The Secret Life of Bees
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Lily has grown up believing she accidentally killed her mother when she was just four years old. Now, at fourteen, she yearns for forgiveness and a mother’s love. Living on a peach farm in South Carolina with her father, her only friend is Rosaleen, a black servant.
When racial tension explodes one summer afternoon, and Rosaleen is arrested and beaten, Lily is compelled to act. Fugitives from justice, the pair follow a trail left by the woman who died ten years before. Finding sanctuary in the house of three beekeeping sisters, Lily starts a journey as much about her understanding of the world, as about the mystery surrounding her mother.
Reviews
"A very good read."
"Not for me. Didn’t take to it at all."
"I enjoyed this unusual and interesting book. I thought the characters were well drawn and it gave me an accurate description of race issues at that period."
"A good book – well written – strong in parts – witty and sad – a recommended read."
"Not an easy read, but, very interesting."
"Warm, inventive, readable moving novel."
"This is a lovely book to read. It is chillingly true about racism, thank God we have moved on."
"I liked this book, finding it easy and enjoyable to read."
"I felt that the author captured the atmosphere of the Civil Rights era and succeeded in enriching her touching story with a set of charming and memorable characters."
"The splashes of humour were a welcome bonus and I’m sure that from this day on I shall look upon the life of bees with more admiration!"