The Secret Life of Bees (original 2002; edição 2003)

I wish I could give this 3.5 stars. It is better than a lot of "3 star" books but I don't know if I loved it enough for 4. Well written, lovely story. Sometimes it was just a bit overdone for me... ( )

I think this was the first book I put on my 'to read' list and by the time I had a copy in my hand I thought it was a book about bee-keeping! It's a lovely book. Not quite sure how she manages to make it such a warm and happy book considering the terrible times and the struggles of the civil rights movement. Had to go listen again to Desert Island Discs interviewing Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative and the terror that people lived with. Still it isn't a bad thing to engage with the warmth of human kindness once in a while. And there was quite a lot about bees.... On the whole I'd rather it hadn't been set when and where it was - but it was well written and otherwise a pleasure to read. ( )

“Sunset is the saddest light there is.”

“Above all, send the bees love. Every little thing wants to be loved.”

“That night in my bed in the honey house, when I closed my eyes, bee hum ran through my body. Ran through the whole earth. It was the oldest sound there was. Souls flying away.”

“I’d traded in a pack of lies for a pack of truth, and I didn’t know which one was heavier. Which one took the most strength to carry around? It was a ridiculous question, though, because once you know the truth, you can’t ever go back and pick up your suitcase of lies.”

A coming-of-age story set in South Carolina in 1964, at the time of the Civil Rights movement. We follow the story of Lily, a white teenager whose mother died when she was young, leaving her in the care of a strict and uncaring father and their black servant, Rosaleen. When Rosaleen attempts to register for her civil right to vote, she is arrested and brutally beaten. Lily rescues Rosaleen and they flee to Tiburon, the only link Lily has left to her mother. There, they meet three black bee-keeping sisters, and Lily discovers the secret world of bees, whilst also learning how to deal with loss, betrayal, hope and forgiveness.

I’m a bit late to the party with this one but enjoyed how beautifully written and easy this was to read, despite dealing with some significant issues that are as relevant today as in 1964. The storyline was strong and gripping, with a good pace that kept me intrigued. The symbolisation of bees was a perfect backdrop, covering topics such as community, relationships, life and death.

The characters were interesting and thought provoking. Lily was initially naïve, such as thinking that a change in law would easily change the mindset of others, even those who were meant to enforce it. However, we witness Lily mature and grow, recognising her own internal prejudices and taking steps to correct them. Rosaleen was loud, proud and stubborn, but also loving and self-sacrificing. Each of the Boatwright sisters had their own place in the novel and their individual personalities, history and beliefs created a loving and welcoming sisterhood. Each character had their own strengths and flaws which made them all the more realistic and endearing. I would thoroughly recommend this book. ( )

I really liked the writing style of this book. I loved how the author wrote about experiences that either helped me feel like I was there or made me think, "I never thought of it in those terms, but yeah, it kind of is like that."

I would have rated this one higher, but I didn't feel that compelled to finish it. Although, now that it's done I miss the characters. :) ( )

A beautifully written book about love, friendship, and being a daughter. There is also quite of bit of bee keeper knowledge throughout the book as well. If you have seen the movie-- I promise the book is better and you should give it a shot! ( )