The Bees

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 Book Review:

What can I say about Laline Paull's novel, "The Bees"? Amazing, immersive, unexpected, unique. I was totally blown away by this book, and that doesn't happen very often.

The story follows the life of honey bee Flora 717, born into the lowest cast of the hive. Despite her humble beginnings, it quickly becomes apparent that she is no ordinary, run of the mill sanitation worker. Taking audacious risks and following forbidden dreams, Flora 717 finds a way to hold out unexpected hope for her colony imperiled by social upheaval and political intrigue.

Nearly all of the characters in this story are anthropomorphic insects which might make you think it is a children's book similar to "The Rats of NIMH" or The Cricket in Times Square". Think again! Paull has written with an adult audience in mind (many YA readers will enjoy it as well). Lovely yet disturbing, sensual, violent and primal, and highly nuanced, this book is not a kiddie read by any means. For me it brought Richard Adams' classic "Watership Down" to mind. My one criticism of the book is it's cover. I have seen both the black and the yellow covers and they are pretty boring which is a shame considering the riveting story inside. It will take a bit of salesmanship to get readers into the book, but then, right from page one the novel sells itself.

Recommendation: perfect for anyone who loves an exciting story way off the beaten track, and told with impeccable style.


Author - Laline Paul

Publisher - Harper Perennial

Genre - Fantasy

Pages - 352


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