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368
Novel • Fiction
New Mexico • Contemporary
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
670L
Published in 2016, Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar follows 12-year-old Carol, who spends a transformative summer at her grandfather's sheep ranch in New Mexico, helping prepare it for sale and care for her grandfather, Serge, who has dementia. Entwined with Serge's enchanting stories about the land's magic and history, Carol begins to embrace her roots and the enchanting world around her.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
7,281 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar is lauded for its lyrical prose and skillful blend of magical realism and family drama. Readers appreciate its complex characters and profound themes of heritage and identity. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable. Overall, it captivates readers with its emotional depth and imaginative storytelling.
The ideal reader for Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar enjoys family-oriented narratives with magical realism. Fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan's Echo or Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane will appreciate this blend of folklore and real-world challenges, particularly those interested in intergenerational relationships and cultural heritage.
7,281 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alta
Carol’s older half-sister, who initially appears self-centered and moody due to feeling excluded from the family dynamics during the summer spent at their grandfather's ranch.
Raúl
Carol’s father and the only son of Serge, who struggles with his relationship with his father and the pressure of preparing the ranch for sale while reliving his childhood resentments.
Serge/Sergio
Carol’s grandfather, who tells Carol stories of the enchanted tree and grapples with his own fears and past decisions about life on the ranch.
Rosa
Carol’s grandmother and a figure in Serge’s stories, remembered for her adventurous spirit and desire to explore beyond the safety of the enchanted village.
368
Novel • Fiction
New Mexico • Contemporary
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
670L
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