Monsters become metaphor in this young adult novel

Howl is the latest speculative young-adult novel
from Shaun David Hutchinson. Photo from Amazon.com

by Shuyler Clark

Fifteen-year-old Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster, but no one believes him. His family is quick to tell him it was a bear or an alligator that attacked him, and his classmates torment him relentlessly in school and on social media. As everyone around Virgil tries to silence him, he is torn between trying to move on from the attack or hunting down the monster and exacting vengeance.

Howl is the latest speculative young-adult novel from Shaun David Hutchinson. The plot serves as a metaphor for sexual assault, accurately portraying the physical and mental harm that befalls victims. The gaslighting Virgil experiences is the most prevalent aspect of the metaphor, with people constantly downplaying and dismissing his trauma. Not only is it accurate to the ridicule real survivors face, it also makes Virgil’s questionable decisions throughout the novel more understandable as he tries to overcome the contempt through unhealthy means.

In this regard, Hutchinson also excelled at depicting how family members and close friends can fall short when faced with traumatic events. People like Virgil’s boyfriend, Luca, were quick to dismiss the notion of a monster existing in the area, while Virgil’s family shut down all talk of the attack after the initial doctor visits. While Virgil was already suffering as the result of a move to the opposite side of the United States and leaving his mother and friends behind, their further ostracization demonstrates how survivors can feel isolated, perfectly complementing the metaphor.

Hutchinson’s writing style also supplements the trauma narrative. First-person perspective is the ideal format for any story detailing a survivor’s struggles, and Hutchinson improves upon this through use of repetition. During triggering moments throughout the book, he repeats Virgil’s thoughts from the attack, bolding them for emphasis. This technique further demonstrates the effect of trauma on the psyche as survivors can experience the feeling of reliving the event during the healing process.

As a metaphor for sexual assault, the monster works as a plot device, especially for younger audiences. However, it would be nice to see more of the monster itself. While Virgil is terrified he is also becoming a monster, implying a werewolf-like transformation, the focus is mostly on his own recovery and navigating life following the attack. This works for the metaphor that Hutchinson was leaning into, but it also means the monster thread comes to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. Leaning into the supernatural elements might have made for a more well-rounded story.

In addition, stronger side characters would also enhance the narrative. As a consequence of focusing on Virgil’s recovery, characters like his friends and family have less opportunity for growth. This would be a prime opportunity to demonstrate how people should respond to assault allegations, but the lack of development from the nonbelievers makes that aspect fall flat.

Taken both literally and metaphorically, Howl is an intense novel ideal for fans of psychological thrillers. While lacking in the supernatural department, Hutchinson’s writing style and excellent use of allegory make it a thought-provoking read.

Shuyler Clark is a graduate of Stockbridge High School and Lansing Community College. When she is not reading or writing, she can be found snuggling with her birds.