A review by sandro_reads
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Set in Ireland, The Bee Sting is a family epic told through the alternating POVs of each member. The children, Cass and PJ, instantly drew me in with their funny, coming-of-age-ness but then Murray hits the brakes…

Imelda’s sections are told without any punctuation (can this trend please end?) and Dickie’s story slowly spirals from bleak to bleaker - making me FEEL the 650 page length.

It does come back in the last fast-paced 50ish pages but, by then. I wasn’t sure that I cared enough. 

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