilt? Are we drawn to people or their souls? How far will we go for love? Is love truly unconditional, or do we unconsciously establish restrictions to protect ourselves and others from harm?

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Despite its length, “Mad Honey” is an engrossing read, driving readers through its pages with great narrative. As the court case revolves around Asher’s arrest for Lily’s murder, secrets are revealed, ending in a tidy climax that embodies the spirit of the novel’s themes. Fans of Picoult’s past books will recognize familiar characters woven throughout Asher’s defense team, and Boylan’s nuanced writing style adds a unique layer to this joint masterwork.

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