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.

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

Lindsay Eagar

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Hour of the Bees and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Hour of the Bees Summary

Background

Hour of the Bees Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Hour of the Bees Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-16

Hour of the Bees Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 17-Epilogue

Hour of the Bees Chapter 17-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Hour of the Bees Character Analysis

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Themes

Hour of the Bees Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Hour of the Bees Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Hour of the Bees Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Hour of the Bees Essay Topics

Hour of the Bees

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Hour of the Bees?

Reading Age

Book Details