History of Bees (Lunde) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
Is climate-themed fiction all too real? As scientists’ projections about the effects of climate change have increasingly become reality, some works of apocalyptic fiction have begun to seem all  too plausible. Maja Lunde’s first book chronicles three generations as they exploit, try to save and eventually mimic bees.
New York Times


The History of Bees brings climate change into the realm of book-club fiction.… Lunde’s exploration of the tension between human instinct and the need for selflessness couldn’t be more timely.
Los Angeles Times


Lunde, a Norwegian author and screenwriter, threads a common string through these characters. The novel becomes far less about bees than about family — about how the relationship between parent and child can be passionate, desperate, tragic and uplifting….The History of Bees is a dark read, and yet it ends on a wavering note of optimism. It’s been likened to Emily St. John Mandel’s 2014 sci-fi novel Station Eleven, with good reason.
Minneapolis Star-Tribune


[T]he author…explores…the potentially bleak outcome for a world that ignores the warning signs …and allows honeybees to disappear.… [B]oth a multifaceted story and a convincing and timely wake-up call.
Publishers Weekly


This book… weaves together three fairly disparate stories spread across the better part of two and a half centuries.… Lunde’s compelling narrative draws the reader in.… [T]he "butterfly effect" is in full effect, as decisions made long ago and far away influence outcomes in unpredictable but realistic ways.
BookPage


Three interwoven tales from 1851, 2007, and 2098 tell the story of our dependency on bees.…Tao's quest to find her son and understand what happened to him will ultimately tie the three stories together…. Illuminating if not much fun.
Kirkus Reviews