Beka Lamb
Beka Lamb
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1982
Book Brief
171
Novel • Fiction
Belize • 1950s
1982
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Beka Lamb by Zee Edgell follows 14-year-old Beka in 1950s Belize as she navigates racial prejudice, social insecurity, and religion, particularly through her recent essay contest win and the tragic death of her friend Toycie. Through flashbacks, Beka reflects on her past lies and failures, relationship with her family, and her determination to honor Toycie’s memory by securing a better future for herself. The novel deals with themes including pregnancy loss and death.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
963 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Beka Lamb by Zee Edgell is praised for its rich depiction of Belizean culture and history, particularly its nuanced exploration of colonialism, identity, and social change. Edgell's prose is celebrated for its authenticity and depth. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the narrative structure complex. Overall, it's a moving and poignant coming-of-age story.
Who Should Read Beka Lamb?
Readers who enjoy Beka Lamb by Zee Edgell typically relish coming-of-age stories set against socio-political backdrops. They appreciate novels like To Kill a Mockingbird and The House on Mango Street, which explore themes of identity, societal change, and personal growth within a rich cultural context. Perfect for fans of multicultural narratives and historical settings.
963 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
171
Novel • Fiction
Belize • 1950s
1982
YA
14-18 years
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