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andintothetrees's review
3.0
The Death Of Bees is a strange book which left me feeling very ambivalent – which I suppose is sort of a compliment, as at least it made me think (although mostly I’m just wondering whether I liked it or not). I ploughed through it in barely more than a day, which is definitely a compliment – this is a hugely readable novel with extremely short chapters (only a page or so long) that beg you to keep going onto the next. It is told from three perspectives – that of 15-year-old Marnie, her 12-year-old sister Nelly and their neighbour Lennie. Here’s my first major criticism however: I didn’t feel that their “voices” were disparate enough, particularly as the novel wore on. Additionally Lennie “spoke” to his deceased partner, whilst Marnie and Nelly more obviously addressed “the reader” which felt rather inconsistent.
Read my full review here, on my book blog.
Read my full review here, on my book blog.
wanderingsara88's review
4.0
Very interesting form of storytelling, each character had a distinct voice and perspective. I was also a huge fan of the heartwarming happy but complex ending. A very enjoyable read.
ivanssister's review
4.0
I don't even know what to say about this book, but that's probably because I finished it about five minutes ago, and I'm still drying tears.
I have probably several friends who should not read this book. If you aren't interested in dysfunctional families, skip it. If you don't want to read about parents treating their children poorly, skip it. If you have a daughter, you might want to skip it.
This was a really difficult book to read, in terms of subject matter. But I plowed through the entire book today, because I was compelled by the characters and wanted to know how the whole thing would shake out. Really moving, really powerful, but not easy. I burst into tears more than once during the book.
I have probably several friends who should not read this book. If you aren't interested in dysfunctional families, skip it. If you don't want to read about parents treating their children poorly, skip it. If you have a daughter, you might want to skip it.
This was a really difficult book to read, in terms of subject matter. But I plowed through the entire book today, because I was compelled by the characters and wanted to know how the whole thing would shake out. Really moving, really powerful, but not easy. I burst into tears more than once during the book.
ipreferquiet's review
4.0
Definitely not a book for everyone as this was not exactly a happy story. It was grim and sad, and full of swearing, drugs and teenage sex (and teenage girls doing it with older married men). It deals with child neglect and abuse and as such was very thought provoking. However, the three main characters who tell the story made this book worth reading it. They're interesting, each of their lives is pretty different and unique, and they're very realistic. The dark humor lightened it up a bit, and it was an easy read.
delinxw's review against another edition
4.5
I really liked this book. It’s unusual and haven’t read a story like this before. It’s not for the faint of heart since it’s very descriptive about some horrible things. The story had a few good plot points I didn’t expect, even the ending was something I hadn’t expected. I liked reading from all 3 perspectives, even if I didn’t understand the slang sometimes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fatphobia, Religious bigotry, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Body horror, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Vomit, Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Alcohol, Body shaming, Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Violence, Addiction, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Child abuse, Classism, Drug use, Medical trauma, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, Grief, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Medical content, Sexual content, Gore, Gun violence, and Incest
cardiganna's review
4.0
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book when I first started reading it. One of the three points of view is of an impoverished, neglected, Scottish teen, and so the cadence and slang took some getting used to. Once I jumped that hurdle, though, i ended up really enjoying this unusual, very original story. It managed to be funny, dark, and touching all at the same time. The last several chapters of the book were surprisingly twisty and I didn't see them coming. All in all, The Death of Bees was a great read.
fifijess's review
3.0
I can handle dark and morbid, but that ending. Gah! All wrapped up in a bow zip zip zip. Really let me down.
sci_mom's review
4.0
This book was thought-provoking and uncomfortable. It is not a 'feel good' story. It is brutal and unkind and messy. Lisa O'Donnell's writing style is perfect for the subject matter. There is nothing flowery about the worlds of Marnie, Nelly, and Lennie and Ms. O'Donnell doesn't do anything to make it more comfortable or 'pretty' for readers. The sentences and chapters are abrupt, concise, and honest and the words do not allow you to close your eyes or cover your ears. All you can do is plow through it and hope for the best while expecting the worst.
goodbetterbetsy's review
3.0
I can see this being considered for the Alex Award (books written for adults that have special appeal for teens).