The multi-million bestselling novel about a young girl’s journey towards healing and the transforming power of love, from the award-winning author of The Invention of Wings and The Book of Longings Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily’s … mother was killed. When Lily’s fierce-hearted black “stand-in mother,” Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina–a town that holds the secret to her mother’s past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sister, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.
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One of my favorite books!
The dynamic between the women was amazing.
I read this when it was first published and it’s time for a re-read. But I remember that the story and characters made such an impression on me that for years afterward, I would claim this as my “favorite book” when people asked. (I was a librarian so people asked a lot!) “The Secret Life of Bees” also turned me into a Sue Monk Kidd admirerer, and I’ve since read and enjoyed several more of her fiction books. She remains one of my favorite authors!
This was a beautiful story of a young girl coming of age.
I read this a while ago and liked it but since it was a long time ago, I can’t remember much about it other than I liked it.
One of my favorite books of all time!
Loved it! Thought provoking~
This book has got to be one of the best stories I have ever read. Empowering!
If the facts stated in this book about bee-keeping, then it was informative. The story is on the sad side due to the child involved but a wonderful story of strong women. I loved reading it very much. At the end of the book, a question was asked if the author would do a sequel to let us know what happened to the characters after the years went by and she said, possibly. I hope she considers doing it.
I enjoyed the book and sent it to my adopted daughter. She read it, imagining each character as someone she knows. It cemented our relationship.
Love this book!
One of the best books I’ve ever read. A great read, and a gripping story.
I very much enjoyed this book. It was an easy, engaging read. However, if you are looking for a literary challenge, look elsewhere.
One of my favorites. I bought copies for my friends.
Great story about real life and helping someone not like you.
When our book club started 11 years ago, this was our first read. Everyone loved it.
This rather short story is beautifully written. It is about a young girl that goes on a journey to find out about her mother. It will stay with the reader long after one is finished reading it.
Great storyline. Kept me interested and I didn’t want to put it down.
An amazingly beautiful story. So hard to put down. I didn’t want this story to end.
Sue Monk Kidd is one of the greatest writers of the 20th century… She writes characters you care about and her style is often heart breakingkly beautiful. Secret Life of Bees is a treasure, not to be missed!