Little Bee

A Novel

By: Chris Cleave

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Millions of people have read, discussed, debated, cried, and cheered with Little Bee, a Nigerian refugee girl whose violent and courageous journey​ puts a stunning face on the worldwide refugee crisis​.

“Little Bee will blow you away.” —The Washington Post

The lives of a sixteen-year-old Nigerian orphan and a well-off British woman collide in this page-turning #1 New York Times bestseller, book club favorite, and “affecting story of human triumph” (The New York Times Book Review) from Chris Cleave, author of Gold and Everyone Brave Is Forgiven.

We don’t want to tell you too much about this book. It is a truly special story and we don’t want to spoil it. Nevertheless, you need to know something, so we will just say this: It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific. The story starts there, but the book doesn’t. And it’s what happens afterward that is most important. Once you have read it, you’ll want to tell everyone about it. When you do, please don’t tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds.

Whirl wind

Completely enjoying the writing, storyline however didn’t expect the outcome. As a first generation American, related to the story and the diplomatic challenges that third World country refugees experience.

Breath of Fresh Air

Chris Cleave brings a fresh take on a classic genre. I read this book for work, (high school English teacher) and the almost eleven hours flew right by, well crafted, dynamic characters and strong narration.

Character and plot annoyingly implausible

Although it is well narrated, this book irritated me for 3 reasons. 1. In several places the plot is moved along through implausible devices. E.g. When Little Bee is selected to phone the police, even though she barely knows how to use a phone. 2. The thought and speech of characters is often implausible. E.g. The tiresome way Charlie the little boy makes a grammatical mistake in every utterance. 3. It employs predictable, well-worn stereotypes: e.g. the white working class racists that Bee encounters everywhere telling her to get back to Umbongo land. There are some clever and sometime witty conceits (e.g. Bee's thoughts about the queen). And I wouldn't say it was a bad book--just an annoying one.

Great book! Would definitely recommend.

The book is great but the ending is very unclear!
The reader does a fantastic job!

Hard to press stop

The book was great, easy listen. After I pause, I was always looking for the next opportunity to listen again,.

Good Book

Insightful, even though a fiction it was the first time I understood intimately how refugees and people fleeing for their lives always felt. A life of fear, no safety and constant unstable. It demonstrated both sides of this terror of a life style and those who want to help. I look up how many refugee camps in the world approximately 500 +. But that doesn’t include those still running and hiding.

Loved this story!

I loved this story! The only thing that was a little off for me was the ending Also, the performance by the reader was excellent!

honesty

slow start, but got into the realities of life and human nature and values, which caused great reflection and interest.

Meh

It was a fine performance, but is was full of horribly unlikable characters. I spent more time with these characters than I think I needed to.

Little Bee

Another favorite. I've listened to it 4 times. Anne Flosnick is one of my favorite narrators. She made this character come to life. It was easy to lover Little Bee.