Many thanks to my friends at @randomhouse for the #gifted copy of this book.  

 

 

Powerful.  Shocking.  Thought provoking.  Timely. 

 

Much like the bees… this book has the ability to sting (the heart) while also creating a sweet salve (for change).  

 

Olivia and her son, Asher, found solace back in her hometown of Adams, NH after running from an abusive relationship.  Lily and her mother, Ava, were new to town, hoping it would be a place they could put down much needed, fresh roots.  Within no time, Asher and Lily fell deeply in love.  But everything came crashing down when Lily was found dead in Asher’s arms. 

 

I closed this book last night with my heart in my throat.  Tears streamed down my cheeks.  There are so many good, resonant stories.  But it’s special to find one that will leave a deeply lasting imprint.  And this book had a profound impact on me that left me forever changed.  

 

Picoult has long been a go-to author for me.  With a depth of research and tender prose, she has a way of shining a new light on areas I think I already understand.  With compassionate execution, she creates the perfect balance and dissonance for growth, allowing an even deeper appreciation of whatever the subject matter.  

 

And while Picoult’s name is the one most recognizable to the majority of us, the plot was (quite literally) dreamed up by co-author Jennifer Finney Boylan.  The seamless execution of this novel amplified the storytelling and put Boylan’s own wealth of writing on my radar.  

 

At just under 500 pages, I expected this story to feel arduous at times.  And yet, I flew through it.  The characters: deeply complex, beautifully rendered.  The plot: fast paced, unputdownable.  The writing: seamless transitions between alternating POV.  It was a stellar execution all around.  

 

But it was the use of the bees as metaphor and foreshadowing that brought a distinct sweetness to this story.  

 

It’s also important to note that I went into this book completely and totally blind.  I wanted the characters to speak for themselves.  And I was deeply rewarded for doing so.  Of course there’s a twist. (There’s always a twist.) But letting it play out created a total experience.  If this is in your queue, I strongly suggest you do the same.