Review: Chainsaw Honeymoon by Steven Ramirez

Written with a manic energy and a tongue perpetually shoved in its own cheek, Chainsaw Honeymoon by Steven Ramirez is a brilliant new novel that balances humor and horror in an unforgettable way.

Ruby Navarro is a young girl with big dreams and a tangled mess of family that she is determined to fix. Spending the summer with her father sets the stage for a fast-paced and unpredictable ride through the wild world of Los Angeles, complete with a maniacal killer and the chance for Ruby to live out her wildest dreams.

The writing throughout the novel is sharp and smart, depicting the City of Angels as one of the most important characters, and capturing some of the strangest sides of the film industry. Ruby is a precocious and fascinating narrator, and the supporting cast of friends, actors, and unexpected allies drive this novel forward. The scenes are vivid and believable, with the dialogue feeling torn from the tongue of reality.

There is a surprising amount of maturity in Ruby, and while the writing can be a bit over the top at times, there is a strong emotional heart at the core of the story. The ability to capture the intimate aspects of growing up is difficult for any author, but Ramirez handles these moments in Ruby’s life with grace and awkward charm, as well as her imperfect first forays into romance. Not only limited to youthful love, this story also addresses the complexities of adulthood, separation, and the children who are so often caught in the middle.

The novel also pays powerful respects to the purpose and effect of movies in our lives. Ruby has a deep love for movies, as is clear that Ramirez does as well, and readers of all ages will be able to relate to the inherent passion for film expressed in these pages. Whether we play out our fantasies on the silver screen or simply imagine a world better than the one we’re in, movies are important to our lives, as is clear for these characters.

While some of the internal monologues are a bit heavy-handed and leading for readers, the vast majority of this novel is subtly executed and wisely worded. The perspective shifting is also a bit distracting at times, as a single narrator could have created a more consistent flow, but Ramirez manages to keep the voices distinct. Insight into Ruby’s parents certainly gives the story a more realistic and complete feeling, as readers are able to appreciate and understand more of the story’s context. Overall, the character development is well done, with thoughtful details and idiosyncrasies that make each scene come alive.

Overall, Chainsaw Honeymoon works well because it is an unpredictable read in terms of both plot and theme. Ramirez does a great job holding enough back so there are plenty of reveals and shocking discoveries as the story rolls on at a quick pace, while also managing to hit a number of poignant emotional notes. Steven Ramirez dances between genres and moods with ease, delivering a memorable story that is alternately hilarious and horrifying.