The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

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The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd
(Audio)

I wasn't overly fond of The Mermaid's Chair so I was not sure how I'd like this one of Sue Monk Kidd's. But I gave it a shot and I'm so glad that I did. It was spectacular!

The was a brilliant portrait of a culture with people who were part of it but defying it. The plot itself involved running away/running to life-- 14-year-old Lily escaping her abusive father and Lily's Nanny Rosaleen escaping jail time. They end up at the home of three beekeeping sisters who knew Lily's mother and happen to be black. As Lily desperately tries to figure out what her mother was all about and come to terms with her own dark past, she encounters racial prejudice in a number of forms. But she also has her first love, discovers an aspect of religion long-missing from her heart, and learns what real family bonds and caring are about.

There are so many stunning moments in this story that reveal truths about society... but there are also plenty of quiet moments that burrow their way into your heart. You can't help but feel for these characters and want the very best for them, though sometimes it's hard to see how things will ever work out for them in the world. The ending, however, is just perfect.

I came out of this story feeling emotionally drained and strengthened at the same time. It was a joy to earread, full of power and beauty at every turn.