Honey
Victor Lodato
Harper Collins
Honey spent a lifetime trying to escape the pull of her organized crime family, going so far as to change her surname from Fazzinga to Fasinga. Years working in the arts in New York City, California and all over the world polished her. Now an octogenarian, she’s back in New Jersey, drawn there to find closure and maybe right some wrongs.
The ghost of her abusive father the Great Pietro and his shocking crimes seems to haunt her old family home, now occupied by her nephew Corrado. Honey’s interactions with her family are abrasive. They saw her bid for independence as betrayal, the worst crime she could commit. Her fashionable appearance and worldliness are seen as a slur against their humble origins.
A bruising encounter with her grandnephew Michael with his disturbing resemblance to her father awakens old memories, but nothing is as it seems. Almost in spite of herself, Honey finds friendship, first with new neighbor Jocelyn then with young artist Nathan who rescues Honey after her car is jacked. Twenty-something Jocelyn has troubles, and Honey tries to help with mixed results. Honey sees Nathan’s talent as an artist is world class, but their relationship is complicated by a wholly unexpected romantic attraction. As the years pass, Honey becomes reconciled to her past and does her best to help the young with the future. Moments of violence, of happiness and sadness color her final years before Honey finds peace.
Honey is a bittersweet story about love, friendship, old secrets and redemption. The principal character of Honey is beautifully drawn, with a blend of fire, ice, love and even moments of cruelty. The author’s love of art and beauty shines through. Honey is for the readers who like their novels to be like fine wine.
