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Of Bees and Mist (Paperback)
$13.21 - Save $1.78 (11%) - RRP $14.99 Free delivery worldwide (to United States and
all these other countries) Usually dispatched within 48 hours | |Short Description for Of Bees and MistSetiawan's atmospheric debut is a beautiful, engrossing fable of three generations of women in two families, their loves and losses, their destructive jealousies and deceptions, and their triumphs.
Full description- Publisher: SIMON & SCHUSTER
- Published: 06 July 2010
- Format: Paperback 404 pages
- See: Full bibliographic data
- Categories: Fantasy
- ISBN 13: 9781416596257 ISBN 10: 1416596259
- Sales rank: 272,253
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Reviews for Of Bees and Mist
Review of Of Bees and Mist
Everything you think you know about reading a story... well, just toss it out the window if you pick up Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan. This was one of the most disgusting, thought-provoking, horrible, fascinating and crazy books I've read all year. To give you an idea of how crazy this book was... I read so slow that, at times, I was even going back over certain parts a few times until I finally "got" what Setiawan was trying to do.
As the summary above states, this is a story about three women. Two of the women are in an older generation than the main character, Meridia. In both main families (think of it as almost.. a Romeo/Juliet type of thing..but not quite), the dynamics are somewhat similar - but there are glaring differences as well. It's really hard to describe it without just telling everything there is to know about the book - so I'll leave it at that and encourage you to check it out.
All of that said, let me give you some advice as you start to read Of Bees and Mist. First, don't try to make sense of what you are reading. Then, understand that symbolism prevails in this book. There's a reason for everything, for the bees, for the mists.. and for the other strange occurrences. This book would make a fantastic book group read, because there is so much to discuss about it! Unfortunately.. it's so strange I can see a lot of casual readers having a difficult time getting past the first few pages. But once you do... it's like p***ing a really gruesome accident. I rubber-necked my way through the whole story, unable to look away and feeling so discouraged, so despondent - and I'm not going to deny that you will probably feel that way as well. Stick it out, though. It's worth it.
I spent a day mulling it over before finally trying to put my thoughts down in some sort of cohesive review, but this is what you all will get. My ramblings as I struggle to talk about just how much I loved this book. by Lydia PresleyReviewed by LadyJay for TeensReadToo.com
Meridia is a young girl when she meets Daniel, the man who will sweep her off her feet. What follows is nothing short of a fairy tale. And, just like in all good fairy tales, there is struggle, heartache, and redemption.
Meridia uncovers secrets in her family as well as Daniel's. Spells, charms, witchcraft, demons, prophets, and clairvoyants are an everyday reality in Meridia's world. Colorful mists whisk her father away, and her mother's cooking can heal almost anything that ails you. Her mother-in-law also possesses strange powers; her vindictive, evil ways manifest themselves into a swarm of bees that attempt to pull Meridia and Daniel apart.
Meridia must use all of her strength to keep her family together, and mend the broken parts of their lives.
I was truly amazed by this novel. I am constantly drawn to fairy tales, and though this novel reads like one, none of the content seemed far-fetched. Erick Setiawan was able to create a world where the unbelievable seemed completely possible. It was easy to get lost in the story because of that.
At the heart of this tale are three women - Meridia, Ravenna, and Eva, and how their relationships color their world. It is also about strength and the true meaning of love. It is beautifully told, and a joy to read. A fairy tale for the modern era - brilliant!
*Gold Star Award Winner! by TeensReadToo
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