Staff Pick
Little Bee (alternate title The Other Hand) by Chris Cleave
If you’re looking for a good book to read this summer, then look no further! Little Bee by Chris Cleave has it all including complex and interesting characters, a solid storyline, adventure, suspense, emotion, as well as a touching note of humanity.
The story begins by introducing Little Bee, a young Nigerian girl who has learned to talk like the Queen while being detained in a British refugee detention centre for over two years. Little Bee's life is entangled, by accident and under horrific circumstances, with the life of another woman, Sarah, a white British magazine editor who lives in Kingston-upon-Thames. Little Bee re-enters Sarah’s life after a tragedy and both women are forced to confront their past demons and help each other adjust to their new lives. Intertwined in their story are a lover, a husband, and Sarah’s young son who always wears a batman costume so that he’s ready to fight “baddies.”
Cleave’s narrative is both inspiring and tragic. He magnificently intertwines the story of Sarah and Little Bee – two completely different characters, into a believable and touching relationship. While reading the story I fell in love with Little Bee’s strong will and resilience and could relate to the flawed and sometimes selfish characteristics of Sarah and her husband.
Now that you’ve heard about one of my favourite books I would love to hear about what you are reading. Please feel free to share your favourite novels or add your thoughts and comments on books that are discussed. I look forward to hearing from you!
Comments