The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a coming of age story that takes place in 1964 South Carolina during the Civil Rights Movement. Lily Owens is a 14 year old white girl whose entire life has been determined by the events surrounding the death of her mother.  Though her memories are vague, her mother’s death still haunts her.  Since that day, she’s been raised by her abusive father, T-Ray, and Rosaleen, the black woman that works as their maid and the only mother figure Lily has ever known.

On her way to register to vote, Rosaleen is harassed by three white men and in response she pours the “juice” from her tabacco on their shoes.  As a result, Rosaleen is arrested and severely beaten.  Lily decides to help Rosaleen escape and the two strike out on a path that will change their lives forever.

Before running away, Lily discovers a picture of the Virgin Mary depicted as a black woman among some of her mother’s things in the attic.  The words “Tiburon, South Carolina” are written on the back and this prompts Lily to hitch-hike with Rosaleen to this small town, hoping to learn more about her mother’s past.

There, she and Rosaleen seek out the Boatwright sisters, August, June, and May, three black women whose Black Madonna Honey jars have the same depiction of the Virgin Mary on their labels.  The sisters take in the disheveled wanderers and soon Lily and Rosaleen find themselves making a new life and a new home with the beekeeping trio.  

This book is a story about loss, forgiveness, self-acceptance, transcendence, and belonging.  There are moments of triumph and moments of heartbreak, but the emotional journey that the characters travel is beautiful.

While the main plot focuses on Lily’s struggle to come to terms with her past and to discover the truth about her mother, I found the themes surrounding the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s extremely poignant at this time. 

I was also fascinated by the inclusion and explanation of the nature of bees, the details about beekeeping, and the use of bees as the dominant symbol throughout the book.  My brother-in-law, Brian McClellan (who also happens to be the author of The Powder Mage Trilogy), keeps bees, and I’ve been lucky enough to sample freshly harvested honey from his hives.  And in case you’re wondering, yes, it is ridiculously delicious!

Every time Kidd described honey slathered on biscuits or described the process of filling up the jars, I felt my mouth start to water.  I’ve never craved honey more in my life than while reading this book.

Reading this novel also induced an intense bout of nostalgia for me and reminded me of my own experiences growing up in North Carolina.  Kidd’s voice throughout the book is so perfectly southern, I could practically hear the southern accents in my mind.  Her descriptions of the South Carolina summer are so accurate and authentic you can almost feel the humidity.

So, if you are looking for a book to take you on a beautifully sad and simultaneously renewing journey, then I highly recommend The Secret Life of Bees. Just make sure you have some honey in your pantry before you get started. You’re going to need it.

Now, Let’s Get Reading!