Whoever You Are, Honey: A Novel By Olivia Gatwood

Olivia Gatwood's debut novel, Whoever You Are, Honey, thrusts readers into a hauntingly plausible future where dystopian elements have seamlessly integrated into reality. Set against the backdrop of a transformed Santa Cruz waterfront dominated by flawless glass monoliths housing the tech elite, the novel centers on Mitty and her elderly roommate, Bethel, the last remnants of a bygone era of free-spirited living.

Their quiet existence is disrupted with the arrival of Sebastian, a revered tech founder, and Lena, his enigmatic girlfriend. Lena, with her impeccable facade and unsettling lapses in memory, begins to unravel under the weight of Sebastian's control. Meanwhile, Mitty harbors secrets of her own, drawn into Lena's orbit as she navigates the luxuries and uncertainties of her life.

As Mitty and Lena forge an unlikely friendship, they confront their hidden pasts and the profound truths that threaten to upend their lives. Gatwood deftly explores themes of female identity, friendship, and the pervasive influence of technology on personal relationships. In a world where striving for perfection and desirability are amplified by algorithms and digital scrutiny, the novel serves as a compelling reflection on the complexities of womanhood in the hyper-digital age.

Whoever You Are, Honey not only reads like a gripping thriller but also offers a poignant exploration of what it means to inhabit a female body under the scrutiny of modern technology and power dynamics. Gatwood's narrative prowess shines through, making this a timely and thought-provoking debut that resonates with its exploration of intimacy, memory, and the ever-evolving landscapes of human connection. 📚❤️