A review by bdombi
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I’m struggling to decide if I liked this book. It was extremely well written. Each member of the family had their own motivations, fears, and reasons to hate the others. I got really frustrated with some of the behavior of Imelda and Dickie. They were so wrapped up in their own selfishness that they didn’t notice the danger their children were in (PJ’s grooming and Cass’s alcoholism). The ending was very ambiguous but I think that was the point. Nothing we were told in the beginning was true, so why would the ending be any different?
Personally, I believe that Dickie and Victor killed both of the children. Rose’s prophecy and Imelda’s fathers curse foreshadowed the loss of her entire family.
I will definitely be thinking about this book for days. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings