Wreck the Halls: A Novel

Melody Gallard is one of the novel’s protagonists. The third-person narrator inhabits her consciousness throughout large portions of the novel and offers insight into Melody’s private thoughts and feelings. In the narrative present, Melody is 30 years old and living in Brooklyn, New York’s Park Slope neighborhood. Because Melody’s mother, Trina Gallard, is a former rock star, Melody is financially stable, and her brownstone is paid in full. However, Melody still has interests and pursuits of her own. She’s “a rare book restoration expert” and participates in a local bocce league (23). These pastimes grant Melody a nominal sense of independence. However, because she’s grown up in the spotlight, Melody often feels uncomfortable around other people and struggles to make friends. This is why she values her unique connection with Beat. Unlike other people, Beat sees and understands her without her having to explain herself.

Once Melody and Beat begin the “Wreck the Halls” live stream, Melody quickly proves herself to be a vibrant, witty, and charming young woman. The paparazzi’s attention used to make Melody feel awkward and self-conscious as a teenager. In the present, she feels more comfortable in front of the cameras because she has Beat by her side.