Comments on: Reading Group Guide

By: Chris Cleave

Chris Cleave — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:05:34 +0000

Hello LaRay, well, I don’t mind being second to Harper Lee! I’d even settle for being in the top ten, if authors of her caliber are involved. If you wish, you can try to smack me for changing the title – but you’ll have to catch me first!

By: LaRay

LaRay — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:29:46 +0000

You’re second to Harper Lee, Mr. Cleave. Thank you for Little Bee. Thank you. I loved her voice, the fragmented plot, and the message. I do have to tell you that when I learned of the UK title, The Other Hand, I could smack you for changing it to LIttle Bee I can’t wait to read it again. Actually, a colleague just listened to it on CD and enjoyed the reader’s voice/accent, so I may listen to it.

By: Moni

Moni — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:22:20 +0000

Hi Chris,

Thank you for taking on a heavy subject and for writing this beautiful story! I was once a refugee myself, and even though my story is different from LIttle Bee’s, I related to her because, just like her, and just like any refugee out there, I needed to find the courage to survive, to move on, and to rebuild my life in a new country.

As for the ending…I like the fact that it is not concrete – because I can make it to be whatever I want it to be.

Cheers,

By: Gilda Gildenberg

Gilda Gildenberg — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:31:59 +0000

It’s intetresting that the first time I read “Little Bee” I stopped at the horrific scene on the beach- I couldn’t read any more. My book club chose it so I reread it, knowing what was to come and this time loved it. I also was horified. but somehow had hope that all would turn out ok and Bee would stay- it wasn’t to happen. I reread the ending several times and still can’t decide if the soldiers capture or kill Bee. My book club should have a good discussion about this. Any insights on your part would be terrific. I look forward to reading “Gold”. Your descriptions and metaphors are terrific and I’m somewhat envious of your talent.

By: Chris Cleave

Chris Cleave — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:32:55 +0000

Thank you Marion - that is good to hear. I'm especially concerned about the plight of children who become refugees, and in that context it's been sad to watch the very progressive DREAM act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DREAM_Act) being passed by the House but held up in the Senate this year.

By: Marion Wilson

Marion Wilson — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:06:47 +0000

Thank you for my awakening….illegal immigration has many faces….as a resident of Arizonia I was one sided…now I wonder and want to understand the horrors that accompany some of those who cross our borders in search of a better life.

By: hazel

hazel — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:18:47 +0000

would make a brilliant film….has anyone taken this forward

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:19:53 +0000

Hello Chris,
I am a social member of a book club which means I join the girls for dinner and drinks, but never actually read the book. However, this month one of the other girls gave me her copy of Little Bee and said I just had to read it. I don’t spend any time reading because I have 2 small children and I have always had a very hard time staying focused enough to get through a book. I constantly have to re-read sentences over and over because my mind wanders. I have to say…. I ravished your book in just 2 days. It was fantastic! I could not put it down. I love a book that makes me laugh and cry and this book did just that. The only part I found myself “wandering” was when Andrew died and Sarah said something about being married to him for eight years. I had to go back in the book because that timeline did not add up. I know Charlie was 4 and he was concieved on Sarah and Andrew’s honeymoon. So in my mind that tells me they would have been married for no more than 5 years. I had a hard time getting that out of my head. But again, I loved the book and hope to see more from you!

By: Diane Harrison

Diane Harrison — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:28:01 +0000

Dear Mr. Cleave,

My book club will be discussing Little Bee this afternoon. I found the imagary, metaphors, and similies to be some of the most powerfully creative and beautiful ones written in any book that I have read in recent years. Sarah and Little Bee’s struggles were made more human by your mastery. I was appalled by Little Bee’s story, but your use of humor (ie. the girl’s back home), helped make it somewhat more palatable. Given that I have only ever lived in America and Canada, it is still horrific to realize that such atrocities continue to be perpetuated on Earth. Your book has motivated me to learn more about immigration centers in America and what abuses are happening here. However, I am the consumate optimist, and I choose to believe that Little Bee thought she would be at peace—Udo–when she thought, ‘if Charlie was free and that “the life that is in me would find its home in him now. ” She came to terms with her situation. Thank you for this beautifully written story.

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 06:25:15 +0000

Dear Chris and Readers,

This book has inspired me to get involved again with refugees. I used to teach English to them. But, I see there are many other ways to participate in this ‘global village’ we call Earth. I hope I will follow through on my inspiration, and that others go and learn a non-western language, or something more about the countries of origin of asylum seekers. Like other readers, I would love to see a sequel! Thank you.