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Liquid Gold: Bees and the Pursuit of Midlife Honey
After a chance meeting in the pub, Roger Morgan-Grenville and his friend Duncan decide to take up beekeeping. Their enthusiasm matched only by their ignorance, they are pitched into an arcane world of unexpected challenges.
Coping with many setbacks along the way, they manage to create a colony of beehives, finishing two years later with more honey than anyone knows what to do with. By standing back from their normal lives and working with the cycle of the seasons, they emerge with a new-found understanding of nature and a respect for the honeybee and the threats it faces.
Wryly humorous and surprisingly moving, Liquid Gold is the story of a friendship between two unlikely men at very different stages of their lives. It is also an uplifting account of the author’s own midlife journey: coming to terms with an empty nest, getting older, looking for something new.
Coping with many setbacks along the way, they manage to create a colony of beehives, finishing two years later with more honey than anyone knows what to do with. By standing back from their normal lives and working with the cycle of the seasons, they emerge with a new-found understanding of nature and a respect for the honeybee and the threats it faces.
Wryly humorous and surprisingly moving, Liquid Gold is the story of a friendship between two unlikely men at very different stages of their lives. It is also an uplifting account of the author’s own midlife journey: coming to terms with an empty nest, getting older, looking for something new.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2020
13 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 23, 2021
4*
Funny and informative journey through the trials and errors of the beginning beekeeper, Roger Morgan-Grenville. Makes for a good audiobook -- I felt like someone was telling me a story!
Funny and informative journey through the trials and errors of the beginning beekeeper, Roger Morgan-Grenville. Makes for a good audiobook -- I felt like someone was telling me a story!
April 24, 2020
It was getting caught helping himself to a tomato from his grandfather’s vines and a conversation with Mr Fowler, the gardener, that he first became aware of bees. This led to a promise of tea at Mr Fowler’s and a visit to his hive. Having been stung the odd occasion before, being shown 50,000 of them is a wooden box was almost too much, but the gentle reassurance of his mentor meant that his worries ebbed away. Mr Fowler shut the hive up and promised a return visit when it was time to harvest the honey. He never went back.
Roll on a few decades later and he is looking out the window with his friend, and Jim says that is the third one he has seen recently. Third what? is the question; swarm is the reply. Thankfully Jim was once a beekeeper and suggested that Roger tried to take it off the branch and get it into a box. It was going well until he dropped something in the middle of the swarm and it was not long after that, that he spots a couple of bees inside the veil…
Taking Jim’s old hive and with several thousand irritated bees in the boot of the car, he heads home to start his beekeeping adventure. It was one of those pivotal moments though, that little spark that was almost extinguished years earlier was fanned into life once again. It would become a flame after meeting Duncan, a new guy in the village. As they head out of the pub, Duncan picks up a pot of honey from the shelves where people sell a few bits and pieces and nearly falls over at the price. He mentions the failed attempt with the swarm earlier and together they concoct a plan to get a couple of hives.
What could possibly go wrong…
It is the beginning of a warm friendship between the two men as they try to get their heads around these tiny insects as they produce this liquid gold. It is very amusing at times especially when they are at the auction or trying to decide the next plan of action. It is a steep learning curve too, the initial budget is blown out of the water and they suffer setbacks and celebrate successes in equal measure. It is full of poignant moments, a spot of cricket, an expensive bottle of whisky and the odd hangover. I’m not totally sure what the price per pot of honey worked out at, but this isn’t about the money. It is a book about forging friends for life and a growing respect for these amazing insects. It did remind me a little of Allotted Time: Twelve Months, Two Blokes, One Shed, No Idea by Robin Shelton which is a book in a similar vein but about allotments.
Roll on a few decades later and he is looking out the window with his friend, and Jim says that is the third one he has seen recently. Third what? is the question; swarm is the reply. Thankfully Jim was once a beekeeper and suggested that Roger tried to take it off the branch and get it into a box. It was going well until he dropped something in the middle of the swarm and it was not long after that, that he spots a couple of bees inside the veil…
Taking Jim’s old hive and with several thousand irritated bees in the boot of the car, he heads home to start his beekeeping adventure. It was one of those pivotal moments though, that little spark that was almost extinguished years earlier was fanned into life once again. It would become a flame after meeting Duncan, a new guy in the village. As they head out of the pub, Duncan picks up a pot of honey from the shelves where people sell a few bits and pieces and nearly falls over at the price. He mentions the failed attempt with the swarm earlier and together they concoct a plan to get a couple of hives.
What could possibly go wrong…
It is the beginning of a warm friendship between the two men as they try to get their heads around these tiny insects as they produce this liquid gold. It is very amusing at times especially when they are at the auction or trying to decide the next plan of action. It is a steep learning curve too, the initial budget is blown out of the water and they suffer setbacks and celebrate successes in equal measure. It is full of poignant moments, a spot of cricket, an expensive bottle of whisky and the odd hangover. I’m not totally sure what the price per pot of honey worked out at, but this isn’t about the money. It is a book about forging friends for life and a growing respect for these amazing insects. It did remind me a little of Allotted Time: Twelve Months, Two Blokes, One Shed, No Idea by Robin Shelton which is a book in a similar vein but about allotments.
April 3, 2020
The book is amusing, very readable, contains just enough science but crucially it doesn't take itself seriously. It is the story of two novices who see something they think they might like, take it up, make lots of mistakes and eventually make some honey. At this point, like many beekeepers they realise that the point of doing it isn't really to make honey economically. Instead there is a magical something else to doing it which makes all the time and money spent worth it.
The light tone is a big departure from most books about beekeeping which are typically po-faced, opinionated and very serious. We do hobbies because they are fun and rewarding and this is a reminder that beekeeping is both. Of course there is responsibility to owning 100,000 head of livestock, but emphasising the seriousness of the endeavour first isn't the way to attract new participants. This might be the point of them because participation is at all time highs. The environment that honey bees are in is under pressure, but their numbers are just fine. Beekeeping is a fun thing to do but it is mostly neutral to the plight of bees and pollinations (I would argue Bumblebees are more important for the latter). If you really want to help then you need to plant lots of suitable forage, campaign for those to do the same around you and add to the pressure to ban pesticides.
One of the reasons I found it relatable was that I started keeping bees at a similar time to the author, bought my bees from the same person in the book (including driving to the same wrong place to pick them up) and also lost half of them after they decided to move house a few months after installing them in their luxury new home. I can also confirm that honey shows are very peculiar affairs.
This is a really good read for anyone interested in what its like to start beekeeping or generally curious about the strange subculture built around amateur apiculture. It's also suitable for any beekeeping widows and widowers who have been suffering their partners disappearing for afternoons at a time, coming back swollen in strange places and smelling of woodsmoke. It is quick to read and really enjoyable.
The light tone is a big departure from most books about beekeeping which are typically po-faced, opinionated and very serious. We do hobbies because they are fun and rewarding and this is a reminder that beekeeping is both. Of course there is responsibility to owning 100,000 head of livestock, but emphasising the seriousness of the endeavour first isn't the way to attract new participants. This might be the point of them because participation is at all time highs. The environment that honey bees are in is under pressure, but their numbers are just fine. Beekeeping is a fun thing to do but it is mostly neutral to the plight of bees and pollinations (I would argue Bumblebees are more important for the latter). If you really want to help then you need to plant lots of suitable forage, campaign for those to do the same around you and add to the pressure to ban pesticides.
One of the reasons I found it relatable was that I started keeping bees at a similar time to the author, bought my bees from the same person in the book (including driving to the same wrong place to pick them up) and also lost half of them after they decided to move house a few months after installing them in their luxury new home. I can also confirm that honey shows are very peculiar affairs.
This is a really good read for anyone interested in what its like to start beekeeping or generally curious about the strange subculture built around amateur apiculture. It's also suitable for any beekeeping widows and widowers who have been suffering their partners disappearing for afternoons at a time, coming back swollen in strange places and smelling of woodsmoke. It is quick to read and really enjoyable.
April 8, 2024
Well this was annoying.
Liquid Gold: How to Kill Many Many Bees because you don't know what the fuck you're doing and won't take advice from people who do.
I think it's fairly obvious that the author of this book only ever saw pound signs and the potential for making money from honey production, rather than give two shits about the declining bee population. All we hear about is how he wants to cut corners to get the best return possible. The book is like one long unfunny dad joke. The only person with any sense appears to be his long suffering wife.
Eugh, not worth the time spent reading. I'd rather have just visited a beekeepers association open day or workshop.
Liquid Gold: How to Kill Many Many Bees because you don't know what the fuck you're doing and won't take advice from people who do.
I think it's fairly obvious that the author of this book only ever saw pound signs and the potential for making money from honey production, rather than give two shits about the declining bee population. All we hear about is how he wants to cut corners to get the best return possible. The book is like one long unfunny dad joke. The only person with any sense appears to be his long suffering wife.
Eugh, not worth the time spent reading. I'd rather have just visited a beekeepers association open day or workshop.
January 12, 2021
“It was, for a fraction of a moment in time, to cup an ear to a sound other than a manufactured one, and to hear instead the gentle voice of a bruised planet.”
Many works on beekeeping come off as either cheesy and childish or elitist and inaccessible. This book is the exception. It can be read, understood, and enjoyed by people who know absolutely nothing about honeybees, or by the seasoned beekeeper who has been at it for years.
It is beautifully written and captures the urgent need to address the plight of the honeybee and to enjoy the small things in life, because they usually mean the most in the end.
Many works on beekeeping come off as either cheesy and childish or elitist and inaccessible. This book is the exception. It can be read, understood, and enjoyed by people who know absolutely nothing about honeybees, or by the seasoned beekeeper who has been at it for years.
It is beautifully written and captures the urgent need to address the plight of the honeybee and to enjoy the small things in life, because they usually mean the most in the end.
March 21, 2023
An incredibly funny and life affirming book about two friends who decide to keep bees, this tells a story of humour and heartbreak all involving the furry little insects that we should all love more than most other animals.
I've always had a healthy interest in bees but this book really does inspire me to pursue beekeeping in some capacity and to continue to read and protect those yellow and black creatures that we so desperately rely upon.
I've always had a healthy interest in bees but this book really does inspire me to pursue beekeeping in some capacity and to continue to read and protect those yellow and black creatures that we so desperately rely upon.
August 7, 2021
I laughed out loud so many times reading this book. I got inspired to keep a couple of beehives of my own. Little things can make a huge difference to the environment and I can’t wait to be a part of it. Thank you for the inspiration … and the laughs :-)
April 18, 2022
Loved this book, an honest account of the authors journey into becoming a bee-keeper. He writes about his experiences along the way and also provides technical examples and history and economics associated with bees, fascinating.
June 20, 2023
Lovely writing - warm, engaging and packed with simple wisdom. As an amateur beekeeper, there is a stack of great info, as well as some timely reflections.
November 19, 2023
Lovely little book about a friendship forged raising bees. As I am about to retire and started looking into keeping bees to help the ecosystem this was a happy way to learn about the mistakes you can make but that it doesn’t take much to make a difference if your willing.
May 16, 2020
The author is first exposed to bee's at the tender age of nine and leads later in life at his first attempt to keep a hive which results in failure when he collects a wild swarm. Time goes by and he meets a new arrival into the neighbor hood as they are walking home from the pub they pass a produce stand and notice a jar of honey which leads to the discussion of the authors failed first attempt at keeping a hive and his willingness to pass on the hive to his new acquaintance. Dave his new friend is willing as long it is a fifty-fifty partnership and so the story takes off.
You follow along these two attempt to prepare the setting for a new hive. At times this is definitely humorous as these friends seem like bumbling fools. You will ride along with these two as they buy the many things that are necessary and unnecessary to be ready for the arrival of their ne colony. As their knowledge grows so does their friendship and the beekeeping seems to provide to both something in their lives they are looking for to balance things out.
This is the second book I have read recently concerning beekeeping in England and in my opinion this one compared to Helen Jukes recent book on bees which I thought was a lot more technical. This was a nice read and humorous at times and still informative. If I had to pick one to recommend first this would be it. I received an ARC from Edelweiss and Ingram Publisher for a fair and honest review
You follow along these two attempt to prepare the setting for a new hive. At times this is definitely humorous as these friends seem like bumbling fools. You will ride along with these two as they buy the many things that are necessary and unnecessary to be ready for the arrival of their ne colony. As their knowledge grows so does their friendship and the beekeeping seems to provide to both something in their lives they are looking for to balance things out.
This is the second book I have read recently concerning beekeeping in England and in my opinion this one compared to Helen Jukes recent book on bees which I thought was a lot more technical. This was a nice read and humorous at times and still informative. If I had to pick one to recommend first this would be it. I received an ARC from Edelweiss and Ingram Publisher for a fair and honest review
July 5, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars. LIQUID GOLD was a delightful read/listen that I enjoyed returning to when walking and gardening outside. I purchased the audio and look forward to listening again in the future. I found it entertaining, educational and fun. The time passed so quickly. (I rounded up to a 5 due to the excellent narration by Mattacks). :D
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & would read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
LIQUID GOLD is an entertaining memoir describing the author’s adventure into beekeeping - he and his new friend (2 hard working, married English dudes, 1 in his 50’s & the other mid-30’s looking for a new distraction) progress from clueless novices to (mostly) satisfied & successful hobbyists. I listened to the audiobook wonderfully performed by Simon Mattacks. He is excellent in accents, humor and at teasing the listener into the story. (I also enjoy him in TA Williams’ Small Italian village Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery series). I purchased LIQUID GOLD because the subject interested me and I recognized Mattacks name. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in:
> Natural Sciences
> Natural foods
> Entertaining memoirs
> Excellently performed audiobooks
> Gardening, organic foods
> Indicator species like bees
> Unique, captivating & humorous nonfiction books
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Just the bees.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & would read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
LIQUID GOLD is an entertaining memoir describing the author’s adventure into beekeeping - he and his new friend (2 hard working, married English dudes, 1 in his 50’s & the other mid-30’s looking for a new distraction) progress from clueless novices to (mostly) satisfied & successful hobbyists. I listened to the audiobook wonderfully performed by Simon Mattacks. He is excellent in accents, humor and at teasing the listener into the story. (I also enjoy him in TA Williams’ Small Italian village Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery series). I purchased LIQUID GOLD because the subject interested me and I recognized Mattacks name. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in:
> Natural Sciences
> Natural foods
> Entertaining memoirs
> Excellently performed audiobooks
> Gardening, organic foods
> Indicator species like bees
> Unique, captivating & humorous nonfiction books
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Minimal, if any.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Just the bees.
October 25, 2023
This book had me from Chapter one. It was cute and quirky and well written from the authors point of view. I have wanted to be a bee keeper for awhile and this book thru a wonderful and silly story tells you the ups and downs and what to expect from your first year as a bee keeper. The author is from England where the book takes place so if you are from the US somethings may be a little off like the price of items and wording used.
The author starts his journey rather unexpectedly by taking a hive from his friends yard and thinking that he can become a bee keeper overnight.
He befriends a fellow neighbor who becomes a friend and they embark on this journey together documenting their success and failures that have come along. Its hard to not become invested in their success through out the book and feel their pain during their downs and losses.
A book to truly tell you the best things and the worst things about bees. No sugar coating it here.
The author starts his journey rather unexpectedly by taking a hive from his friends yard and thinking that he can become a bee keeper overnight.
He befriends a fellow neighbor who becomes a friend and they embark on this journey together documenting their success and failures that have come along. Its hard to not become invested in their success through out the book and feel their pain during their downs and losses.
A book to truly tell you the best things and the worst things about bees. No sugar coating it here.
March 8, 2023
Completely brilliant and entirely charming, this book is a quick and fun read. Being a beekeeper certainly added to my enjoyment and a hearty chuckle leapt from my throat more than a few times. A well recommended read for anyone interested in bees.
My only criticism is that while the author admits they are an amateur beekeeper, and while their advice on how to help bees currently struggling is almost entirely excellent, it offers the suggestion that more people should be keeping bees. This is a nuanced point that some (not all) keepers disagree with and creates more issues for native pollinators than it solves. Even so, the book is brilliant and deserves an unequivocal 5 stars.
My only criticism is that while the author admits they are an amateur beekeeper, and while their advice on how to help bees currently struggling is almost entirely excellent, it offers the suggestion that more people should be keeping bees. This is a nuanced point that some (not all) keepers disagree with and creates more issues for native pollinators than it solves. Even so, the book is brilliant and deserves an unequivocal 5 stars.
January 6, 2021
This is pretty much what it says on the tin . Notes from a middle class middle aged man learning to keep bees... all the while absorbing touching life lessons like " it's nice to have friends" "going outside is good" and "working with nature is better than working for the man" etc . I did learn quite a bit about bees and what's involved in keeping them, which was my main goal
October 2, 2020
What a delightful book! The author brings a big dose of humility and self-deprecation -- as well as humour -- to his personal story of a global issue. I've always had beekeeping as a "maybe, one day" goal. So maybe, one day ...
April 19, 2023
I went into this book already intrigued with bees and bee keeping, and this definitely expanded my interest. But, I love that it's entertaining as well, and I think even people that aren't interested in bees will find it worth the read. 4.5 Stars
November 9, 2024
Delightful! Quite entertaining to take this journey for the beginning beekeepers and the powerful connections made by doing so. As a newcomer to beekeeping (just a few years in), I enjoyed the witty nature of this story, it’s very relatable!
December 4, 2025
When Roger left his job and was looking for a new hobby, he joined forces with Duncan to keep bees and get some honey.
A light-hearted look into their starting journey, mistakes and triumphs.
Beekeepers (current and prospective) along with anyone fascinated by bees will enjoy this tale
A light-hearted look into their starting journey, mistakes and triumphs.
Beekeepers (current and prospective) along with anyone fascinated by bees will enjoy this tale
May 18, 2020
This book is as much about friendship, moving through the different stages of life and quitting the rat face as it is about bees and beekeeping.
A delightful, witty and interesting read.
A delightful, witty and interesting read.
September 6, 2020
A delightful book.
September 8, 2020
As a first-year beekeeper, I finished this book in two days and plan to add it to my personal library. Wonderful memoir with plenty to learn thrown in!
February 9, 2022
A light read about Roger and Duncan commencing their new found hobby of beekeeping.
August 9, 2022
More technically detailed (in relation to information about bees and beekeeping) than I expected. More informative and philosophical than plot driven but still an enjoyable read.
July 30, 2023
Funny easy to read and informative
January 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this. Loads of fascinating facts about bees and beekeeping. All written in a light hearted but well researched way.
July 2, 2024
Loved this book! His experience beekeeping was very much like mine!
December 31, 2024
A little bit redundant and slow to start but turned out good. Very informative and often times funny.
January 27, 2025
Entertaining and clear description of beekeeping
Novice beekeeper describes, in lovely and humorous prose, the journey from "how hard can this be?" to dedicated bee champion.
Novice beekeeper describes, in lovely and humorous prose, the journey from "how hard can this be?" to dedicated bee champion.
February 28, 2025
Delightful. Exquisite British humor and heartwarming reflections on aging, becoming friends with someone half your age and not giving up in the face of adversity. I want to be a beekeeper too when I’m a grandpa!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews