Little Bee

An interesting best-selling tale by Christopher Cleave called Little Bee, which is the name of the lead character of the book.  The author uses the well-used technique of alternating the voice (perspective) between Little Bee and Sarah (the English woman) whose paths cross during a trip to Nigeria for a vacation that Sarah and her husband go on to bring their marriage back together.  Sarah and Andrew would never know how that fateful trip would change so much in their lives.  Sarah and her four year old son, Charlie, are attending Andrew’s funeral a few days after Little Bee arrives in London.  We learn as the story progresses that Little Bee and Sarah met in Nigeria during the trip when Little Bee was to be killed but has her life saved when Sarah offers her middle finger to be cut off in exchange for Little Bee’s life.  Little Bee’s sister is not as lucky as Andrew, a journalist, refuses to have his finger cut off.  This decision haunts Andrew and when Little Bee contacts him for refuge to London, something snaps in London. This is a tale of guilt, missed opportunities, and running away from one’s past.  Little Bee, a refugee from Nigeria has escaped from the country and her demise, but learns she is still captive to the whims of society and is finally extricated to her homeland.  Sarah’s decision to have an extra-marital affair over many years leads to the trip and her inability to truly be the person she wants to be.  She sees Little Bee as the opportunity to "do the right thing."  Charlie, aka Batman (a wonderful character who dresses like a superhero – Batman) is the love child who just can’t seem to do what kids are incapable of doing, keep parents who aren’t in love together.  One of the funny moments was the interrupted love scene when Batman enters with a present… all parents have a story similar, I’m sure.  What a beautiful story of intrigue, holding on to something that needs to be let go, depression caused by regret and guilt, and fighting against the evil authority.  A surprise ending that is just calling for part 2… hmmm, what do you say Mr. Cleve?  Add this one to the list.  A quick listen and well worth it.  Well written book.