47 pages • 1 hour read
Eileen GarvinThe Music of Bees
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin is set in Hood River, Oregon, in 2014, and follows Alice, a widowed beekeeper with anxiety; Jake, an 18-year-old dealing with depression and paralysis after an accident; and Harry, a young man with social anxiety. Their lives intertwine when Jake and Harry work at Alice’s farm, improving their mental health while combating a pesticide company endangering the local bee population. The novel references mental health conditions and suicidal ideation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Eileen Garvin’s The Music of Bees has garnered positive reviews for its heartwarming narrative, rich character development, and exploration of healing and community. Critics appreciate the portrayal of beekeeping and environmental themes. However, some found the pacing slow and certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it’s recommended for readers seeking an uplifting story.
Who Should Read The Music of Bees?
The ideal reader for Eileen Garvin’s The Music of Bees is a fan of character-driven, heartwarming stories that delve into themes of community, healing, and personal growth. Similar to those who enjoyed Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove and Rachel Joyce's The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, they appreciate narratives about unlikely friendships and second chances.