• The Secret Life of Bees

  • By: Sue Monk Kidd
  • Narrated by: Jenna Lamia
  • Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,881 ratings)

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The Secret Life of Bees  By  cover art

The Secret Life of Bees

By: Sue Monk Kidd
Narrated by: Jenna Lamia
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Publisher's summary

Sue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed.

When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother", Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina - a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There, they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household.

This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love - a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

©2003 Sue Monk Kidd (P)2008 Penguin

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What listeners say about The Secret Life of Bees

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    5,963
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    1,366
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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Beautiful story

This is one of my new favorite books and a must read for people of all ages.

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Excellent

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Tears came occasionally as there were so many touching moments of kindness and love. The narrator has the voice of an angel. I think she was almost my favorite part. Jenna Lamia is outstanding as a narrator. She has to be my favorite ever.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story, beautifully performed

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I absolutely would. Jenna Lamia is one of the best!

What about Jenna Lamia’s performance did you like?

She is so emotionally present with the material -- she really draws me in as a listener. I felt like I was completely inside the main character's head.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The Secret Life of Bees

This is a great listen to book. I would recommend it. The author and the narrator are excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I loved it

Nothing wrong what so ever. The narrator fits perfectly, and the story is engaging! definitely would recommend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Narrator made it even better.

This is a heartwarming story of acceptance and love. I sadly have not seen the movie, but I did enjoy the reading. The different characters came to life.

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Love love love!!!

The narrator is amazing and her voice is so true to the story! The story is wonderful!!!! I’ve read many books and listened to many books. This was a perfect audio version. Highly recommend this book. 10 stars , 5 is not enough.

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Amazing!

Ms. Kidd's writing is superb! The narrator was perfect. I'm looking forward to reading/listening to more of her writing.

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absolutely absorbing

The narrator made the author's words, characters, story come alive. I loved every minute.

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Amazing!

Loved the narrator's performance, loved the story, loved every minute ❤. If you are looking for a great listen with coming of age, women's strength, and general life experience, this is your book.

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