Book-a-Week Wednesday: Little Bee

One week down, one book down! To be honest, Little Bee, by Chris Cleave, was such an engaging story that I actually finished it Sunday and have been waiting (impatiently) for book-a-week Wednesday to roll around so that I could discuss it with you!

If you remember my introduction to Little Bee last week, I mentioned how the back jacket implores readers to keep the story secret from friends, suggesting that the "magic is in how the story folds." At the time, I found this disarmingly charming, but now I realize it puts me in a difficult position as someone who vowed to blog about the book...so what to do? Well, I think I'll honor the author's request and focus my review on the book's dual narrative, rather than its plot.

The book's two main characters are Little Bee, a young Nigerian refugee, and Sarah, a sophisticated British journalist; the story consists of a delicate weaving together of their voices to construct a richly layered narrative. This back-and-forth of perspectives allows the reader access to both characters' inner thoughts while gaining multiple interpretations of the book's characters and events. Although both of these voices feel new and genuine, Little Bee is especially captivating; just as the book jacket addresses the reader directly, so does this sixteen-year old survivor. She is earnest and kind and funny and sad and true--through her eyes we can see our own world differently. Adding to the richness of voice in this book are the reoccurring imaginary conversations Little Bee has with the girls from her Nigerian village. As we hear their shock and confusion over her experiences in London, we can start to understand the vast cultural gulf that Little Bee is attempting to navigate.

I think one of the most interesting results of using a dual narrative is how it heightens our awareness of self and other. Without giving too much away, a lot of what this story focuses on is what we are willing to sacrifice for others versus what we must do to survive ourselves, and the extent to which either option must irrevocably change lives. This is a book about wanting and taking, suffering and surviving, horror and beauty and all of their consequences. In its review of the book, The Washington Post states that the story is, "both surprising and inevitable," and I have to agree. Little Bee has its flaws and so do its main characters, but it shows a sort of surprising grace in the way it chooses to unfold its message. If you are looking for an enthralling story told with wit and compassion (and you have an iron stomach!), then you should definitely check out this book.

Before signing off for the day, I want to remind you, my lovely readers, that this week's book of the week is All the Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy. Also, I have settled on a selection for next week: The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. This story--about "three ordinary women who are about to take an extraordinary step"--comes highly recommended (including a good review from the Mom-Squad), so if you haven't already read it, pick up a copy!