Book Review: The Secret Life of Bees

4.5/5

It definitely took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once the story took off I did not want to put this down. I found the beginning quite a tough read because the subject matter is pretty grim. However, it is a stunning story that I highly recommend. Sue Monk Kidd creates an intricately woven story of one girl's search to find herself, her discovery of a whole new family and leaves you feeling warm and hopeful when you turn that last page - plus you know more about bees which is fascinating and frankly reason enough to read the book.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd follows the story of Lily who lives with her abusive father T. Ray, during the civil rights movement in the southern US. From a young age, Lily was told that she was the one who accidentally shot her mother when she was very little, and from that moment is brought up by Rosaleen. On the day that Rosaleen goes into town to register to vote for the first time - there are riots and a few men try to stop Rosaleen from registering. After an altercation, Rosaleen ends up in prison - Lily runs away from home, breaks Rosaleen out of jail, and goes back to her mother's hometown - trying to figure out where she really comes from.

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