« older | Main Largehearted Boy Page | newer »
July 18, 2010
24 Down, 28 To Go "Little Bee" (52 Books, 52 Weeks)
One of the reasons I continue the 52 Books, 52 Weeks series is that it gives me the chance to read books that don't fit into the Book Notes series (for various reasons). Last year friends raved to me about Chris Cleaves' novel, Little Bee, but I put off reading it (past the first several pages) when the author regretfully turned down an opportunity to participate in the Book Notes series. The first chapter is captivating, but the book soon was swallowed by an avalanche of incoming review copies. Thankfully, earlier this year the paperback edition arrived at my door, reminding me of the first chapter's promise.
Little Bee is at times horrifying, brutal, funny, and charming. The book easily lived up to my friends' praise. I won't give away the plot, but the book centers on the complicated relationship between a Nigerian emigrant and an English magazine editor. This amazing novel lyrically explores themes of immigration, civil war, and economic disparity while never losing touch with the characters' humanity.
My next book is The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, by David Mitchell.
also at Largehearted Boy:
other 52 Books, 52 Weeks reviews
Online "best of 2009" book lists
Online "best of 2008" book lists
Book Notes (authors create playlists for their book)
Note Books (musicians discuss literature)
