• 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 (7,871 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
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

So Goooooooooooood!

OK, I bought this when it was on sale. I had it in my wish list for a long time but it was low priority. Boy am I glad I got it! Aside from really enjoying Jenna Lamia as a narrator of other audiobooks, I thing she did a really good job here, even if her southern accent was less than authentic.
The story is lovely and heartbreaking. I've wanted to see the movie but now that I've enjoyed the book so much I'm afraid that Hollywoods version will destroy the beauty of it.

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26 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story - narration superb!

This was a great story about a young girl longing to be loved by her mother. I was truly captivated by the narrator - what a great job of bringing this story to life. Each person in the story could be pictured in my mind by the excellent voice portrayals. My heart ached for young Lily but brought smiles to my face as well as tears. The innocence of childhood is a precious thing. I would hightly recommend this book. It certainly will make my top 10 favorites list!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Don't miss out on this book!

I absolutely love this book! It is so well written, the metaphors she uses makes you feel like you can touch, see and hear everything that happens in the story. The narrator was flawless.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book!

This is one of the best Audible books, story and narration, that I have listened to. I could barely bear to stop listening. This author writes beautifully and her words are like poetry. I can't wait to watch the movie! Highly recommend this book!'n

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous-- Sensitive, Introspective & Hopeful

The Secret Life of Bees turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. Coming of age stories usually leave me cool, but the brilliant characters, setting, and fine narration kept me rapt. My husband tuned in as an accidental listener an he also enjoyed the story very much. A true masterpiece. While she could have made a bit more difference between the characters--the narrator did a superb job providing the main character the perfect voice. A true masterpiece.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!

This is a precious story. The narrator does a fabulous job. I absolutely enjoyed the whole book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story of the complications of family and

Would you listen to The Secret Life of Bees again? Why?

I would listen again, yes, it is a great story that is set in the early 1960's, a sometimes scary and sad, yet simple time. Loved the sweet voice of the narrator.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Life of Bees?

Not to spoil the story, but the sister, May, touched my heart in her innocent love for others and their hardships, and how she ultimately responded to the grief and sadness.

Who was the most memorable character of The Secret Life of Bees and why?

Loved all the "Calendar Sisters". They knew the secret of "how to do life"...

Any additional comments?

This is such a lovely story, please don't miss this!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I love this author!

Really good story! Happy, sad and everything in between. I really love the author and her perspective on things! I couldn't wait to find out how it would end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I can't believe it took me this long..

This book is incredible. a beautiful story, which is in my opinion completely enhanced by this audiobook performance. The narration gives it so much character and it's easy to get lost in the beautiful metaphors and insightful thoughts of the mail characters. Good enough to listen to again next year!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

😀😀😀

the narrator was amazing!!! it is my new favorite book!!! i can't wait to share it with my friends... how had i not read this before now???

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