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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A delightful book about a young girl and her adventure following a beating by her alcoholic Father, who had killed her Mother, but convinced her that she’d done it as a small child. The characters were all special, interesting, and made you invest in them. Good ending for such a story. I loved it1
Wonderful read, loved this book!
This book was a very enjoyable read. I read many years ago but can still recall the strong female characters that were developed.
I’ve recommended this book to a number of other readers. It’s thoughtful and has an important message.
One of the best books I’ve read. Wonderful story.
Stuffed to the brim with life lessons and quotes worth remembering, this was a book that practically vibrated with the ebb and flow of sadness and hope that comprises life. At times, the story became so heavy, I had to stop and just let it rest for a bit before I was ready to continue. And yet it never lacked for hope; hope hummed beneath the surface and between the lines of print, like the buzz of the bees that were woven into the story of Lily and the women who surrounded her. Sadness but not without uplifting. This is the sort of book that will stick with me, popping up into my consciousness from time to time, without warning. With such a review, perhaps there needs to be some explanation for rating it four stars instead of five. I loved the characters, the writing, the story…but the ending caught me off guard. I guess I felt as if there was a little more story left to tell, some sort of conclusion that didn’t get fully fleshed out for me. Maybe after feeling *so* much, I needed something more at the end to balance it all out. Regardless, I’m not at all sorry to have spent this time with Lily, Rosaleen, August, June, May, Zach, and the Daughters.
Strongly recommend
The writing reminded me of The Help, one of my favorite books. Great story but not as amusing.
A great read.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read it but remember it was an interesting read
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Highly recommend it!
What a wonderful read! I truly enjoyed each of the characters and their part in the story. Some good life lessons along the way were a bonus!
One of my all time favorite books. Great story and great characters.
Great book. Likable characters and a good story.
A lovely read. Nice plot, characters you care about
one of my all time favorite books
This is another book I have on my read shelf. I’m so far behind once I’ve finished the read will give a final update!
Absolutely loved this book. Well written and interesting throughout.
Strong, intelligent, caring female characters – always refreshing!
A great read.