Mike and I were hanging out at home a few weeks ago and I decided I really wanted to get out and do something. I suggested we head up to Half Priced Books to browse around. I went straight to the clearance section and began flipping through the fiction novels. I began reading the backs of various paperbacks when I stumbled across this intriguing little book that now became a mystery I had to solve. (See photo below of the back cover "blurb") I will agree in part with the reviewers who thought the blurb was unnecessary but hey it got me reading the book didn't it?
I flipped to the first page and began reading:
"Most days I wish I was a British pound coin instead of an African girl. Everyone would be pleased to see me coming. Maybe I would visit with you for the weekend and then suddenly, because I am fickle like that, I would visit with the man from the corner shop instead – but you would not be sad because you would be eating a cinnamon bun, or drinking a cold Coca Cola from the can, and you would never think of me again. We would be happy, like lovers who met on holiday and forgot each other’s names." -Cleave, page 1
This book certainly takes up the bingo square for "a book with a great first line"
As for the book itself, I thoroughly enjoyed it. This author wrote in first person alternating between the two female lead characters. I am happy to say that there is a distinct difference between each characters voice which is rare. Though the book was a bit slow as other reviewers have said, I found it to be captivating as well. You do not know until literally the final page what the fate if each character will be. New pieces of the story unfold constantly. I cannot speak for its historical and cultural accuracy, however, it is very believable. Little Bee is such a sweet and strong character and her story is very beautiful. It certainly shows that there is beauty in adversity. I would strongly recommend this novel!
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