"I Took a Deep Breath, Blew It Out and Wished to Always Be Honey's Friend." – Honey & Blondie Book Review
"Like what?" [Wonach?] is the question Blondie always asks Honey, and Honey then describes the smell of a particular moment, a row of oddly specific scents. To me, this book smells like the warm smell of sun on asphalt, red wine, Garnier Fructis shampoo and kimchi.
Honey & Blondie envelop you in their friendship and draw you in. They invite you to be part of all the big and small moments.
My first thoughts immediately after finishing: this is a cosy friendship read sprinkled with nostalgic 90s/2000s memorabilia. They have the kind of friendship every woman should have. Someone you can always count on, a home in another body, someone so understanding and supportive who never judges you.
Honey & Blondie share a secret. They have a superpower that allows them to switch bodies. But only if one of them has particularly strong feelings. Their hands get clammy, and they can feel their heartbeat in their throat. Then it gets dark, and their heart beats four times.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
I saw myself the way I always wanted to be. I was relieved. I didn't have to be myself.
For Honey & Blondie, switching bodies is like a mini-vacation. In the other's body, they feel more confident, braver and more powerful.
Over the years, navigating life in the 90s and 2000s in Berlin-Kreuzberg, they share countless moments like that. They get each other out of trouble when one freezes up and keep each other grounded and inspired. Offering endless support without judgement and an understanding that goes deeper than any other friendship or partnership in their lives.
Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The short chapters keep the story quick, even though sometimes they may feel a little rushed, as if the scene needed a little more space to stretch. The prologue is placed perfectly, planting a question that keeps the reader wondering throughout the book.
Behind all this, the real power unfolds – the magic of female friendship.
Ubin Eoh, born in 1987, is a German author, journalist and podcaster. She grew up in Berlin-Kreuzberg and lives with her family in Frankfurt am Main. Honey und Blondie is her debut novel. It is currently only available in German.
WRITTEN BY
Philine
I love expressing myself through writing. But also through fashion and art. My body is a museum for all the cool tattoo artists I've come across. As a booklover and helpless (hopeful) romantic I love to indulge in the sweeter stories of life. Writing is my way of empowering women and fighting the patriarchy. I also want to bring the joy and community of female friendships to everyone through my texts. Your online bestie if you will, that shares the best books, crafts and maybe a recipe from time to time.
