This is a charming book that deserves attention. Set in the 60's against the backdrop of racial struggle in American south, this book reminded me of "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. The main focus of the story, however, is a 14 year old girl's quest to reconnect with her mother who she accidentally shot dead at the age of 4 during a family dispute. Having been raised by a harsh and unyielding father who harbours resentment towards his dead wife and punishes his daughter because of it, Lily yearns for love from her mother. She is convinced that learning all about her will connect her with this love and grant her forgiveness for taking her life. When racial tension reaches it's peak one summer afternoon involving Rosaleen, the black servant who has served as a surrogate mother to Lily, an opportunity presents itself for Lily to embark on a journey of freedom. Running away from home, Lily and Rosaleen find refuge in the home of three beekeeping sisters where the mystery of her mother unfolds and where Lily finds the nurturing that she has missed out on since her mother's death. This is an engaging story of prejudice, forgiveness, discovery and acceptance, cleverly paralleled with complicated and fascinating life of bees. If you like honey, you will crave it the entire span of the book!
