Informative but infortunately the characters are slightly inconvincing.

A beautifully written story about a refugee and a British family. Some parts were tough to read, but overall satisfying.

The book was narrated between the two main characters which gave two distinct point of views of what is happening. It was a good book with some twists along the way. The story really picked up in the last 2/3rds. of the book. This book really makes you think about why things are the way they are.

This book was just okay. Some of it was hard to believe(Little Bee's intellect for her age and situation. Sarah one of the main characters was disappointing. I enjoyed the chapters spoken by Little Bee, especially the parts describing Nigeria.

This story is about identity and survival and expanded my understanding of how tough it can be for someone from one culture who needs to survive in a radically different world.Once I got beyond the irksome, selfish, familiar story of Sarah's search for self and concentrated on Little Bee and immigration, I liked the story better.

This is a beautifully written story that unfolds on many levels. The story begins with dramatic events in the present, but it is life-changing events in the past that are at the book's heart. Taken on the journey of the two women through whom the story is told, the reader soon realizes that assumptions made about the beginning events are wrong, and that the complexities of the situation are much greater than originally appreciated. It is a tribute to the author that by the end of the book, the reader has been made to look more deeply not only at the issues surrounding the deportation of illegal immigrants but also, more deeply at the assumptions human beings make about each other and the judgments we jump to based on superficial considerations. Through the telling of complex events we are reminded that good people do make bad choices in difficult situations. As for the ending being unsatisfying, I agree that it is not the ending I would have written. But perhaps it is a fitting ending to a book that explores so many uncomfortable issues about which no single definitive conclusion can be drawn.

The characters stay with you after you've finished the book. Little Bee is dramatic, and heart breaking. There were horrific parts to this book that I wished had been left out. Overall this book was interesting and the end had a hopeful air too it. I would recommend this book for book clubs.

This book was very compelling reading... could not put it down. It was almost like I loved to hate it. I liked it a lot more after I finished it. Great book for discussion. Everyone had an opinion. This was our first book club choice and I think it was a good one.

I found the book informative and believable. Sometimes flat but complelling which made you want to continue.

I loved the book EXCEPT for the ending; it left too much up in the air.

Torn on this one, loved the Little bee narratives, learned to appreciate Sarah in some ways....wanted more at the end. I really have become a fan of the authors writing style in this book.

This was a captivating story that drew me in and taught be about something I didn't know about... detention centers, troubles in Nigeria & Jamaica and deportation. Truly an eye opening experience that had insight into the human spirit, suffering and our human failings.

LITTLE BEE was difficult to read at times because of the pain and sorrow it evoked in me. It had interesting characters and shed light on the plight of illegal aliens in a country other than the USA. It also contrasted the lives of people in the Third World and the First! Very Poignant!

A good book club book with lots of topics for discussion.

Great book. We all enjoyed this and the discussion we had at bookclub was amazing! There are a lot of issues to discuss and we all said we could discuss this book for many nights.

Really a page turner, read it very quickly. I won't spoil it, you'll see!

I loved the characters in the story and was moved by the continued determination of Little Bee regardless of the tragedy in her life. Parts of the story were slow but overall a good book and I would recommend it to other book clubs.

I liked Cleave's writing style and about the first third of the book. I thought the beach scene would be a lot more horrific and difficult to read than it was. Shortly after that first third of the book it went downhill for me. I found several events and one character in particular to be annoying. I thought the ending was ridiculous...all the effort to remain annonymous...and for what?

I thought the story was captivating. I enjoyed reading the story told by two main characters. Although you may not agree with the characters' decisions in the story, it makes you think if you would have made the same choices if you were in their situation.

I had to stop reading for a while when I got to that awful beach scene, but I did pick it back up and finish, but ultimately it was unsatisfying, and I don't know that I liked any of the characters besides Little Bee. Definitely makes you think and wonder how you would react yourself in those circumstances....

This book was not enjoyed by all members, some gave up and didn't finish it. It did generate good discussion.

I somewhat injoyed this book. I liked the author's writting style. She made up some great characters that I want to hear more about.

The writing wasn't the best, and it could definitely been a longer, more involved story, but it was a good story nonetheless. Makes you think about something that many don't want to discuss, or acknowledge, because it happens halfway across the world. Good discussions can arise from the material.

I thought the author left some important details out. Some of the characters were never mention again in the story like the other 3 girls from the refuge. Overall I did like the book.

I was swept up in the story and could not put it down until I finished it! It was a moving story with a lot to discuss. The story is told through narration from both woman. I really enjoyed this book.

This story had a fun twist on a very dark subject. The main character was someone you would want to take under your wing. It reminds you of the injustices that occur in the world everyday, and yet for a brief moment there is hope.

I enjoyed and was touched by Little Bee. I think it should be required reading for individuals working in immigration administration both in the U.S. and U.K.

The book is the journey of two women who meets because of one man. I think the book would make a good discussion book for your book club.

I did not find this book at all funny, nor did anyone in our book club. Except for Little Bee, I did not find the other characters convincing or likable. The writing pulled me in in the beginning, but then the depth of the writng waned. For me, the writing was too shallow towards the end. The book did provoke good discussions, however; particularly about illegal immigation. The topic of immigration has not been a topic of any other of our book club selections. an interesting choice for the club, but not my favorite read.

The characters were difficult to follow and the ending left a lot of loose ends..i was left scratching my head after i read it.

Some books are wonderful reads, but there is not much to discuss in a group forum.. this is a wonderful book that provides so many discussion questions.

Well developed characters with thoughtful dialog.

I loved this book couldn't put it down. It was beautifully written. The story was compelling and the characters believable. This book offers much fodder for discussion.

This book really changed my view on immigration, legal and illegal. Hard to imagine what really goes on in other countries even today. So sad.

This book is quite thought provoking, makes us consider how deep are the reasons some people seek shelter in other countries and how politics and big business might squash the little folks who have no voice. The book is so well written, the characters are understandable and compelling.

Although the club out of consensus did not really like this book, we were all still glad we read it and had a LOT to talk about.

This book wasn't what I expected. Reviews and the back of the book say they won't tell you what it's about for the surprise affect. I didn't find it as shocking or surprising because the characters keep telling you something's coming, but I did like the book and how the author wove the two intertwining stories together. I did find it slow at times.

The book is an extremely well told story and really makes you think about how you would handle the situation and how experiences affect your life.

the storyline is fantastic, the characters are deep and the story, as a whole, will make you laugh and cry.

You know it is a good book when everyone comes to book club not only reading the book, but having finished the book. We all thought the author was a great story teller, especially writing in the voices of two strong women characters. A couple of our members did feel the ending was wrapped up a little too nicely.

Although I did not like it in the end, this book generated a lot of great discussion in our club. Based on our childhoods and family upbringing, we discovered that reactions to Little Bee ranged from sympathetic victim to manipulative little b....

Well written; lots of topics for discussion

Facinating. Overwheleming. so much more. great read.

This was a very good book. It was a fairly fast read with lots of emotion. The scenes in this book were pretty intense! Although I really enjoyed the book I am not sure of everyone will due to the graphic nature. I think it would create a good discussion for book club.

I had high hopes when I saw this book, and it did nothing other than disappoint me. The thing that captivated me was "It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific." I found nothing funny about it, and its only because I hate to not finish a book that I finished it. Not sure what the hype is all about. Definitely not my favorite book.

“Little Bee”, by Chris Cleave

When you pick this book up while browsing in your favorite book store, you’ll open it and read the inside flap of the dust cover. Here, nothing is given away; the author and publisher provide just enough information to pique your interest. So, I’m going to follow suit because “the magic is in how the story unfolds.”

I will tell you it is about two women from two completely different worlds. They meet on a beach in Nigeria under extraordinary circumstances. Two years later, they meet again in London, after a long and exhaustive search by one for the other. The chapters of this book are narrated by both women in alternating style, and the story is filled with plenty of ‘gasp’ moments.

The author, Chris Cleave, is a man of remarkable talent, and it surprises me that the men in this story are weak, selfish, and sly, while the women possess strength, courage, insight, and the capacity of stamina. They are extraordinary.

I have never read a book quite like this and I’ll tell you, the ladies and their stories are quite affecting. It is a feat of remarkable strength, and a mesmerizing work of art.

(from my 'book bagg' blog @
http://www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm )

Good, but slow-moving in parts.

This book was a quick read. I had a difficult time putting it down.

While jarring and sad at times, this book is beautifully written. There is one relationship in the book that seems to weigh the book down and I think it would have faired better without it.

Great book for bookclubs. First 1/2 of book is very slow, however the second half is a page turner. This book is very thought provoking. Sacrifice, regret, refugee treatment, loss and love. You will not be disappointed.

I couldn't put this book down. It was very thought provoking. I really liked it!!

Informative and insightful in that what happened to Little Bee is still happening to refugees all over the world right now. How sad for so many human beings who have to live in detention where abuse is ugly and fear and abandomnent becomes their lives.

I found the book a little dark at times but really enjoyed reading the book.There's some back ground in the book that I'm not familiar with but left me "Googling" for information.

The author make beautiful writing seem effortless. His prose is like poetry. The female characters are wonderfully captured by this male author. Many "what would I have done?" moments in this book.

I'm not giving this book only 1 star because it was too sad, or too graphic, or too haunting. It just fell flat. It wasn't convincing. All the ends didn't meet nor were all the i's dotted, t's crossed. It just didn't do it for me, and it is most certainly NOT the next Kite Runner. Good grief, it doesn't even compare. Poorly written with eye rolling moments.

The story has a unique beginning. I was drawn into the characters and loved the dual perspective of the two main characters. One character I felt much emphathy for, the second I did not respect at all. And I was surprised that she could make the choice she did. The book made me wonder if I would be able to sacrifice as Sarah did for a stranger.

Compelling, with interesting characters. The story wanes towards the end, though, and becomes a bit unbelievable. The characters take actions that don't seem realistic. The character of Little Bee is mature, sometimes profound, and sometimes humorous, and overall very enjoyable and likeable.

The back of the book says it all... I don't want to ruin the story. Excellent read with some highly graphic parts. Close your eyes or not.

Good book but a bit dark.

I found this book heartwarming and beautifully written. The two women, both faced with different circumstance in life, but yet thrown together in a odd turn of events, are strong in their own rights. I would have never pictured the metamorphis of either character but was pleased and awed by it. Read the book! Choose it for your book club. It is worth the read.

The story told from different perspectives gives the reader an insightful glimpse into real world problems.

This book grabbed me from the minute I started reading it! I loved the way it was told from two perspectives and it also opened my eyes to what is happening in other parts of the world. Lots of discussion topics - great for book clubs!

Did not keep my interest as I had hoped. Was dark and didn't know the characters as well as I would have liked to.

Our book club really enjoyed this book!

With so much cruelty in the world I just had to admire the courage and hope of Little Bee.

an easy read with an interesting twist, worth your time.

This book will stay with you for ever, it certainley made me look at immigration through a fresh pair of eyes.

I sure hope all English people arent really this self absorbed.

This is a beautifully written contrast between a woman who has everything and a woman who has nothing. The dramatic scene on a beach in Africa where the two women meet is nothing short of spectacular. It's hard to think of other single scenes in fiction that present such a clear moral dilemma - the characters are believable, the ramifications far reaching. Great for discussion.

A well written book with an interesting story.

After all of the hype leading up to this book, I found it very disappointing.Little Bee's journey is compelling, and her story is ghastly, but Cleve's rendition of African refugees is a little understated.

An incredible story. Very well-written. A remarkable perspective on the plight of illegal immigrants and the horrors and injustices they all too often face both at home and in their new country. Although this story takes place in England for the most part, there are universal experiences that often exist.I am appalled that someone described this story as "extremely funny" Huh??? there are some amusing comments and interpretations of things but it is not a funny story by any means.

A graphic look at what goes on in third world countries and what happens when outsiders care.

I didn't like the characters, I felt they didn't have substance. I don't believe Little Bee was realistic.

I would rate this book a 5.

This book made me very emotional while reading it. The author really pulled me into the story and I was really feeling the characters' emotions. My husband didn't like it as much as I did, however. My daughter, husband and I are in the same book club. It has three members.

Quick read. Interesting and moving. Memorable characters.

A must read!

I only read to the point of the connection between the characters and that took some doing; I would not recommend reading this book.

at once tragic and endearing, particularly the voice of little bee herself.

A very well-written story that tells how the human spirit can survive.

This book was highly recommended to me. It took all I could do to finish it. I thought it was slow and boring. The story really seemed to need a kick start until the end of it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing style of different points of view for each chapter really came through and the author did a good job of assuming the voice of each character. The characters were at times frustrating and difficult to understand - but that is what made them more real. There is a message to be considered as well and it will have me thinking for a while...

Our book club had much praise for this novel. We felt inspired by Little Bee's courage, maturity, and insights.

I liked the book. It was a little slow at first and I found myself just wanting to know what happened at the end. The book was enlightening to say the least. I loved how Little Bee had a quiet sense of self and knowledge. I kept thinking to myself how I was glad to not have had to endure experiences like she or any other character in the book had to experience.

I enjoyed the plot of this book but thought that character development was lack luster.

Our book club members were mixed with their reviews. Some really liked the story, but others thought it was rather depressing. Most of us agreed that we didn't care too much for the characters of Sarah and Lawrence. We really liked Charlie and Little Bee. There were some discrepancies in Little Bee's character that we thought were odd, particularly how she became so forceful with Lawrence when telling him her story about Andrew ... no one could figure out why she would tell Lawrence this story. The end of the story as the author wrote it was inconclusive, but it was surprising how six of the eight of us agreed that Little Bee was killed by the soldiers.

Written by one of our members after our meeting and based on input from all:
Chris Cleave so convincingly writes with a female voice in Little Bee members of our book club had to check the book jacket to be sure Cleave was male. The story artfully explores the thin veneer of order and civility in the third world countries and how it impacts those of us who live in more "civilized" countries.

Cleave's main characters are compelling and, with the exception of Lawrence, likable. The violence in book will be disturbing to many readers and the images conveyed will remain long after finishing the book. If it was Cleave's intention to raise our awareness of the brutality that exists in many third world countries,he was successful.

Immigrants in our cities and towns may have suffered the same horrors described in this book. After reading Little Bee you many never be able to look at them again without wondering what they had to endure to get to where they are.

Some have described Little Bee as "uplifting." I'm not sure that is a word I would use. I found it more thought provoking than uplifting.

I do admire the author for creating an ending that is open to interpretation rather than tying up the story with a neat bow, letting the reader retreat to the normalcy of their everyday lives.

Little Bee haunts me, knowing that half way around the globe someone, somewhere is experiencing the fear, violence, and humiliation so beautifully captured in this book. I hope they, like Little Bee, have the heart and soul to persevere and find happiness simply by being alive.

I was expecting more since this book seems to be popular and the description talks about not telling others about what happens because the magic is in "how the story unfolds." The subject matter on a societal level was interesting and something I didn't know much about, but the story itself seemed a little depressing and sometimes a little confusing. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

While some of our members liked the book and some creative passages, the overall consensus was,what were all the "rave reviews" for?

The first few chapters were a little confusing. Little Bee did not do as much of the narrating. The ending was disappointing.

In the UK, this book has the title "The other hand". I found bits of this book very good, and convincing; others less so. Having lived in Nigeria, I wonder why Nigeria was chosen as the African country.

Beautifully written, not a word was wasted. Gives a glimpse into a world that many of us don't even realize exists. The ending was not on par with the rest of the book.

Could not put it down until I was finished. People that I really cared about.

Little Bee held your interest although it was a bit far fetched. The characters were all a little depressing.
You got to see the strengths and weaknesses of each of the women in the book.

There were many moments in this book that kept me on the edge of my seat and constantly shocked. Overall, the writing was fresh and often memorable.

My book club enjoyed the book for the most part. However, none of us liked the ending and felt that all of the characters disappointed us throughout the novel. Definitely worth reading and does stir up some good discussion....but most likely it won't be a group "favorite"....

Ok, so I didnt finish the book because I was so bored with it I just could not finish it. I was the club member who picked it to read because it seemed interesting, and I was very upset that it was such a dud.

After the club reviewed the book at our meeting, they explained it to me, I thought the concept was pretty good, even though there were a few cliff hangers and you had to decide things on your own. I think the story could have been a really good one if the writing had been better at holding your attention and not been so slow.

Couldn't put it down, circulated among our book group, positive reviews by all.

Lot's to talk about as a group. Many thought it was beautifully written.

This is a really beautifully written book about a difficult and painful all too true reality. I was initially drawn in by the very spare description offered up of the story and I'm truly glad I was. I won't spoil the story as the publishers have asked that I don't. I will just say this is a book well worth reading.

I found this an interesting read. There was drama, suspense. I was moved to consider what I would do if put in a similar situation. The book was insightful about cultures that I was not very familiar. But all cultures face similar problems, only with different masks.

It caught my attention and kept it till the end, but was not as dramatic as I thought it was going to be in the end. Still, a good read.

I thought this book was OK. Certainly not as good as I expected it to be. It started out well enough, but it went downhill from there. Good premise, but I thought it did not flow well and was unrealistic at times.

I was excited to read this book, until I began. The alternating point of view chapters were tedious. I found Sarah to be completely unlikeable. I had no compassion or feeling for the woman at all, which makes it hard to get into a book where she is the main character. I found Charlie's speech annoying. I wish more focus had been on Little Bee and her journey; or on Andrew and his illness. I did not care about the immoral Sarah's choices.

I didn't like the ending. I feel like it could've been a good book, but I personally didn't like it.

CONS: I thought this book was OK, but would not recommend it. The characters were neither developed or very believable.
PROS: The subject was interesting and made me want to research refugees in England/Europe.

Intriguing format - two women narrators, in a book written by a man. Thought provoking, amusing and yet dark undertones. A good read and good book for lots of lively discussion.

I must admit Little Bee was not my favorite read. However, it did make me see things through her eyes, her very vivid eyes! The author conveys Little Bee's world with such emphasis and emotion you will think about this book long after you're finished reading it.

I enjoyed this book very much. It does open your eyes to what life is like in other parts of the worlds. I ended this book feeling blessed to be born in the USA. Overall this book is well written and it is easy to get to know all of the characters. I did think the ending could've been a little better written. It left me wondering.........

Our book club chose this book and we are preparing to discuss this week. I felt the book was interesting and very insightful overall. I did not feel it was as wonderful as many of the reviews I had read previously. It was not a page turner for me, and I was not compelled or drawn to return to the book each day. I did not like the ending and I felt there many places that went on way to long. Just didn't work for me, but I do believe many of the poignant moments will certainly prompt conversation for our meeting and those moments were enough to capture my attention throughout the book.. Liked it, didn't love it.

Deliberately brutal for emphasis, but not for plot. Read only if you slow down to take pictures of bloody car crashes.

I didn't think I was going to like this story, but as I continued to read it became very interesting. A bit shocking and sad and at the same time funny and sensitive. Great story for a discussion as I'm sure everyone took away something different from the end of the story. I thought the author was brilliant. She gave more than the everyday writer.

I couldnt put this book down I got so involved with the characters I had to now what was happinging to them next.

really enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to follow, well written. enjoyed Little Bee; she was direct, right to the point, with her comments. another insight to people's character. highly recommend it to other clubs.

I loved the way it was narrated by two of the characters which kept the story moving as well as cohesive. I couldn't stop reading it and now I will read it again.

SAD BOOK, A BOOK WITH A ENDING THAT WENT FULL CIRCLE AND NO ONE GAINED.

Although the book was not well liked by our bookclub we did have a good discussion. Some thought there were parts of the book that were contrived and the characters at times not believable.It made us all think about refugees and their plight. It is a topic not often talked about.

Slow to get into. Very violent, graphic and morbid. Tried to be inspirational however Cleave does not commit to his cause and leaves the reader wondering if the tragedy and violence depicted is real or fictionalized. My book club wondered why we should care. Just as the story gets going Cleave rushes to get to the end leaving the reader feeling empty and short changed.

This book had me until the end. Highly disappointed, but up until that point it was a true page turner. It did create a lot of discussion at our Book Club Meeting.

The voices of the narators are clear and distinctly defined. Little Bee is a particularly compelling character. The story is grim, but her voice carries you through. The end left much discuss. I will not give anything away, so I must stop here. The group gave it a 4.5 rating and we still talk about it, the characters and the reality that it reflects.

Why this was a best seller is beyond me. I did not care for this at all. I kept thinking it would get better, it did not.

I really enjoyed this book. It was not what I expected when I picked it up.

I only checked "difficult" for this book because the subject matter was so difficult and very sad.. But the book is beautifully written and I believe important - we tend to take so much for granted here in America.

I really must recommend the audiobook version (from Audible) - very well read, each character having a distinctive voice.

unique, well written story, so many great discussions from this book -- bravery, choices, loyalty, kindness, horror, family, immigrants, marriage, parenthood, friendship

I am the only one in my club that had so much trouble with it, but I hated it. I thought about setting it on fire when we finished it. So many reviews that kept me waiting for something and it never came. Others in my group felt it left you with hope, so maybe I had a bad outlook. However, I would not recommend this book to my worst enemy!

I have never been so torn about a book. I would never have read it if I had known that it was going to have such a depressing ending. That being said, Little Bee is a beautifully written book with deep and interesting characters. I had no problem finishing it and was totally engrossed the entire time but it left me feeling sad and hopeless.

On the back cover the author hypes up the secretive event but I was really let down with the "tragic" issue that takes place. He oversold the book.

Also known as The Other Hand... this is an amazing book where the plot and the relationship of the cast of characters emerges slowly. Shocking but very readable.

Our book club discussed Little Bee HEATEDLY for hours! There were so many different points to discuss and such a broad spectrum for the discussions to go in. I believe we had a great meeting regarding this book.

This is a wonderfully written book about globalization, civility, and ethical choices. The story takes place in England and Nigeria and is about what happens to a young girl who migrates from her home country to another. The contrasts of her life and how she is treated are dramatic, informative and very insightful.

This book was confusing and very very dark. Not a book I could or would recommend

Once you start reading the book, you can't put it down.

A difficult book to read. I find it intriqing to read a book written about women and their struggles from a male author's prespective. I like the author's writing style.

Just could not get into it.

A book that is better read in a couple of sittings. Pulled me in and held me to the end even though it was dark and disturbing. I was glad to be finished with it.

While I didn't care for any of the character's personalities, it was one of those books that had me letting out my breath when I finally closed the last page. Interesting discussion about immigration laws, Africa, and why the lttle boy's mother let him wear a Batman suit all the time.

A rare book with surprises throughout. I was intrigued when the summary did not reveal much about the story and now I know why.

I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened next. It's not really a happy book, but it's interesting. It's told from two different narrators, which is a good thing or we wouldn't have the whole story. The beach scene isn't what you would expect. Overall, I'd say it was a good book and I'm glad our club picked it.

Even though this book was very depressing,it was very well written. Very eye opening to happenings in other parts of the world that we don't hear about. The determination of one very young woman is inspiring.

None of us liked the book at all and spoke more about the flaws of the book than anything else.

This book was pretty slow in the beginning, but started to pickup about half way through. It is a very Inspiring book, with lots of ups and downs of sadness. It has moments that are graphic, but I don't want to give away too much of the book. Overall I liked the book, allthough there are sad parts its all in how the narrator mostly Little Bee can turn it around into something positive.

This book engrossed me from the beginning. The way the author writes you want to keep on reading.

I dislike how the synopsis of the book is so elusive in an effort to pull the reader in....I don't think knowing more of the story hurts the impact of the book or affects the overall message of the book.....There is a very powerful undertone regarding the violence and destruction that often happens in very poor, unassuming, "unpopular" areas of the world, even today...and how most of us have absolutely no clue such things are even occuring......An important message to spread to be sure. However, if I could have given this a star rating of between 3 and 4, I would have opted for that rather than a flat out 4....just didn't enjoy some of the characters as much as I enjoyed the story behind the characters.

Easy read, but not easy to read sometimes, if that makes sense. Difficult subject matter and interesting story lines. A little slow at times but overall I liked it.

I was instantly drawn into this book from the moment she talked about being a british pound. I loved the book and found it to be a captivating read- and originally I didn't want to read the book. Thank God for book clubs to get you to find a gem that you wouldn't normally have found. I just wish I could have made it to the discussion on it.

Our entire club loved this book. One of our besat discussions ever.

Overall not a bad book but the ending was disappointing and unbelieveable.

I really enjoyed the book... the characters, the drama, the parallels and themes but I found the end to be pretty unconvincing. For Bee to describe in detail various ways in which she would kill herself in given situations due to the instilled fear of "the men coming" for her again, I thought it was unbelievable that she would ever go back to the place she feared the most.

From reading a blurb about this book, I thought there would be more humor. The subject matter is dark and downright scary, yet I loved the characters and happily read through to the end. I'm not sure whether I like the way the author ended the book, however, I recommend you read this one and decide for yourself.

A beautifully written book, so descriptive that I could feel the hot sand of the Nigerian beach and taste the terror in my mouth as the men came down the beach with the machete. Little Bee is an unforgettable character as is her protector, Sarah, and her side-kick, Batman. Read the book, you'll understand! It will make you laugh, cry, and more importantly think about the plight of the refugees who come from countries such as Nigeria, fearing for their lives, and are treated poorly and returned to face an often deadly fate.

Little Bee is the story of 2 women, a teenage Nigerian refugee and a British magazine editor whose lives are tied together by a horrific encounter on a beach in Nigeria. Sarah & her husband are tourists who stumble upon Little Bee and her sister and are forced to make an instant decision at great personal cost to them that alters the lives of all involved that day. The author uses language beautifully, alternating between the two very complex characters pulling the threads of their stories together in both amusing and heart wrenching ways. We found the book to be an extremely interesting study of grief, genocide and globalization. Eminently readable, it is a deeply moving, painful and sad story that is also filled with hope and very inspiring. A wonderful book!

Not only was the writing style terrific, we really appreciated the insight and information this book provided. One of our members remarked that it was not a book she was going to be able to forget for a long time.

Not a light read so be prepared. Good book though.

I found it depressing...I know the author wrote the book but the charactors made poor choices that none of us could relate to.
Our previous book choice was also a little heavy & so We needed something we could relate to and this was not it...But I finished it, many did not.

This book was recommended to one of our book club members by 3 separate people, so we read it. None of us liked it.

Interesting read. Real insight to a part of the world we tend to ignore...

Written in two person perspective and had some great story lines and insightful thoughts for the struggles of people in other countries but the author left so much unsaid. The story was too unfinished.

while the book at times was wonderfully written the story seemed to go nowhere in particular. Starting something and not finishing storylines, jamming characters in where they didn't seem to belong and most of all you feel as though you are building towards some sort of climatic event and then nothing happens. Very dissapointing.

This was an ok story, but not as wonderful as everyone made it out to be. Not many likable characters. But does provide a decent discussion.

I found Little Bee to be agonizing, compelling and then thought provoking. While reading the book I was agonized over my wanting Little Bee to be "okay", therefore I was compelled to keep reading....after finishing the book I've thought about so many different things....one of the most troubling is that this book is current day. This really happens now!

The book brings to light a great deal of tragedy that is humbling, however, I had a hard time believing and connecting with the main characters.

Our book club found some interesting insights in this book. We were all interested in the global topics that the author brought up. Many of us noticed that the author felt like a man trying to write about being a woman, and also that sometimes the chapters didn't seem to keep in character very well. We also felt like much of the story was very unrealistic and overly optimistic about what would actually happen with Little Bee. It was a good discussion starter though.

Little Bee was a most special character. Her outlook on life is inspirational. Charlie, the little boy, is sweet though quirky. Facinating portrayal of genocide and mimigration policies in Britain. I "read" this on CD; the reader was outstanding and added to my enjoyment of this book. NOTE: the martketing of this book did it a disservice, imo. There is nothing in the story that needs to be kept top secret in order to avoid spoiling the book for others; this was misleading and did cause some disappointment among a few of the members of my group.

The story was very well written and there is enough about the characters that lends itself to good discussion. The topic was unusual and overall it's worth a read.

This book made me walk in a refugees shoes and I learned...

This was a difficult book to get started on, but well written enough to keeping you turning the pages. This story was outside the comfort zone of most of our members but carried us through a good discussion.

I really thought this book was done well. It keeps you wondering what happened. Although it is not a happy go lucky book, the story takes a hold of you and gives you an experience that is hard to get other places. It makes you understand how some lives are at times and how the world works.

I actually read this book twice, something that I don't really do. I loved the way Chris Cleave wrote this story with all of its surprises. He made me love and connect with the characters.

I am aware that bad things happen in this world. This book took me to Nigeria and England. Taught me how awful it was to be a Nigerian refugee and a woman who was unhappy in her marriage. And how those worlds mend together as one.

This book is brutal graphic in some parts. Sensitive readers beware. Overall, we liked the book and it gave fodder for a great discussion. Especially interesting was discussing the interview with Chris Cleave about writing the book.

This is a very interesting and unpredictable story. It is a heartbreaking and inspiring story. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how people live in other parts of our world.

This book was very thought provoking.

Very well written; difficult subject