This contemporary Indian American family drama with a strong dose of psychology will have readers rooting for the characters despite their human shortcomings.
Brooding and suspenseful, this first novel works best as a literary horror story. Although the characters seem distant and their motivations largely unexamined, the bee motif is strong throughout, and the biblical references, while obvious, are ominous. [Previewed in Barbara Hoffert's "Spring/Summer Bests," LJ 3/1/18.]
This first novel by an award-winning short story writer (Wallflowers) is a big ball of yuck trying too hard to be artful and provocative, piling one disturbing scene on top of another. Some readers may find it titillating, but others will say "enough."