Both frightening and fascinating, this book moves between three time periods to examine our relationship with and reliance on bees - important pollinators now at risk of disappearing. One part of the book follows a scientific researcher in in 1852 England, determined to improve his family's life and bring fame to his name by inventing a new and superior beehive. The second part is the story of an American beekeeper in 2007 struggling to stick to tradition in the face of modern farming - and colony collapse disorder. The third part of the story is set in 2098 China - bees have long since disappeared, and Tao is a hand-pollinator in a world that has been ravaged by food shortages. Each character has their own difficulties and also their own pleasures - the joy of research, learning and family bonds is woven throughout as well as the sorrows and terrors faced by the three protagonists. A good pick for fans of Barbara Kingsolver.
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