A Splendidly Subtle and Sophisticated Tale

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Purchased

TYPE OF NOVEL: YA Modern Adaptation of Emma

THE PREMISE: A photo scandal and an unsuccessful congressional re-election forces Kate Hamilton’s family to retreat from Washington, DC and regroup in her dad’s hometown of Red Dirt, Texas. Kate’s experiences in DC and time on the campaign trail have taught her a lot about how to be a “fixer,” and Kate is often eager to share her unsolicited “talent” with others. But do Kate’s efforts ultimately help or harm…

WHAT I LOVED:

• It’s a YA Emma!: I adore Emma the novel, and, believe it or not, Emma the character! I’m always so happy to read anything that is inspired by this novel. And with it being a YA novel about a politician’s family moving to small town Texas, where high school football reigns supreme and a new election opportunity is on the horizon, this particular novel promised to be a very fresh and inventive take on Jane Austen’s classic.

• Subtle Notes: While there may be characters or incidents Jane Austen fans will recognize, this is a very original tale and the Emma parallels are often more thoughtful and nuanced. Some important themes from Emma are recreated and represented, such as Kate’s critical flaw being her own misperceptions and her penchant for interfering in the lives of others. And we see the societal distinctions and limitations represented within the established high school hierarchy in a similar style as we do in Clueless. Except this time the football team is considered the most elite. I was continuously impressed with all the understated ways Ms. Honeyman inserted some  nods or echos to Jane Austen’s tale.

• Characters and Relationships: I loved them all! Kate has her issues with pride and interfering, but she is still likable because the reader understands her underlying desire is to help and solve problems. I adored all of Kate’s classmates and her relationships with them – especially Hunter Price, (our Mr. Knightley) who challenges, infuriates, and supports Kate in so many ways, yet faces his own challenges. In addition, I grew to love Kate’s relationship with her dad, his actions don’t always speak what is in his heart and it was lovely to see their relationship mend and evolve. I enjoyed how Ms. Honeyman took many of the story’s less likable characters and gave some sympathetic insight to each characters’ own personal struggles. There is some good in everyone, even the antagonists.

• Masterfully Blended: There are so many components in this story: politics – winning and deciding between right and good, campaigning and the balance between image and reality, football and the distinction between individual glory versus team gain, photography and learning about finding beauty instead of forcing it, and not to mention ants and their incredibly coordinated survival instincts. This story truly becomes a complex and brilliant work of art when Kay Honeyman starts to weave together these themes and metaphors with each other. These motifs all have significant meaning and the lessons they teach are simple yet profound.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Nothing!

CONCLUSION:

Major applause and praise for Kay Honeyman for this exquisitely clever and perceptive homage to Jane Austen’s Emma. I’ve encountered my fair share of Austsenesque Young Adult novels and Interference is one of the most sophisticated and meaningful YA Austenessque I’ve had the pleasure to read. I think many readers who love contemporary Austenesque and adaptations like Clueless will find much to appreciate and admire in this tale. I highly recommend!

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