kristieburk 's review for:

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

4.0

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book for many reasons. It would have earned five stars if not for the ending. A couple of notes: I read this book while sitting on the beach in Punta Cana and watching a security guard walk back and forth across the resort. I think it really brought home the scene in Africa. Second, I read the book on the Kindle, so I didn't have any issues with a cover or a flap that other reviewers discussed.

I loved the voice of Little Bee and was disappointed when the narration switched to Sarah. Although, I appreciated the different perspectives of the same event. I found myself frequently highlighting insightful sections of the story -- the discussion of words, for example and how they split into two separate meanings or reasons why people go to horror movies.

I also loved some of Bee's descriptions -- the coin in the opening pages, her family's screams in the gasoline, the chain links dangling in the barn. Ironically, I didn't highlight very many parts of Sarah's narration.

This story will make you think about immigration, refugees, and how much you're willing to sacrifice for someone else's freedom.

There are a few reasons why I didn't give the book the last star - namely, the ending. I won't spoil it for everyone, but it didn't make any sense to me in the context of the rest of the book.

I am looking forward to discussing the book at book club!