Little Bee

Author: Chris Cleave
Published: 2008 (in Britain)
Genre: Fiction
Age: Adult
Pages: 260
Synopsis: The story of two women, one British and one Nigerian, who meet unexpectedly on a beach and whose lives are forever altered and intertwined as a result.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed Cleave's writing (a real critic would probably say he "marveled at Cleave's rich prose") and the characters he created, particularly Little Bee. Her unique way of looking at the world was at times poignant, at times entertaining, but always intriguing. The story line was captivating enough, although by the end I began to grow weary.

Although a work of fiction, Cleave based a good deal of his story on actual conflicts and atrocities being committed in modern day Nigeria and the inhuman conditions in UK immigrant detention centers. This inevitably created a great deal of strife throughout the story and while reading about such things usually leaves me depressed, I found myself still able to enjoy the book, which is a credit to Cleave's 'rich prose.'

My Recommendation:
This story contains graphic violence of just about every sort imaginable (rape, suicide, etc.) and so I would only recommend it for adults.

Selected Quote:
"Horror in your country is something you take a dose of to remind yourself that you are not suffering from it."