I'm usually pretty picky when it comes to books and it's hard to find one that I really enjoy but I absolutely LOVED this book. There was so much to be gleaned about life, love, death, marriage, relationships, parenting, friendships, forgiveness, growing old... the list goes on. It was also very absorbing - I had only intended to read a few pages to see if I'd like it and before I knew what happened I was a good way into the book. Very readable - I flew through it (sadly - I didn't want it to end). The characters are very real and part of their realness lies in their very human flaws, which you can relate to personally or with others in mind. It's full of beautiful imagery as well. I could go on but to get to the point: it's a great book.

This book had its bright spots. I liked the parallel between the bees creating honey in a rotting carcass to the creation of a good marriage from a bad one. The central character (Augusta) was overly flawed--a good character must have flaws, but hers made her unlikeable. And the bee theme has been done.

This is the second novel that I have read by this author and I consider her to be one of Canada's great writers. In my opinion she is alongside Atwood, Munro and Laurence. I think her writing captivates and the stories are multi-dimensional. This particular story reminds me of The Stone Angel; with a strong female protagonist's retrospective of her life.

This book is one of the best I've read, everything in it, every aspect is great. The characters, the dialogue, the setting....just awesome. This is a book evryone should have. Thanks.

This novel takes the reader through its characters with a mix of trials and joys that leave you feeling better than when you began. Well worth reading and a great investment to lend to friends!

I think that the overall writing of this book was good. I like how it was written. It, however, gets off topic a lot, and then from the off topic, it gets off topic again. You also never know when it's gotten back to the actual story, and not what happened in the past. It also seems to take quite a while to get through one chapter. I think that I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who likes sticking to the story.

Simply amazing! What a terrific and touching story on love in all forms; familial, parental, sexual and platonic. Augusta is an awesome character and her feelings are something to be interpreted on a indivual basis. Everyone I know has come away from this book with good feelings and unique revelations.

An insightful look into the life of Augusta Olsen, from childhood though to old age. The struggles of her mother, herself, and now, her daughter are intertwined in this story. A poignent look at the struggles of marriage, and how a relationship grows stronger through understanding, and forgiveness.

A fabulous book by the author of The Cure for Death by Lightning. I immensely enjoyed this story set on Vancouver Island and the interior of B.C. Once again Anderson-Dargatz has created vivid and memorable characters, particularly Augusta Olsen, the central character. Now a senior citizen, Augusta recalls her life as a child, new bride, adulterer, and always beekeeper. Beautifully written, descriptive and insightful, you will like and remember Augusta and her friends and family for a long time. I bet this book will be nominated for many awards - and will come out a winner!