Virtual Bookclub: Honeysuckle and Bone Chapters 1-5
Chapter summaries, initial reactions & discussion questions
ICYMI: Here’s a chapter-by-chapter summary of what we read thus far:
Chapter 1: Arrival at Blackbead
We meet Carina Marshall, who’s on the run after trauma in New York. She assumes her best friend Joy’s identity and arrives in Jamaica as the au pair for the wealthy Hall family. She meets the household staff, including Ora and gardener Aaron, and begins to sense there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to Blackbead. Also, are people staring at her?
Chapter 2: Settling in…or at least trying to
Carina is introduced to the Hall children and is inducted into the “Young Birds” group chat with Ora, Simone, Aaron, and Josh. Then, strange events begin: unexplained whispers, scents of honeysuckle in places it doesn’t grow, and odd heat in her room. Does anyone else feel this heat? No. Is it just the physical manifestation of guilt?
Chapter 3: Get caught, get shot
The socio-economic lines start to become clearer. Where Carina has access to as much food as she wants and a shorter work day, she takes note of the fact that that’s not the story for everyone at Blackbead. Not having to wear a uniform was not the end of their differences after all. She starts noticing Aaron, and she’s pretty sure he’s flirting back, but she needs to stay focused.
Chapter 4: Alexa, play ‘Anxiety’ by Doechii
Carina settles into her duties with the Hall children and gets into her routine, which includes checking the ever-burning candle. She learns of a ghost story involving a bull from young Luis. The mention of a bull reminds Carina of the time she saw a raging bull with Joy — not a particularly pleasant memory, but rather a reminder to not ‘tempt trouble.’ She overhears a conversation the Halls are having and can’t help but wonder if she’s been found out.
Chapter 5: Be a better friend
A curfew-free night leads to Carina’s body pressed against Aaron’s, hips swaying, music thumping. While this is what dreams are made of, Ora isn’t too happy about Carina dancing with the very man she has eyes for. The Young Bloods openly discuss the Halls — their politics, the socio-economic disparities, and overall privilege.
We end with Carina and Ora sitting together, with Ora trying to help ease Carina out of her nausea.
Discussion Questions
leave a comment
Why do you think Carina assumes Joy’s identity? How does it shape your perception of her?
We’re fully immersed in a scene filled with lush beauty and ornate detailing, yet that’s being juxtaposed with eerie undercurrents— specifically things that may go bump in the night. How does this juxtaposition establish atmosphere and foreshadow the haunting?
Conversations are being overheard, and odd things are happening. What do you think is going on?
How does Carina’s interaction with the Hall family versus the staff (like Ora) highlight social boundaries in Jamaica?
What do you think is the significance of outlining these boundaries as they are related to the haunting?
My initial reaction
Okay so… Carina girl, what is the truth? We meet her running from something (or someone), and before page 30, she’s already lying, assuming someone else’s identity, and playing nanny at a rich Jamaican estate like this is normal Tuesday behavior. I have questions.
I mean, yes, she’s clearly been through something. We see she’s traumatized, defensive, and hyperaware, but also... how does a wealthy ass family not do a background check before hiring someone to care for their children? The Halls have land, lineage, and that old-money scent, but no HR department? Just vibes? Lol okay.
Also: Aaron. Sweet, thoughtful, available Aaron. Sir, please. Carina came here to escape, not to find a Caribbean cuffing season. She’s got a ghost in her past and some questionable survival instincts, and she’s flirting in the garden like it’s a romcom instead of a gothic mystery. I’m rooting for her healing while trying to figure out what’s going on with her (because I’m truly concerned at this point), but also shouting “FOCUS!” at the page.
Right now, I can’t tell if the people around her are genuinely suspicious or if Carina’s own guilt and trauma are playing tricks on her. Either way, the vibes are off and the honeysuckle is humming, so I’m hooked.
Can’t wait to see if y’all are as suspicious (and entertained) as I am.
🗣️ Share Your Voice
Drop your thoughts in the comments, or reply to someone else's. We’re building a conversation, not a quiz. You can also:
Send in a voice note to be featured in the wrap-up
DM/Chat/email me your hot take for a possible shoutout
Post your book selfie or annotated copy and tag me on IG or Threads! (@blackgirlsblackworld)