The Secret Life of Bees
In 'The Secret Life of Bees', a young girl named Lily Owens embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the racially charged South of the 1960s. With her beloved caregiver Rosaleen by her side, she seeks solace from her troubled past and an unconventional family. The quest leads them to the home of three eccentric beekeeping sisters who impart wisdom about life, love, and the strength of female bonds. As Lily uncovers her mother's mysterious past, she learns the power of forgiveness and the sweetness of true connections. This poignant tale is a celebration of resilience and the extraordinary impact of community.
By Sue Monk Kidd
Published: 2003
"The best way to be the best person you can be is to embrace the complexity of love and the power of forgiveness."
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What Readers Say About This Book
The multi-million bestselling novel about a young girl's journey towards healing and the transforming power of love, from the award-winning author of The Invention of Wings and The Book of Longings Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted Black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina—a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of Black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.
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About the Author
Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd is a bestselling American author known for her engaging and lyrical prose that explores themes of spirituality, women's lives, and personal transformation. Her notable works include the acclaimed novels "The Secret Life of Bees," which was adapted into a major motion picture, and "The Invention of Wings," a historical fiction inspired by the life of abolitionist Sarah Grimké. Kidd's writing often weaves elements of her own experiences and reflects her deep interest in women's roles in society and the natural world.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Sue Monk Kidd
- Published
- January 2003
- Publisher
- Penguin
- ISBN
- 0142001740
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 354
- Genres
- Historical FictionFictionLiterary Fiction
Purchase Options
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The Secret Life of Bees
By Sue Monk Kidd
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