Reviews

Grey Bees by Andrey Kurkov

lizzydown's review against another edition

5.0

if i had a nickel for every book i’ve read about a beekeeper fleeing a war torn area i’d have two nickels which isn’t a lot but it’s weird it happened twice

anyway this was the better of two and i really enjoyed it and also learnt a lot
i also appreciated the fact that the bees themselves were quite prominent and all the descriptions of taking care of them

atrumbled's review against another edition

dark funny relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

stumc92's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.5

namakurhea's review against another edition

3.75

This book surprised me in so many ways and if I could sum it all up in three words: touching, simple, effective. I admit that I was a little bit intimidated about this book when I first picked it up. Didn’t read the blurb on purpose to surprise me… but I was expecting a book heavily laden with politics and war which will require knowledge in Russia-Ukraine relations. But well, it IS but they were laid out in very human terms.
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Kurkov wrote that he wants to capture “not on military operations and heroic soldiers, but on the ordinary people whom the war had failed to force from their homes.” Grey Zones are areas between conflict zones and peace zones. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have given rise to these zones and through Sergeyich’s (the main character) eyes, we get to see how life goes on in these zones. It’s a very touching story of resilience and the strength of human spirit. There is also a bit of a suspense and a surprise in the end. Masterfully done!
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I also describe this book as “effective” because no character and plotlines are wasted. The prose is pretty straightforward. For some reason it made me think of Anton Chekov’s writing style a little bit in the way that it’s efficient.
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I believe this is my first book by Andrey Kurkov and I am delighted! Looking forward to read more of his work 🐝

jolee's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

veganninja's review

I reread the description & thought maybe that's why Libby didn't load the book. It's not for me? 

m_mentu's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

ipb1's review against another edition

4.0

Lest we forget - before the 'special military operation' there was the already ongoing conflict, brilliantly captured here by the wonderful Andrey Kurkov. An oddly charming and incongruously heartwarming story, in spite of the at times horrific backdrop and events. There are no absurd heroics or unrealistic characters, just the muddle and ambiguity of the life of ordinary people caught up in the 'grey zone' between the warring factions. It reads as both absolutely true to life and profoundly metaphorical.

mimi13's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

softstuff513's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyable enough story slice of life ended kinda sad and silly