21 Mar Book Review: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Some books don’t just tell a story—they wrap you in their warmth, make you feel like you’re living inside their pages, and leave you with a bittersweet ache when they’re over. The Secret Life of Bees is one of those books. It’s a beautifully written, deeply emotional novel about love, loss, and finding family in the most unexpected places. Sue Monk Kidd’s storytelling is rich, immersive, and full of heart, making this a book that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.

What’s it about?

Set in 1964 South Carolina, The Secret Life of Bees follows Lily Owens, a fourteen-year-old girl who has spent most of her life haunted by the memory of her mother’s death. Lily’s childhood has been shaped by tragedy—when she was four years old, her mother, Deborah Fontanel, died in a violent accident, an event that Lily barely remembers but feels responsible for.

Lily has grown up under the care of her cruel and distant father, T. Ray, a man who seems to resent her very existence. He’s emotionally abusive, cold, and unloving, treating Lily more like an inconvenience than a daughter. Her only source of comfort is Rosaleen, their Black housekeeper and nanny, who provides Lily with the love and warmth her father never gives her. Rosaleen is fierce and independent, unafraid to speak her mind, and despite the racial tensions of the era, she refuses to back down from injustice.

When Rosaleen attempts to register to vote—a right newly granted to Black citizens under the Civil Rights Act of 1964—she is confronted by a group of racist men who insult and attack her. Instead of backing down, Rosaleen fights back, landing herself in jail. When Lily visits her, she realizes that Rosaleen’s life is in serious danger—especially with the sheriff looking the other way. Desperate to save the only person who has ever truly loved her, Lily breaks Rosaleen out of jail, and the two of them flee town with no real plan and nowhere to go.

Lily’s only clue to her mother’s past is a small picture of a Black Virgin Mary with the words “Tiburon, South Carolina” written on the back. Believing this place holds the key to understanding her mother, she and Rosaleen set out on a journey that leads them to the Boatwright sisters—three remarkable Black women who run a thriving beekeeping business.

The Boatwright sisters—August, June, and May—live in a bright pink house and exude a sense of warmth and wisdom that immediately draws Lily in. August, the eldest and the matriarch of the household, is strong, wise, and deeply compassionate. She runs the Black Madonna Honey company, teaching Lily about beekeeping and, in turn, about life. June is resistant to Lily at first, skeptical of a white girl suddenly showing up at their doorstep, but she’s fiercely loyal to her sisters and dedicated to her work as a teacher. May, the most sensitive of the three, carries the weight of the world’s pain on her shoulders, retreating to her special “wailing wall” whenever she’s overwhelmed by grief.

As Lily settles into her new life with the Boatwrights, she begins to find the love and acceptance she never had at home. She works with the bees, learns their rhythms and their wisdom, and for the first time in her life, feels like she belongs somewhere. August becomes a mother figure to her, teaching her about patience, kindness, and the strength of women. She introduces Lily to the Black Madonna, a powerful symbol of female strength and resilience that serves as the spiritual heart of their home.

But even in this newfound sanctuary, Lily’s past is never far behind. She wrestles with the truth about her mother—why she left, what really happened the day she died, and whether she was truly loved. When the truth is finally revealed, it’s not the fairy tale Lily had hoped for, but something far more complex and deeply human.

Meanwhile, the world outside the Boatwrights’ home is still filled with racial tension and violence. Lily witnesses the struggles of Black Americans firsthand, particularly in her growing relationship with Zach, a Black teenager who works with the Boatwrights. Zach is ambitious, intelligent, and kind, but their budding romance is overshadowed by the harsh realities of the segregated South. When Zach is arrested on false charges, Lily sees just how dangerous the world can be for those who dare to dream beyond society’s limitations.

The story builds to an emotional climax when tragedy strikes, forcing Lily to confront the truth about her mother, her father, and herself. She must decide whether to return to the life she ran from or embrace the new family she’s found.

The novel ends on a poignant and hopeful note, as Lily finally finds peace—not through perfect answers, but through the love and strength of the women who have taken her in. She realizes that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who choose to love and protect you, no matter what.

What This Chick Thinks

A stunning coming-of-age story

The Secret Life of Bees is one of those books that makes you feel everything. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in themes of love, loss, and resilience, told through the lens of a girl searching for truth and belonging. Lily’s journey is heartbreaking and beautiful, filled with moments of joy, pain, and self-discovery.

Rich, unforgettable characters

The Boatwright sisters are some of the most beautifully written characters I’ve ever encountered. August, in particular, is the kind of woman you wish you could sit down with over a cup of tea just to absorb her wisdom. Rosaleen is fierce and loyal, providing some of the book’s best moments with her humor and strength. Even the minor characters feel real, fully fleshed out with their own struggles and triumphs.

A powerful exploration of race, gender, and love

Sue Monk Kidd doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of racism and sexism in the 1960s South. She paints a vivid picture of what it was like for Black Americans at the time, weaving historical context seamlessly into the narrative. But she also tells a deeply personal story about the power of female relationships, the resilience of love, and the healing nature of chosen family.

Beautiful prose and symbolism

Kidd’s writing is lush, poetic, and immersive. She uses beekeeping as a metaphor for life, drawing parallels between the structured, cooperative world of bees and the community of women who support and nurture one another. The symbolism of the Black Madonna is incredibly moving, representing strength, hope, and the sacredness of womanhood.

Final Thoughts

The Secret Life of Bees is a breathtaking novel that’s equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. It’s about loss and healing, about the power of love and the families we create for ourselves. It’s a book that leaves you feeling changed, comforted, and deeply moved. Whether you’re looking for a coming-of-age story, historical fiction, or a novel that celebrates the strength of women, this one is an absolute must-read.

Rating: 9.5/10

Try it if you like

• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – Another beautifully written coming-of-age story set in the American South, with themes of loneliness and resilience.
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker – A powerful, deeply emotional story about the lives of Black women in the South, filled with love, pain, and hope.
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett – A historical novel exploring race, class, and female friendships in the 1960s, with rich characters and heartfelt storytelling.