The Beekeeper's Promise

The Beekeeper's Promise

  - Fiona Valpy

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The book has two parallel storylines - that of Abi in the present, and of Elaine in the wartime in occupied France. In Abi's story there is a further split, her past and present.

Two threads converging towards a common point is a common enough device in fiction. In this book, the switches between the two were rather abrupt. Moreover, the narrative kept changing from first person to third person, particularly in Abi's story. I actually felt that Abi's story was superfluous and was forced just for the sake of form. The analogy drawn between the two stories was totally irrational.

I also don't see any reason why Elaine chose not to tell her story for 75 years (except for the pain), but if she was reluctant to share it, it is inconceivable that she would like a second person to relate it to someone (Abi) who she had never even met.

In my opinion, Elaine's story standalone would have made a much better reading, though, if you have read a few good world war stories you won't find anything new. I didn't find the writing style commendable either - the interactions between the characters were insipid and unrealistic for most part, and in general it was the case of author telling us things and feelings, rather than showing.
I finished it, but I can't say that I enjoyed it much.