The Return of the Honey Buzzard

This graphic novel explores Simon's journey through trauma and healing, emphasizing the importance of connection and confronting one's past in The Return of the Honey Buzzard.

In The Return of the Honey Buzzard, we follow Simon, a bookseller facing the harsh realities of a financial crisis that threatens his livelihood. As his store struggles to stay afloat, Simon becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, grappling with the weight of his circumstances. The story takes a dramatic turn when Simon witnesses a tragic suicide at an isolated railroad crossing, an event that reverberates deeply within him and forces him to confront buried memories from his past.

Haunted by these memories, Simon finds himself spiraling further into solitude. His past is filled with pain and loss, particularly surrounding the death of a childhood friend, which he has long avoided facing. Just when it seems that Simon may be lost to his despair, he encounters Regina, a young girl who unexpectedly enters his life. Regina offers the comfort and support that Simon desperately needs, prompting him to question the nature of their connection and whether she can help him heal.

The Return of the Honey Buzzard is a beautifully illustrated debut graphic novel by Aimée de Jongh. It combines cinematic storytelling with emotional depth, exploring themes of trauma, loss, and the possibility of renewal. Through Simon's journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own pasts and the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.