Nature Literature discussion

Please add your comments on The History of Bees here.

Well, folks. We made an error and I didn't realize that this book had already been the October BOTM in 2018. However, it looks like we didn't have any traction on it that time, so I have started it up again for 2022. Hopefully we get some people to take part in the discussion this time around! ;)

I read this one a couple of years ago, and thought it was a good one. It’s interesting how the three timelines work together.

Really grateful this BOM has found its way to the fore again. I am 75% through and it is a masterpiece. Wow. Layered and complex. Keen to share some thoughts by the end of the week, when I am done.

I loved History of Bees. Just finished it last night. It's really good (enough that I gave it five stars in my review) but it not perfect. The end is sadly rushed. There are gems of information that would have been richer with a few more sentences each. I would have preferred that last chapter to be expanded to two. It's not the plot or reveal ... just the level of detail.
There are a few gaps in the three threads where a more even hand could have had stronger impact too. This links to the previous comment but the connection between the three threads really does need some linkages seeded a bit earlier (Charlotte taking responsibility for the child, the path for George and his son, how bees survived extinction etc)

But, I am being super picky in bringing the few flaws to the fore. It's hard writing a book. Even harder to write something with prescience, and that is what Lunde has achieved here. Prescience. This book is subtly, beautifully instructive without ramming the premise of ecological collapse down your throat.

Read it for the beautiful prose. Enjoy it for the complex character development and let your subconscious absorb Lunde's message. Highly, highly recommended.

Thanks for that thoughtful review, Margi! I didn't get a chance to source a copy in enough time, but I will add it to my wishlist.

I'm almost done with the book, and I'm loving it! The characters are fantastic and well developed, I love how she incorporates bees into the different story lines, and the loss of bees and their impact seem authentic. Overall, an excellent story.

This book was excellent; I love how she wrapped up all the story lines in the end. Will definitely recommend this book to other people.