Take a photo of a barcode or cover
rodterez07 's review for:
The Bees
by Laline Paull
A Soon To Be Classic
Yes, the title of my review may seem to be much hyperbole, but I sincerely believe The Bees will earn it place beside beloved novels such as Watership Down and Charlotte's Web.
Based on the fascinating social behavior of honey bees, Laline Paull has created a vivid, compelling world where one's class is immutable and determined at birth. A society where imperfection is a crime punishable by death, and duty to the hive and love for the Queen is life's only reason for being.
Against this backdrop we meet a grand new heroine, Flora 717, a most unusual bee born into the lowest of the castes - sanitation. Like most of her relatives, Flora is industrious, brave, and loyal to her Queen.
However, what makes her extremely dangerous is her curiosity, boldness, and tendency toward self-reliance. These qualities brand Flora a dangerous rebel - and in the end, she just may be the only hope for her hive.
Ms. Paull uses the social structure of honey bees as a backdrop to create a saga of surprising drama and power. She also masterfully provides commentary on societal issues such as classism, political corruption, and sexism without ever being heavy-handed.
Ms. Paull's prose is beautifully fluid and descriptive as she guides us through the gorgeous natural world of the bees. I loved this book, and feel it should be on far more "best of" lists. Do yourself a favor and pay The Bees an extended visit.
Yes, the title of my review may seem to be much hyperbole, but I sincerely believe The Bees will earn it place beside beloved novels such as Watership Down and Charlotte's Web.
Based on the fascinating social behavior of honey bees, Laline Paull has created a vivid, compelling world where one's class is immutable and determined at birth. A society where imperfection is a crime punishable by death, and duty to the hive and love for the Queen is life's only reason for being.
Against this backdrop we meet a grand new heroine, Flora 717, a most unusual bee born into the lowest of the castes - sanitation. Like most of her relatives, Flora is industrious, brave, and loyal to her Queen.
However, what makes her extremely dangerous is her curiosity, boldness, and tendency toward self-reliance. These qualities brand Flora a dangerous rebel - and in the end, she just may be the only hope for her hive.
Ms. Paull uses the social structure of honey bees as a backdrop to create a saga of surprising drama and power. She also masterfully provides commentary on societal issues such as classism, political corruption, and sexism without ever being heavy-handed.
Ms. Paull's prose is beautifully fluid and descriptive as she guides us through the gorgeous natural world of the bees. I loved this book, and feel it should be on far more "best of" lists. Do yourself a favor and pay The Bees an extended visit.