Comments on: Author Q & A

By: Sara Waller

Sara Waller — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:06:01 +0000

I have always scoffed and failed to understand when a front cover screams ‘page turner’ or ‘ i couldnt put it down!’ but this has literally just happened to me whilst reading Little Bee. I am visiting cold snowy Alberta, Canada and the intro of inside cover certainly intrigued me to buy this book Chris… very clever. But i was not prepared for the intense beauty and soaring emotions i would feel whilst reading it… It made me feel shame and anger to be British.. and helplessness to the cause of all the atrocities occurring every minute in this world. It helped me on many levels…to understand the refugees plight when I live with racist and prejudiced parents and Canadian husband even! I have brought my own (from former marriage) three kids up as open minded as I can-as Sarah tries with Charlie. I wanted to take Little Bee into my home forever- her joy at the summer dress… on eating the bird seeds… there are so many moments that will stay with me… You are a master at entwining the characters lives within our own psyche.
I began to read this book yesterday at 2pm for 4 hours then finished it in an hour this morning and it amuses me at some of the comments from other readers who craved an ‘ending’ as if it was a soap comedy or something. To know that Little Bee was free in her mind and had laid her sister to rest was so beautiful and brave- I will be seeking out your other novels and lending this one, respectfully to a chosen few.
Thankyou Chris.

Sara.

By: Chris Cleave

Chris Cleave — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:35:48 +0000

Hi Sharon – many thanks for your kind words. I still think one’s passport is the best book one can ever own!

By: Sharon Roy

Sharon Roy — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:37:16 +0000

Chris, I just finished _Little Bee_. I’ve added it, and my little blue (Canadian) passport, to the list of books that have changed my life. As a Westerner, I live a privileged life. I am acutely aware of that. The forces which swept up Sarah and Little Bee are now an even more visible part of my world, and I know I will be seeing and thinking of them often as I go about my daily life. The importance of a personal integrity, of compassion for oneself and others, of the consequences of choice and chance! And that soft green glow of hope. Thanks so much for sharing your perspectives and your words with the rest of us.

-Sharon

By: Benita Weiss

Benita Weiss — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:08:14 +0000

I loved Little Bee and truly thought she would meet Sarah and become her nanny or housekeeper, never expecting what followed. Being a “Free American”, I generally do not focus on things that are going on in Africa and the horrors these people endure.

My only complaint, I need to know what happens to Sarah, Little Bee, and Charlie. I am not so naive as not to think, the worst is about to happen.

When it is my turn for our Book Club meeting, I am going to suggest Little Bee. I am sad for her. Was this at all based on a true experience.

I am looking forward to reading The Other Hand.

Our daughter, Dr. Valerie Weiss is a writer and Director in Hollywood. Google her first film at http://www.losingcontrolmovie.com. It has been in over thirty film festivals.

Hope to hear from you about Sarah and Little Bee and Charlie

Sincerely, Benita (Bonnie)Weiss

By: Jack

Jack — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:16:25 +0000

Chris,
I picked up The Other Hand by pure chance when I was buying a John Grisham novel (something of a guilty pleasure) and the shop I was in was running a buy one get one free offer on books. I’m about four chapters in and if John Grisham is a guilty pleasure I will be shouting ‘Chris Cleave’ from the roof tops. Keep up the good work.

By: Chris Cleave

Chris Cleave — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:44:01 +0000

Hi Paul – thanks for your kind comment. Delighted the book meant something to you.

By: Chris Cleave

Chris Cleave — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:43:27 +0000

Thanks Dheera – hope you will enjoy the rest of it

By: Dheera Kitchlu

Dheera Kitchlu — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:16:16 +0000

I just heard about The Other Hand through my book club and googled it. The first chapter has me hooked. I LOVE your writing style…am off to buy the book right now…..

By: Paul Wise

Paul Wise — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:57:09 +0000

I picked up your book from a friend in Australia and could not for the life of me put it down. It’s inspired me to action and I have chosen to monitor the work of charities more carefully so I can scratch the surface of issues and properly understand them. I think we can become lazy and self-consumed and I want to make sure my decisions can be as well-informed as they can be.

I look forward to reading all of your books and those of your favourite authors.

Thanks,
Paul

By: arlene barewin

arlene barewin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:31:18 +0000

oh my G-d..what can I say, but fabulous….from the first page to the last .
As I read, I would call friends and tell them to buy Little Bee..Hope they do or they will be missing this powerful story.
Thank you introducing the world to Little Bee