Meh. Too much saccharine.
The Enlightenment of Bees is different from anything I've ever read and I enjoyed it. I loved seeing various parts of the world through Rachel Linden's eyes and journeying along with Mia in her search for purpose in life. It's not all light and fluffy, however, as Linden delves into some serious and relevant issues. The writing flows easily across the page and a whimsical touch adds enchantment.
Many readers will be able to connect with a character who thinks she has a comfortable life planned out and slowly unfolding for her, when suddenly the very framework of that life is torn away â from future marriage to career, and even complications from an illness affecting her beloved Nana Alice. These drastic changes allow Mia's dreams to resurface and when an opportunity to join a humanitarian team opens up, she jumps at the chance.
Some very interesting characters populate this story. The team itself is an eclectic mixture of nationalities and purposes for joining. I was intrigued by the mission's wealthy and reclusive benefactor, Lars ⦠âAnother man with baggage, a man who looks good on the surface but is hiding some flaw beneathâ according to Mia. Jazz singer Rosie, Mia's housemate, and the Hawaiian Kai, with a passion for sustainable urban farming, are appealing characters. I also loved Mia's relationship with Nana Alice.
From the beautiful lavender farms of Washington State, to the slums of Mumbai and a Hungarian refugee camp, the scenes are so vivid that they can almost literally be experienced with the senses. I wished for more character depth from some of the team members, but the refugee stories were very well done and heart stirring.
Mia's emotional coming-of-age journey is eye opening, giving much cause for personal reflection. The Enlightenment of Bees feels more like a general market story rather than Christian fiction, but it helps if you imagine that God is behind Mia's desire to change people's lives, guiding and orchestrating the events in her life. That is never explicitly stated, however, and a spiritual connection would have made Mia's quest much more meaningful and enjoyable for me personally. Still, if you take the book for what it is, The Enlightenment of Bees is a moving, entertaining story. I look forward to more of Rachel Linden's writing.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Many readers will be able to connect with a character who thinks she has a comfortable life planned out and slowly unfolding for her, when suddenly the very framework of that life is torn away â from future marriage to career, and even complications from an illness affecting her beloved Nana Alice. These drastic changes allow Mia's dreams to resurface and when an opportunity to join a humanitarian team opens up, she jumps at the chance.
Some very interesting characters populate this story. The team itself is an eclectic mixture of nationalities and purposes for joining. I was intrigued by the mission's wealthy and reclusive benefactor, Lars ⦠âAnother man with baggage, a man who looks good on the surface but is hiding some flaw beneathâ according to Mia. Jazz singer Rosie, Mia's housemate, and the Hawaiian Kai, with a passion for sustainable urban farming, are appealing characters. I also loved Mia's relationship with Nana Alice.
From the beautiful lavender farms of Washington State, to the slums of Mumbai and a Hungarian refugee camp, the scenes are so vivid that they can almost literally be experienced with the senses. I wished for more character depth from some of the team members, but the refugee stories were very well done and heart stirring.
Mia's emotional coming-of-age journey is eye opening, giving much cause for personal reflection. The Enlightenment of Bees feels more like a general market story rather than Christian fiction, but it helps if you imagine that God is behind Mia's desire to change people's lives, guiding and orchestrating the events in her life. That is never explicitly stated, however, and a spiritual connection would have made Mia's quest much more meaningful and enjoyable for me personally. Still, if you take the book for what it is, The Enlightenment of Bees is a moving, entertaining story. I look forward to more of Rachel Linden's writing.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
