I decided to take on an exciting read this week entitled “Bunny” by Mona Awad. A brief synopsis: College student, Samantha Heather Mackey, attends university as a writing student when four of her girlish, hive-minded peers invite her into their clique– a cultish drug-psychosis-induced gathering– where Samantha’s perception of reality and delusion begin to blur. Throughout my time reading this delectable novel, I comprised a playlist of songs to read along to. Here are my top five picks from the playlist that summarizes the compelling, grotesque story Awad puzzles together.
- (You’re The) Devil in Disguise – Elvis Presley
The lyrics of this song almost entirely capture the perception Samantha has of the “Bunnies”, especially at the beginning of the piece. As she describes the four girls, as they seem almost dream-like in the most horrifying context. The rhythm and lighthearted pace of the song don’t mirror the lyrics, which leaves the listener feeling conflicted; similarly, the reader feels conflicted as the girls are depicted in the story.
- Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush
Yes, this song is directly referenced in the book, which is why it deserves a closer look. The whiny, breathy vocals are cacophonous and borderline disorienting. It is for this reason that makes it is so unique and inherently applicable to the content of the book itself. Bush seems to be fighting with some hypothetical counterpart, perhaps even herself, effectively becoming a reflection of Samantha’s state of mind through the progression of the story.
- Tia Tamera – Doja Cat (feat. Rico Nasty)
An outlier, seemingly so, yet equally as adherent to the storyline as the aforementioned songs. “Tia Tamera” is hard-hitting, yet immersive in its auditory resonance. This particular song came on shuffle as I was listening at the perfect moment, an unexpected unity as I read about the bunnies’ “Smut Salon”. Of course, as most plots involving cult-like gatherings do, “Bunny” had a consistent mention of drugs. The “woah”s backing up the vocals of the track somehow embodied the feeling of intoxication alongside the bunnies to a T.
- Exile – Taylor Swift (feat. Bon Iver)
In stark contrast to the previous song, “Exile” is representative of the intense shift between the first half and second half of the novel. There is a sense of unrest, yet a quiet somber quality to the writing as Samantha comes to her senses. Without giving any spoilers, let’s say that she has a rude awakening to her actions. Her temptations guided her to a tough spot that she struggles to dig herself out of. She succumbs to the pressures of her peers, yet remains on the outside. Samantha is, quite literally, an exile.
- Secret – The Pierces
If you’ve watched the teen drama of the century– a personal bias, Pretty Little Liars, you’re familiar with this track. It is famous for its enchanting rhythm and simplistic yet compelling lyricism. As the book begins to wrap up, a resolution is beginning to construct itself. However, Awad ensures that the reader is left questioning their perception of the novel. It is an accurate summary of the reader’s thoughts as they conclude the piece, because how could we ever trust a narrator as unreliable as Samantha? It would be absurd.
Overall, I’d rate this read a 4.5/5. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and a strong recommendation. It was fluid, yet confusing– a true challenge to any reader who dares to comprehend the plotline. I adored Awad’s style and believe it to be a classic contemporary piece. The ending, however, is debatable at best. It is up for interpretation in order to feel as though the book is finished. A playlist, in my opinion, was essential through my reading of the story as I felt the desire to be fully surrounded by the narrator’s world.
