The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
170 Rating(s)
List: $20.00 | Sale: $14.40
Club: $10.00

The Secret Life of Bees

Author: Sue Monk Kidd

Narrator: Jenna Lamia

Unabridged: 9 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 01/28/2003


Synopsis

An intoxicating debut novel of "one motherless daughter's discovery of...the strange and wonderful places we find love" —The Washington PostSue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. 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 fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina—a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love—a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

Reviews

AudiobooksNow review by merri on 2007-06-14 01:09:38

i had heard this book mentioned a few times, it was on the ny times list, and it was ok but i dont see what all the hype was about. its one of those hallmark specials kind of books, and i dont really too much love any of the characters. you might as well read it but dont expect too much.

AudiobooksNow review by Christine on 2007-07-17 19:32:29

I picked this book up on a whim while at the local bookstore. I was not sure what to expect when I began, but immediately, the words flew off the page, enveloping me in their story. There was no option but to dive in and enjoy the ride. If you are willing to take an emotional journey, I would recommend this book.

AudiobooksNow review by Lisa on 2008-01-07 12:39:23

i too had no idea what to expect from this story, but i'm so glad i read it. the characters are facinating and so well developed. the story is heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time. i couldn't put this book down.

AudiobooksNow review by Cyndie Browning of Tulsa, OK on 2008-05-15 12:52:17

The write-up about this book refers to Lily's housekeeper, Rosaleen, having to skip town and adds that Lily takes the opportunity to go with her. In truth, it's Lily who takes the lead in escaping the oppression of her father and the small town where they live and running off to find the Black Madonna. The book is about her fantasy-like yearning to live with the so-called calendar sisters where she finds the mother's love she's wanted all her life. Sometimes you have to read a book to find out what it's really about. Nonetheless, I loved this little book and the reading of it. Lily's 14-year-old naivete is charming rather than exasperating, which I had expected given her age. Some time ago I gave this book as a gift to a friend even tho' I hadn't read it myself, but now that I have read it, I'm glad I chose it as a gift. It's a wonderful little story.

AudiobooksNow review by Elaine on 2008-06-01 15:55:13

This was a book that I heard of but didn't know much about. I've been reading more whimsical chick books like the Stephanie Plum series and decided that I would check this out. And I am glad I did. I really, really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the characters and I could picture myself being there and just enjoying it as the main character was. Definitely worth checking out. I just finished reading it and have already recommended it to friends.