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A review by ursa_arlo
The History of Bees by Maja Lunde
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Positives. This book sends a very powerful message about humanity's disconnect from nature. I've always loved when books weave together various POVs to arrive at a satisfying ending. This novel does that wonderfully by showcasing society's breakdown as the result of over-consumerism. From William's struggle to create a bee-friendly beehive to George, who struggles to keep up with honey production as traditional methods (and family farms) are destroyed under the pressure of corporate America, to Tao who experiences the devastating effects of an ecosystem out of balance.
Negatives. The main characters have major character flaws. This, on the one hand, makes them very realistic and multilayered, but these flaws are sometimes played out in a way that makes it hard to empathise with them. For example, it is very jarring to read how William neglects his role as a father, which makes it difficult to feel bad for him when his projects fail.
Negatives. The main characters have major character flaws. This, on the one hand, makes them very realistic and multilayered, but these flaws are sometimes played out in a way that makes it hard to empathise with them. For example, it is very jarring to read how William neglects his role as a father, which makes it difficult to feel bad for him when his projects fail.