The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd

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Book Summary Information

• ISBN13: 9780142001745
• Condition: New
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Book Reviews of The Secret Life of Bees

Book Review: A Quest for Harmony in a World of Chaos
Summary: 5 Stars

The Secret Life of Bees is a story in which the main conflicts reflect the time period. The work focuses on the ideas of racism and skin color. It is placed within the state of South Carolina during the 1960's, directly after the passage of the Civil Rights Act. During this period of time, whites were still dominant and many laws against discrimination were not enforced. The events that take place in this novel are a reflection of that fact. Yet another demonstration of the time period is the technique of regionalism. It is heavily shown, as many of the dialects mirror the culture in the South. These regionalist characteristics are demonstrated as well through the action that occurs in the plot.

Kidd begins the book by introducing the reader to the main character. Lily, a 16-yr old girl, has lost her mother and despises her father. The action and suspense are quickly elevated, as Lily runs away from her controlling father, T-Ray. Lily then breaks her African-American nanny, Rosaleen, out of jail, as Rosaleen has disrespected the white men in town and been arrested. Lily and her nanny formulate a plan to go to Tiburon, SC, in pursuit of any ties that her mother may have had in that town. Upon her arrival to Tiburon, however, her findings do not meet her expectations..

As Lily and Rosaleen struggle to find their way, they stumble upon a clue which leads them to the home of August Boatwright. Lily describes the scene when she says, "The woman [August] moved along a row of white boxes that bordered the woods beside the pink house, a house so pink it remained a scorched shock on the back of my eyelids after I looked away" (67). Lily and Rosaleen are soon taken in by three unique African-American sisters, August, June and May. Lily is inspired by these three, especially August, who teaches Lily to question everything as she finds out who she truly is. After an eventful summer at the sisters' home, the book closes as Lily's learns the truth about her mother. Lily describes her decision to move on when she says, "This is the moment I remember clearest of all - how I stood in the driveway looking back at them. I remember the sight of them standing there waiting. All these women, all this love, waiting" (299). The book ends as Lily realizes the importance of learning to love and forget what has been in her past.

Sue Monk Kidd's novel is very effective. Not only does this book entertain, it forces the reader to look deeper at the heart of the book and examine the true issues at hand. The themes of racism, loneliness, family, and unconditional love are addressed continuously. From Lily's escape to her final release of emotions, she discovers the value in having a family who loves her, even if there is no blood-relation. Racism is continually addressed through the treatment and discrimination imposed upon African-Americans by the whites. This causes the reader to examine the thought provoking issues of racism and to determine if the behaviors are ethical. Pictures of loneliness are clearly illustrated in the early parts of the novel, in which Lily's painful memories and struggles to make it through without her family cause the reader to recognize and empathize with the loneliness which she experiences. Family and unconditional love are woven together in the love shown by the sisters towards Lily in their willingness to take her in and to make her feel apart of their family.

The use of literary techniques also helps make understanding easier for the reader. Kidd's organization and casual, informal style emphasizes the persona of the book. Lily's speech reflects that of a 16-yr old girl. For example, when Lily is describing her hopes of reuniting with her mother she says, "I would meet her saying, `Mother, forgive. Please forgive,' and she would kiss my skin till it grew chapped and tell me I was not to blame" (3). Kidd's use of syntax helps develop Lily's character in that it creates a protagonist that is straightforward for the reader to relate to. From that, she effectively creates a plot that intertwines the main struggles of the time period with a girl's search for love.

Overall, I would enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone. This story draws the reader in through Kidd's writing style that forces the reader to become active and to examine his/her beliefs. The deep themes which she develops serve not only as guides to the story, but even further as challenges for the reader in regards to their own life. Sue Monk Kidd's, The Secret Life of Bees, is a highly compelling story of the quest of a young lady to uncover the life of her beloved mother and ultimately of her discovery of a love that shatters all boundaries.

Summary of The Secret Life of Bees

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