"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

[Enfys]

I'm enjoying it again too, Gem. I find it amazing that it's not really that long ago that racism was so rife, glad that things are changing somewhat in that respect, although there's still a long way to go in some places. I think the characters are very well drawn, especially the sisters.

[Daisy]

First of all I must say that I have enjoyed this book. The background of the fight for racial equality in the southern states of America is very similar to The Help, which I also enjoyed. It is also the background against which the lovely friend who I have lost just this week grew up, and many of Lily's thoughts are ones that my friend expressed. So it has been a rather bittersweet story.

I thought Lily's character was very well drawn and explored the relatively mature thoughts a lonely child might have about life, love and the world around her. Her need for love was very stark and I found it very moving. I loved the tentative relationship that was developing with a young black boy. (Can't think of his name!) I thought there was potential for a sequel around what happened to them.

The Daughters' religious expression was fascinating. They had clearly found a combination of Christian religions that worked for them and their devotion to the Black Mary could easily have been caricatured but was written with a sensitivity that made it humbling and respectful

The most discordant note for me was June's reaction to Lily. When the explanation was revealed it didn't seem sufficient to have warranted her rather childish behaviour towards
Lily.

I have a relative who is a beekeeper and many of the facts about bees are things he has talked about. They are amazing creatures and I think the are fascinating.

I really enjoyed the the book and felt there were many more stories within that scenario. It was thoughtful and well written and I will definitely read more by the same author.

[MillieB]

The Secret Life of Bees film is on film4 next Wednesday the 1st of March at 6.50. I will be recording this as I haven't managed to read the book yet.

[Daisy]

Millie - many thanks for the advance information. I must remember to record it too - it will be interesting to see the film after reading the book.

[Plantaholic]

Must watch that MillieB.

I very much much enjoyed the story, loved the relationships between the characters. Found it very odd that a mother would leave such a young child with an unreasonable father. I think the author should have researched the life of bees more thoroughly, we kept bees for many years, well OH was in charge and they do not produce honey from elderberries making it a purple colour, everyone knows they get nectar and pollen from flowers of plants

[Daisy]

Plant - I missed the bit about elderberries. The perils of reading just a few pages at night! Did the author mean the flowers rather than the fruit?

[Plantaholic]

Definitely it said berries and Purple honey? I don't think so. I was just being picky Daisy, it was a good read. Just finished Cider with Rosie, I had never read it, what a marvelous writer Laurie Lee was. I have just started According to Yes by Dawn French, I think I am going to enjoy it. As I have mentioned before I listen rather than read, settle down in bed plug in the earphones and listen to the story, trouble is sometimes I drift off and have to find the place when I finished listening which isn't as easy as turning pages.

[Gemini]

Thanks MillieB

I remember about the purple honey, but not exactly what made it that way.

It is many many years since I read Cider With Rosie. There is another isn't there? 'When I walked out one Midsummer morning ' I think it's called.

[Clover]

I enjoyed this book and thought the characters were well drawn. I had a good image of each of them in my mind's eye.I felt it was inevitable that Lily would stay with the family but I wasn't sure what might become of Rosaleen.

[Plantaholic]

I have set the recorder for the film on Wed. Must look out for that book Gemini, I do recognise that title