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The
2004 Award
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The Beekeepers Pupil by Sara George
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Nominated by:
Publisher
of Nominated Edition:
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| the complete A-Z listing of nominated authors |
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ABOUT
THE BOOK
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| In 1766, at the age of fifteen, Francois Huber learns that he is going blind. As the darkness descends he sets his mind on an extraordinary scientific inquiry - into the violent and sexually competitive world of the bee. He teaches his manservant to observe in his place and together they document their astonishing findings, with extraordinary obsessiveness and insight. Set against the scientific discoveries and libertarian ideals of the Enlightenment, and the dramatic and bloody events of the late eighteenth century, it is a story of human limitations, trust and revelation. |
| ABOUT THE AUTHOR |
| Sara George is the award-winning author of the acclaimed The Journal of Mrs Pepys, which serialised on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. She lives in London, England. |
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Reader
Review
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This very interesting novel is set in the 18th century - a turbulent time in history. The story concerns the friendship between two men. Pierre is a naturalist with an obsession with the biological function of bees .But unfortunately he is stone blind. He employs François as his eyes and a deep and trusting bond develops between them. The story is narrated by François who, although very happy in his work, is very lonely and seems an outsider in the household. There is sexual tension as his master's wife tries to seduce him and eventually he decides to leave. The happy consequence of this is he finds love and contentment. The title of this book is quite ambivalent: the pupil learns a huge amount about bees from his master but also the master learns a lot from his pupil about honour and integrity. Carmel Gormley, Charleville Mall Library Reading Group, Dublin, Ireland |
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