Cover Image: Here is the Beehive

Here is the Beehive

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Member Reviews

I'm afraid I did not enjoy this book. I found some of the the language unnecessary and offensive. 
The style of writing was not one I was a fan of either. I felt no part of the story was properly written or completed.
I'm sure some people will enjoy it, but it was not for me.
I couldn't find any sympathy for the main character either which lessoned my enjoyment too.

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This book is so engaging, and so beautifully written that I read it in one sitting.

Sarah Crossan writes prose like the poet she is, and uses language so precisely that we are absorbed in the world of the main character of this book. Ana is a solicitor who has a three-year affair with one of her clients. He dies, suddenly, and she meets his wife around probate issues. It's a compelling read, which releases elements of Ana's life to us slowly, tantalizingly, and vividly.

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I've been a big fan of Sarah Crossan since I read "One" when it came out. Crossan is a master when it comes to writing in verse and I was curious about how this medium would translate to an adult novel. I needn't have feared because Here is the Beehive sucks you right in from the word go.

The way Crossan lets the story unfold slowly, layer by layer, is what made this novel for me. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, another facet of the plot and characterisation was revealed; it only made me want to read more. What a wonderful, wonderful novel about how messy being a human can be. I loved that there were no moral judgements anywhere in the book - Crossan just showed us what happened and let us make up our own minds about how it ended and what would happen afterwards. I loved that she left the ending open - it's so refreshing. I'm still in awe (I read this book just after it first came out in Ireland in 2020) of how well crafted this book is.

If you're someone who wants to get back into reading after a break, definitely give this book a go. Crossan's wonderful verse will grab you and won't let you go even after you've finished the book.

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This book is just beautiful. It is so well-written and I was overwhelmed by the talent behind it. Absolutely gorgeous. Definitely recommended.

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I don't agree with cheating and to be honest it was just a confusing read. So many perspectives that you get lost in trying to understand who is speaking.

Her thoughts were so confusing and at times felt incoherent.

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Didn’t like the structure, almost like poetry. Found it difficult to get into and synopsis didn’t clarify structure/format of writing.

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Sarah Crossan is an alchemist and can spin words into gold. I’ve loved all her books and this one is no exception. It’s a profoundly moving premise (what if your married lover died and no one must know you are grieving?) and is dealt with in a raw and honest way. The main protagonist is not likeable, but her moral ambiguity just added depth for me. A wonderful exploration of guilt, adultery and grief.

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An interesting read that I'm glad to have discovered. I'll definitely be seeking out more by this author.

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Please note that this book is not for me - I have read the book, However I had to DNF and because i do not like to give negative reviews I will not review this book fully - there is no specific reason for not liking this book. I found it a struggle to read and did not enjoy trying to force myself to read this book.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for the opportunity to read this book

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Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting concept, adultery-always a tricky one-is it fair on anyone? It usually ends in heartbreak for one party. Unique and well-written although a little slow for me. Recommended.

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I didnt love this. I couldn't really get in to the plot, although the characters unusual relationships were interesting.

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not a very appealing story which didn't grab me at all. Could have been really good with a lot of potential in the storyline. Very abrupt end which left me feeling rather flat.

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I really, really enjoyed this.

The book shines an interesting light on infidelity in a way that doesn't romanticise but also doesn't unfairly condemn. The poetry is wonderfully crafted, the story is so compelling that I struggled to put it down and you really, really feel for her.

A brilliantly crafted novel-in-verse.

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I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book, as the writing style was initially off-putting, but I was completely drawn into it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely one to recommend.

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Written in verse this literary novel follows the consciousness of Ana, a lawyer unravelling as she deals with the grief of losing her lover. With whom she was having a secret affair. Unable to share her grief, or else reveal the affair, Ana befriends her lover's widow.

I can't say I related to the main character at all and I didn't particularly like her, but that's perhaps the point. Privileged and self centered. To see the side of the 'other woman' warts and all. It made for an insightful and quirky read.

The narrative is disjointed and feels very much like a stream of consciousness, I think the novel being written in verse contributes to this really well.

The book was powerful, unique and uncomfortable. Very well written and a very important book, exploring an unusual perspective in an unusual form.

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Beautifully written, the sheer rawness comes through.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.

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This book is written in the style used by Sarah Crossan. I have read some of her YA titles and the style takes some getting used to. The story was challenging as it deals with adultery from the viewpoint of the mistress. It was difficult to balance sympathy with distaste for the lies told by the protagonist. An interesting and thought provoking story

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Not for me.

Why did I choose this book when it was offered to me to review? I must confess; it was the title of the book. I love beehives and bees. I love honey and somehow hoped that the book would carry this feeling of honey/bees into my life. It didn’t!

Another reason for choosing it? The front cover. Peonies with bees buzzing around them. Often I’ll buy a book simply because of its cover.

So, what happened when you started reading it? I thought I’d fallen down Alice’s rabbit hole! I gave three stars because the author managed to bamboozle me into buying something that turned out to be rubbish by giving me a beautiful title and cover. That’s remarkably clever.

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.

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This is the first book I have read by this author, and it certainly did not disappoint!.

The entire book is so beautifully written it is impossible to not lose yourself within the pages of this wonderful read.

The storyline details Ana's grief when she discovers the sudden death of her lover. The detail given to the raw emotions in which the character would undoubtedly be feeling throughout such a time is breath-taking and really takes the reader through the range of emotions alongside the characters.

Beautifully written, with a storyline full of emotion, this is a wonderful book and should be read by all.

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I really wanted to love this book as there are so many brilliant reviews for it. Sadly I just couldn't finish it as I just couldn't get into the style of writing. It was too direct and hard hitting for me but can see that others absolutely loved it.

Its definitely worth a try as it could potentially be one best books you've read!

Thank you Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley.

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