A review by louisianasmith
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

Another book in the feel good pantheon for women but it lacks all nuance and complexity. It reads like an unrealistic fairy tale where everything is literally black and white with no grey. The central metaphor of mother/queen bee and the "hive" of women is just too weak and obvious. I suspect women will find things to latch on to in this story but it simply reads like someone tried desperately to write for Oprah's Book Club. I prefer layers and complexity to character portrayals,  regardless of the story's intent or overall bias and it's simply missing here. Cartoon cut outs, over used tropes, and a simplistic storyline. There are much better works out there on similar themes. Don't waste your time.