Marion Bauer's novel, "On My Honor," is steeped in the rich tradition of great novels. The story takes place during a scorching summer in a small city, delving into the self-imposed pressure to assign blame and feel guilty when accused. The greatest anguish arises when we hold ourselves responsible for events beyond our control or for which we bear no fault. This is precisely what Joel did. The backdrop of the narrative is the Vermillion, referred to as "Old Man River" by Tony – a moniker typically associated with the Mississippi. Bauer vividly portrays the river as a murky, reddish-brown body of water, meandering far beneath a bridge. The author depicts it as riddled with sinkholes, a swift current, and treacherous whirlpools, unseen beneath its surface due to pollution from chemicals and sewage. At the center of the s
...tory are Joel and Tony, who have been neighbors and friends since birth, born merely three weeks apart. Joel is cautious yet daring, dependable, trustworthy, and an excellent swimmer. In contrast, Tony is more inclined towards taking risks, always embracing adventure without considering the consequences of his choices. He lacks the same level of trustworthiness and proves it by lying directly to Joel's father and refusing to acknowledge his fears. Bauer's primary objective in penning this novel is to demonstrate how our fears can hinder our ability to fulfill our responsibilities. Furthermore, she explores the significance of assigning blame and the accompanying guilt in our lives, often utilized as a means of shifting responsibility away from ourselves and onto others.
The novel also serves as a means of accepting tragedy, as shown by Bauer's portrayal
of Joel's father taking the blame for his son's actions and providing support. Additionally, the novel effectively highlights the strengths of its plot, theme, and emphasis on family dynamics. However, there are some notable weaknesses, such as the disbelief that a teenage couple would leave a child alone to inform the police about their friend's drowning. Furthermore, it is questioned whether Joel would have survived his search for Tony at the bottom of the river. Nevertheless, the novel is highly recommended due to its captivating nature and ability to provoke moral introspection. It prompts readers to contemplate their own choices in challenging situations, leading them to empathize with the frightened young protagonist's decision-making.
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