Small Favors is a beautifully written tale about the human condition, reminiscent of the fairytales of the past. When I say fairytales I don’t mean Disney. No Small Favors is actually a loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and more aligned with the blood soaked versions from the Brothers Grimm.
Set in a quaint Valley, the pioneer town of Amnity Falls is concluding their end of summer preparations and getting ready for another winter. The story follows Ellerie Downing, the towns beekeepers oldest daughter, as she tries to keep those she loves safe when chaos descends on their town, and the monsters of legend haunt the pines beyond the towns borders. The world is beautifully crafted, drawing you into this idyllic town and family.
Ellerie is an 18 year old girl trying to find her place in the world now that she is no longer a child, but an adult ready to move on to the next phase of her life. Ellerie is so well written and relatable. The fears and insecurities she has when she perceives her best friend and her twin are leaving her behind while they race off into the next phase of their lives together without her feels so authentic. The hopelessness and inadequacy she feels when she finds herself thrown into a role she isn’t prepared for and doesn’t think she can bear is easy to empathize with. Through it all she remains kind and courageous. Risking herself for just the glimmer of a chance that it would save not only her family but the town she loves.
As with all good fairytales Small Favors is riddled with commentary on humanities virtues and flaws alike. Throughout the book you see how a few well placed favors, a lie here, a seemingly meaningless token there could topple a community turning friend to foe and neighbor to executioner. All it takes is desperation and pressure and all civility and even humanity seems to get stripped from the townspeople. Through it all Ellerie looks to her families bees for strength and inspiration.
Small favors is one of those books that leaves you changed when you flip that last page. The true horrors that lie within its pages don’t belong to the monsters in the woods but in the hearts of those they watch. But even with all the ugliness that is humanity love and hope can survive.
I was given a review copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
