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05 January 2012

Book Review

Published in the UK under the name The Other Hand, Little Bee was shortlisted for the Costa Prize for Best Novel. CHRIS CLEAVE lives with his wife and three children in Kingston-upon-Thames, England. Visit www.chriscleave.com.

Little Bee is a remarkable and special story which the author requests is not spoilt by revealing the plot before anyone has the chance to read it.

Nevertheless, I can say that (a) it is extremely funny and (b) a scene set on an African beach is shocking.

The story starts there, but the book doesn't. It is what occurs afterwards that is most important.

The book was given to me by a blogging friend and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to read this amazing story.

The author, Chris Cleave, writes in the front of the book ‘Please don't tell anyone what happens. The magic is in how it unfolds.

I have been given another Chris Cleave book, entitled Incendiary. If it’s as good as Little Bee, I can’t wait to start reading.

11 comments:

  1. Hi Valerie,
    How are you today?
    That is so thoughtful to have received this book from a blog friend.
    That is incredible that the author puts out this recommendation... it builds up the curiosity.

    Rats for me; I can no longer sit and concentrate on reading like I used to be able to do. A goal for when my life will be more settled :)

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  2. ok i will read it....have seen it but know little about it...and cool gnome pic!

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  3. Ooooo....now you have me so CURIOUS as to what this book is all about, Valerie!

    Lately (because I'm not working this month), I've been spending more time in bookstores and also reading books that have been given to me a LONG time ago. Like Barb shared, I spend so much time online that I find it challenging to sit long enough to actually read a book.

    Thanks for sharing this book, dear lady. I will look for it!

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    X

    P.S. LOVE your new blog header! It's AWESOME!!!

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  4. I'm so glad you enjoyed reading it Valerie, as I did. It was so different to anything I'd ever read before and the story line made me think about things in a different way. Please come back and tell us about Incendiary. I saw that in the shops the other day and I wondered...

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  5. With that wonderful review I am going to put this on my list of reads. Thanks Valerie.

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  6. Happy New Year Miss Valerie.

    Great review sweetie and the book sounds like a great read. I'm always on the hunt for a good story.

    God bless and have yourself a beautiful weekend!!! :o)

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  7. I just had it downloaded to kindle. I have finished everything since I have been here in Santa Barbara, thanks for the suggestion.

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  8. Well you've certainly piqued MY interest! I'll have to get this book at the library!

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  9. Passing the information along to the book reader in our household. Thanks Val. Have a great weekend.

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  10. Brian, it's quite unusual the way the story is written.

    Ron, I have specific times when I read, a chapter while I have breakfast and another chapter for bedtime reading. It's what they call disciplined reading :O)

    Star, I started Incendiary today. Wow, the style is unusual. You must read it.

    Banker Chick, I hope you enjoy it.

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