72 pages • 2 hours read
Chris CleaveLittle Bee
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Little Bee by Chris Cleave follows a teenage Nigerian refugee and a British woman named Sarah Summers whose lives become intertwined after a harrowing encounter on a Nigerian beach. The novel unfolds in their alternating perspectives as they uncover and confront the violent and traumatic events that brought them together, using storytelling as a means to cope and heal.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Little Bee by Chris Cleave has been praised for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, skillfully addressing themes of immigration and personal trauma. Critics highlight its engaging prose and strong character development, though some mention that certain plot points feel contrived. Overall, it is regarded as a thought-provoking and poignant novel.
Who Should Read Little Bee?
Readers who appreciate emotionally charged, socially conscious narratives such as The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini or Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will find Little Bee compelling. This novel appeals to those interested in themes of immigration, trauma, and human connection, wrapped in a gripping, character-driven story.