Honeybee (novel)
| Author | Craig Silvey |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Literary novel |
| Publisher | Allen & Unwin |
Publication date | September 2020 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 424 pp. |
| Awards | 2021 Indie Book Awards Book of the Year – Fiction, winner |
| ISBN | 9781760877224 |
Honeybee is a 2020 novel by the Australian author Craig Silvey.[1]
It was the winner of the 2021 Indie Book Awards Book of the Year – Fiction.[2]
Synopsis
This coming-of-age novel follows transgender fourteen-year-old Sam Watson, assigned as male at birth, as they slowly work on becoming who they really see themselves to be. Sam's life takes a major turn when they meet Vic, at a place where both have decided to end their lives.
Critical reception
Writing in Australian Book Review Anna MacDonald noted that: "By seeking to depict the inner conflict of a transgender teenager, Honeybee struggles to offer a different perspective to the representation of predominantly (but by no means only) male violence." The reviewer goes on to explain that they "found many of the characters and situations in the novel unconvincing. Silvey’s interrogation of socially imposed roles and rigidly policed identity positions relies upon the uncritical adoption of oversimplified Australian male archetypes."[3]
In The Guardian Fiona Wright acknowledges "that Silvey has done a great deal of research in writing Honeybee and spoken to many people with lived experience of gender dysphoria and transition." However, "there's something about the way that Sam's gender identity is treated as a reveal, as something startling or surprising, that sits uncomfortably with me. It feels othering, or almost exploitative, even as Sam is always portrayed with great compassion."[4]
Author's legal issues and aftermath
On 12 January 2026, Silvey was arrested and later charged with producing, possessing and distributing child exploitation material.[5][6] Honeybee publisher Allen & Unwin announced they would cease promoting Silvey's works for the duration of legal processes.[7] Major Australian booksellers Dymocks, Readings and QBD removed his books from sale on their websites.[8] Silvey has not been convicted as of yet. [9]
Notes
- Dedication: For Them on the Bridge
Awards
- 2021 Indie Book Awards Book of the Year – Fiction, winner[2]
See also
References
- ^ "Honeybee by Craig Silvey". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ a b ""Indie Book Awards - Winners 2021"". Australian Independent Booksellers. Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ ""A bumpy road: Craig Silvey's new novel"". Australian Book Review, November 2020. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2025.
- ^ Wright, Fiona (24 September 2020). ""Honeybee by Craig Silvey review – a tender but uncomfortable coming-of-age story"". The Guardian. The Guardian, 25 September 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2025.
- ^ "Shops pull Craig Silvey's books off shelves in response to charges". ABC News. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Police charge author Craig Silvey with more child exploitation offences". ABC News. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ^ Unwin, Allen & (13 January 2026). "Statement: Craig Silvey". Allen and Unwin Blog. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ Convery, Stephanie (14 January 2026). "Craig Silvey's books pulled from WA and Victoria curriculums after child exploitation material charges". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Author Craig Silvey not cooperating with authorities after arrest, court told". ABC News. 13 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.