Little Bee (US)
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“Most days I wish I was a British pound coin instead of an African girl.” READ THE FIRST CHAPTER OF ‘LITTLE BEE’ “Little Bee will blow you away” – WASHINGTON POST “There’s one true story in particular that made me determined to write the novel.” “We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret” “Where can I learn more about Nigeria, London, and the real world of refugees and asylum seekers?” |
* NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Shortlisted for the 2008 Costa Novel Award * Nominated for the 2009 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book * Longlisted for IMPAC Dublin Literary Award * A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice |
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| Note: LITTLE BEE is published in the UK, Ireland and Australia as THE OTHER HAND | |||
Entries (RSS)
Of Little Bee…the juxtapositions are too much! I hated it, I loved it, I did laugh, I did cry, I am horrified and I am happy. I had to read the last few chapters again to be certain of what I was reading and I am STILL thinking about it. Mr. Cleave, it is beautiful and it is horrible all at the same time.
I loved, loved, loved the book. I didn’t want the story to end! I finished half the book in one sitting and had to use all my self restraint to not read the entire book in one sitting.
I am about to start teaching your novel to my Grade 12 University English class…I loved it, and I’m very grateful for all the additional websites and resources attached to your home page. Canada is a long way from Nigeria, but my colleagues and I hope our students will profit from learning Little Bee’s story.
This was a magnificent work. I always sound the misogynist when I speak my mind about women characters in books, but I really think that modern women characters are best written about by men. Wally Lamb and Chris Cleave are two powerful examples. There is a distance with male writers which allows the characters to “come clean” about their motives and their desires. Women writers have a tendency to feel they have to qualify their statements through a feminist filter. The male characters in LITTLE BEE are so realistic, too. Neither is too “perfect”; neither has an unrealistic “cross to bear.” This creates a suspense that is intriguing all on its own: Was there an unmentioned reason that the husband killed himself? Will the lover “turn in” Little Bee. Is it wise for his mother to leave Batman alone with Little Bee? Imperfect characters mean real characters and real characters make for more than a light read. Congratulations, Mr. Cleave, on such a wonderfully written novel that will withstand many years.
Bonjour M. Cleave,
Bravo, cent fois bravo pour “Et les hommes sont venus”.
J’en ai parlé ici:
http://andreepoulin.blogspot.com/2010/05/depechez-vous-m-lauteur-jai-hate-de.html
et
ici:
http://andreepoulin.blogspot.com/2010/05/sois-brave-travaille-fort-etudie-bien.html
Andrée
I too loved and hated the book! I was horrified in some parts, crying in some parts and smiling with Batman! I was confused and disappointed in the ending! What happened to Sarah? What happened to Little Bee? Anyone else confused?
I’m from Turkey. Your book was great.If you continue to read books
I read it for Diane Rehm’s Readers Review… waiting for the third of Steig Larsson’s book to come. Needless to say I had to finish Little Bee FIRST! PLEASE a !!! I’m not ready to say goodby to Sarah and Udo! I don’t think even Lisbeth Salander will make me forget about them!!!!
I LEFT OUT THE WORD SEQUEL IN MY COMMENT…..PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
This is one of the best books I ever read. I too have my very own fictional character at home, my 4 yr old daughter Sophia a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty or Little Mermaid depending on the day!! Thank you!!
I have read and fascinated. Words to describe my feelings will remain meaningless. Thank you for writing such a fascinating work..Im sory My English is bad but I want to thank
Dear Chris,
Thank you for writing this beautiful, beautiful book. There are so many things to say about it, so many layers and really lovely aspects to it. Unfortunately, I don’t have a reading group to discuss it with, so I am taking a moment to share some thoughts here. I have at the same time been reading Half the Sky co-written by Nicholas Kristoff and there are so many parallels, I think. At any rate, what I think is most lovely about the story, beyond your style, is that like Kristoff you give the readers an example of what fortunate people can do to change the lives of unfortunate people, and in the process, make their own lives fulfilling.
I just finished your book. At first I was so disappointed in the ending…with not knowing what happens next. But, in truth, we do know what happens. I have decided that I loved the ending because it showed that Little Bee was able to go to her ending in peace and without the fear that haunted her throughout the whole book. This book was so eye-opening for me. I cry for the people living these lives and hope that, if faced with the same choice, I would have the strength to respond the way Sarah did.
I too could not put this book down and must say I did not realize til the end that it was written by a man – read it as an ebook, therefore no cover to remind me of the author’s name – boy did you nail the women’s voices!!!!! However, I concur with an earlier commenter that I was very very very disturbed by the ending – after investing so much in Little Bee, tell me she is certainly going to be murdered…(hope no one is reading this who hasn’t finished the book) – I’d love you to tell me it ain’t so, but that’s for sure the way I read it…..
Dearest Chris
I´a South african living in Denmark.
I have just finished reading your book, oh man …I´ve never cried so mutch in a long time. I do not no what to say I just felt like doing some thing. The sad part about Little Bee story is, it is happening now
[...] reading The Little Bee. I am enjoying it so much that I would have finished it in one sitting, but as you might expect, [...]
kitap harika bittiği zaman bile tekrar okumak istedim çok teşekkürler güzel ve anlamlı bir şekilde yazılmışşş
I absolutely loved Little Bee. I could not put it down…it was such a thrilling read. I can only think of a few authors who hold my attention in such a gripping way. Hats off to Chris Cleave.
I am still not entirely sure what happened to Little Bee at the end of the story. I would like to think she was not killed by the soldiers. She was
an extraordinary character. Mr. Cleave can you clarify for me the ending; surely it could not have ended hopelessly.
Thanks for the good read. I really enjoyed it! I don’t usually comment on blogs but this one really was interesting. I will bookmark for later.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your extraordinary book. My husband flew through it, and I did the same. It has moved me like nothing I have read before, and inspired me to live a more gratitude filled life. Thank you for your tremendous honesty and courage in bringing Little Bee’s story to us. I am so saddened to think that there are millions of precious Little Bees all around the world right at this moment, but inspired to take action in some small way. Life, despite everything, is still so beautiful. I can’t wait to pass my copy on to many, many loved ones. We must take care of each other.
Thank you,
Olivia
i almost read this book,just left few page.i love their relationship in story.it’s very touched me..from korea
Hey Chris, I picked up your book yesterday in the Birmingham Alabama airport…and dove into it on my flight first to Chicago…then on to San Francisco…and finished it just as the wheels touched ground…
This was such a moving book…and it broke my heart, and made me cry sitting terribly close to complete strangers…made me hold back my sobs…made me mad…and laugh…and sad…and motivated to DO SOMETHING!!!
I must say that if anyone out there is also motivated to do something, but doesn’t know where to start…check out Women for Women international ( http://www.womenforwomen.org/). They help women from Nigera, the Congo…and all the other…”Then the men came” countries, start their own businesses. So far, I have helped 3 women from Africa start to support their families as enterpreneurs… give a woman a goat…and she will make milk, cheese…and more goats to sell…and there you go. I just did something. So…my heart can cry a little less…knowing that as I sit here in my uber comfortable completely FREE existance, and “The men are coming..” somewhere else…I can say a prayer, write a little check, send her my picture, and I don’t have to cut off my middle finger to save her life. But I would. Really.
thanks for being such a wonderful writer. You ROCK. C
Mr.Cleave,
DD
Your book was very touching
I have never read a fiction book with so much details
I totally felt what Sarah and Little Bee were thinking-I felt as if I were one of them.
I just wanted to thank you for writing this book…it changed my view on life
Help! I need closure. What happened to Sara and Little Bee……….I Loved the characters and hope we will hear more about them.
Anne
Mr. Cleave-
I am in awe of Little Bee. Once it was in my hands, it was difficult to set down, even if only for a moment. It’s been a while since I have read a book quite like yours. It touched me, it opened up eyes, it made me remember, and it gave me hope. You sew your words so perfectly; I felt like I was on the beach with Little Bee, like I was standing in Sarah’s garden, like I saw Batman cry with my own eyes. Thank you for a beautifully written novel. They don’t come along everyday….
Thank you, Chris Cleave, for writing such a powerful and moving book and thank you, Caroline James, for posting the “women for women international” link in your comment on June 7th. I too finished Little Bee (2 nights ago) with that sense of having to do something…After reading your post I went straight to their website, discovered an amazing organization doing something incredibly important for women whose lives, like Little Bee’s, have been torn apart by violence and war, and become a monthly donor. It’s not a huge thing…But at least it is something.
Like many other people posting comments here, I am distressed by the ending of the book…I actually stumbled upon this website in a quest to find out what people were making of it, and hoping to find some hope, somewhere or somehow, for Little Bee where we left her on that beach. Little Bee no longer feels like a fictional character to me…I feel like I have to know what happens next, even if I equally dread what that might be.
THE BEST book i have read in many years! Thank you for communicating so wonderfully!
Thank you Chris for a wonderfully written book that made me laugh and cry, happy and sad, even angry at times. The emotions were overwhelming. The end leaves me craving for more!
This book was just incredible, it really gripped me from the first to last page…. wonderful story….
All I can say is thankyou Chris…
Might I ask the difference between the US edition and the UK edition?
Hi Chris,
Your book is wonderfully written. I am not really a novel fan, but I would honestly say that I loved your book very much. It is indeed a very touching one. Though I am not so impressed of its ending (What happens to Sarah, Lil Bee and of course BATMAN), over all I rate the book high.
Thanks so much Chris
majestic work of art. you gave voice and life to the “country of refugees” that few know about
more stories need to be told. i have seen the border of the Us and Mexico… sharing stories is eye opening and can make a difference, or at least touch a heart
we need more compassion in this world, thank you Chris Cleave for caring
I devoured this book in about 4 days. It was so painful, so hopeful. I threw the book down when things got to descriptive, but had to pick it up to find out what happened next. Your use of language was awesome. It was horribly sad and wonderfully hopeful. This moved me on so many levels. I also think it was great that I couldn’t tell you were not a woman in writing from their perspectives. I had no idea of what has been happening in Africa nor how refugees are being treated. Thank you so much for shedding light on these things. One of the BEST books I’ve read this year!
hei, wow what a wonderful book, i never wanted to put it down even for a second and i never wanted to end reading it. I remember sitting in the buss several times and seeing the poster of this book and it was like a sign that i had to get and read it. I enjoyed every chapter and got more curious and gats to seattle and enjoy this wonderful peace of work, i wish there was a continuation of it, just to know what happened with little Bee and the rest. i cant wait til the movie comes out, i guess i have to wait longer since i live in Norway:P but i loved it and please keep doing a good jobb. Planing to read the other book that u have written. Little Bee is a great book, and i will reccomend my friends to read it. WOW what a story, with tears, laughters and thoughts:D good work Chris.
This book really changes many views of life, kept me thinking what goes arround the world, a place where u’ve never been and what people go through. Wonderful, i loved it, i have to brag about this book, it’s a book for everybody to read.
Chris,
I’ve never read any of your work before. Little Bee was given to me by a friend/neighbor who knows my taste in literature. So I thought! Like many readers, once it was in my hands, I could barely put it down. This was nothing at all like type of book I would ever pick up on my own. I am so grateful to my friend to sharing this wonderful write with me. I can’t wait to read Incendiary next and look forward to future works by you. Thank you for all of the wonderful characters. Little Bee will stay with me for a very long time.
this book just makes me speechless. well done, chris! it keeps buzzing in my head (now its hive).
Jumping from one character to another and with so many details, I really enjoyed your book. But for me, the most inspiring part of the book was your description about the balance of modern marriages and the dramatic disappointment moments of women&male characters. Furthermore, I’m impressed to listen to a man who describe us so real (as a woman, 39). Congratulations from Istanbul!
Just finished the book. My eyes are puffy from tears. You have written something so powerful and yet easy to read about issues that are light years from easy. A triumph. Thanks for pushing through, doing your homework and giving such rich voices to these fictional people. May we all save our own Little Bee.
Suggested your book for my book club. We will be meeting tomorrow to discuss. I relish these comments as sometimes it’s hard to focus on the book without getting into current politics – love the discussion questions at the end.
Amazing, captivating and inspiring. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I absolutely love it.
I read Little Bee, you write beautifully. I thought the end was not what I expected. I knew the end would be bad for Sarah, Little Bee and Larwence. The child Charlie, did Sarah really love him? Or was he a reminder of her bad choices in life? Little Bee was a survivor, and that was great. She was the best character in the book. I think she loved Charlie more than his Mom. You never really explained,truly how Sarah felt when Bee told her about how Andrew died. To me it was was an important part of the book, and you didn’t explain it well. I did like the book. The end is very frustrating, are you going to write a second book about it? There was no closure for me.
This book is absolutely touching. It evoked so many emotions within me: horror, anger, happiness, and sadness. It is truly a special story. BRAVO, Mr. Cleave; I believe you have written one of the most unique books ever.
Mr. Cleave…this is one of the best books I have read in a long long time and I think it will become a classic, a book that people will continue to read and be moved by. I laughed, I cried….I was frustrated and I was angry. Books are only as good as the emotions they evoke and you have written an amazing story. Thank you for giving this book to us.
I loved the book, the ending left me so confused, What happened to Little Bee & Sarah?
Carolyn
Güzel kitapti. Olayların gerçek olabilme ihtimali ise üzücü! Okuma fırsatı bulduğum için mutluyum.
LOVE YOUR BOOK. If it is made into a movie, I have this image in my mind of the ending, where Sarah, Lawrence, and Charlie are running to catch Little Bee on the plane, with the song, Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine. It gives me goosebumps when I hear the song, and I can only think of your story when I hear the song. You are an amazing writer and storyteller. Thank you for writing Little Bee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny4deVFsYuo
hi mr cleave, i’m writing from TÜRKİYE. library journal is right:it is the second book which effected me after the kite runner.i read it while i was studing an important exam for my life nd have finished yet. i’m still shocked nd i dunno wht should i feel. thnks for everybody who did anythng for ths book.
I haven’t read this yet, but I want to so bad!