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The Death of Bees: A Novel
by Lisa O'Donnell

Published: 2013-01-02
Hardcover : 320 pages
18 members reading this now
7 clubs reading this now
7 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 3 members

A riveting, brilliantly written debut novel, The Death of Bees is a coming-of-age story in which two young sisters attempt to hold the world at bay after the mysterious death of their parents.

Marnie and Nelly, left on their own in Glasgow's Hazlehurst housing estate, attempt to avoid ...

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Introduction

A riveting, brilliantly written debut novel, The Death of Bees is a coming-of-age story in which two young sisters attempt to hold the world at bay after the mysterious death of their parents.

Marnie and Nelly, left on their own in Glasgow's Hazlehurst housing estate, attempt to avoid suspicion until Marnie can become a legal guardian for her younger sister.

Written with fierce sympathy and beautiful precision, and told in alternating voices, The Death of Bees by Lisa O’Donnell is an enchanting, grimly comic tale of lost souls who, unable to answer for themselves, can answer only for each other.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Does this remind you in any way of Janette Walls' Glass Castle?
Would you consider the book as having a 'happy ending' ?
What does rain have to do with story and foreshadowing, cleansing, revelations?
by maril (see profile) 12/11/13

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

book foods
by maril (see profile) 12/11/13
Scottish foods in book. Nelly loves cornflakes with Coke. Lennie makes them food to establish a family feel.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Sue F. (see profile) 06/13/18

 
  "Edgy!"by kelly s. (see profile) 04/21/14

This book is not for the squeamish - edgy, razor sharp dialog and writing style. Very on the edge of your seat. I didn't pick this for our book group but glad to have the chance to have read something... (read more)

 
  "dark comedy"by Marilyn C. (see profile) 12/11/13

Chapters by different characters that give different points of view of the same information or incident. Dark but interesting and quick read.

 
  "The Death of Bees"by Elizabeth P. (see profile) 07/17/13

If you ever wondered what a dysfunctional family was, read THE DEATH OF BEES, and you will no longer be wondering.

Marnie and Nelly lived with their parents who were not married and who n

... (read more)

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