Official Review: The Bee Keeper's Daughter

lesler · Post by **lesler** » 06 Jun 2018, 16:24

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Bee Keeper's Daughter" by Shiån Serei.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Bee Keeper's Daughter by Shian Serei is the initial journey of a Russian peasant named Maria, as a turn of tragic events forces her out of her home into hiding. To avoid capture by soldiers, she must travel North on the Volga River to find safety with relatives in a distant city. Maria is forced to grow up fast from a simple farm girl as a stowaway on a ship, meeting some incredible people along the way, as she struggles with past events in order to shape her future.

In this journey Maria meets a woman named Svetna who is a slave on this ship, cooking and cleaning in order to pay her deceased father's debts. Life as the only female on a ship is never easy, and Maria learns what it takes to survive. This story of full of passion, violence, and details the history of Russia from centuries ago.

I loved this book and connected to Maria quickly. There is a lot of sexual imagery portrayed early in this book, and I do not recommend it for young readers. The novel was originally written in Russian and still used Russian phrases throughout the book with a glossary of terms at the book's conclusion. This made for some confusing reading. It was well written, with few grammatical and spelling errors. This book is the first of five, so a lot of time was spent setting up the storyline.

A fascinating part of this book is the intricate look into a large commercial ship of the 19th or 20th century. The main character spends time on two different ships of different sizes, and I enjoyed learning how a commercial ship differed from a travel ship for tourists. I learned about the duties of the ship crew, including the captain, quartermaster, chaplain, cook, and captain's assistant. The novel gives a firsthand account of what happens when the ship reaches port, and how the ship is a type of community. For instance, when a member of the crew is murdered, a trial is held immediately with the captain acting as judge.

I give The Beekeeper's Daughter 4 out of 4 stars, for its' excellent pacing, fascinating storyline, and historical references. There is a considerable amount of sexual references, graphic violence, and profanity throughout the novel, so proceed with caution. I recommend this book for mature readers who are interested in a passionate tale of a girl in Russia learning how to grow up in the worst way possible.

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The Bee Keeper's Daughter
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Samantha Simoneau · Post by **Samantha Simoneau** » 07 Jun 2018, 07:22

The premise, attention to detail, and glimpses into Russian history and ships really intrigues me, but I don't think I can handle the "sexual references, graphic violence, and profanity throughout." Sounds like a well-written novel, though. Thanks for the great review!

Kristy Khem · Post by **Kristy Khem** » 07 Jun 2018, 09:57

Sounds like a well-written tale with an interesting plot. I think I will enjoy this book!
Thanks for your review.

Juliablaya · Post by **Juliablaya** » 07 Jun 2018, 11:34

I think it is unique. I'm not gonna bored while reading this story

allsheila6gmailcom · Post by **allsheila6gmailcom** » 07 Jun 2018, 17:48

I am intrigued by and attracted to books that shed light on a culture and teach you while you are caught up in the story. I plan on reading this one.

Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 07 Jun 2018, 20:53

The book seem promising. Introducing the story to build upon the grounds of Russia and Russian culture is something for anyone interested in knowing about it. This story is based on survival and endurance of a hard journey which is compelling enough for me to read. This is something new, I will give it a try. Thank you!

Mouricia Allen · Post by **Mouricia Allen** » 07 Jun 2018, 21:41

I feel like this is a book I would read. I liked your review of it.

joshfee77 · Post by **joshfee77** » 08 Jun 2018, 03:11

Sounds like a very well-executed story with some interesting historical references and a bit of spice! Always great to find a well-paced book with a fascinating story. Nice review!

Kemunto lucy · Post by **Kemunto lucy** » 08 Jun 2018, 14:13

History turns me away . The story sounds great though. Thanks for the awesome review.

kdawes17 · Post by **kdawes17** » 08 Jun 2018, 18:52

In this story Maria is a very young girl who's life is getting ready to change ,and she doesn't know what she's in for.Maria whole world was turned upsided down and she didn't even realizes how fast she had to grow up in order to get herself ready for the future.

Hamza bajwa · Post by **Hamza bajwa** » 08 Jun 2018, 21:38

she's in for.Maria whole world was turned upsided down and she didn't even realizes how fast she had to grow up in order to get herself ready for the future.

swathi882 · Post by **swathi882** » 09 Jun 2018, 04:04

interesting one... the characters and their background seems like strong as per their names...
this is not the book with imaginations....,this is the book with realities in the form of a story...

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 09 Mar 2019, 17:58

In Russian language, there is no such name as "Svetna".

There is the first name "Svetlana", which means "Light Woman" or "Woman Who Is Light". The abbreviated form from "Svetlana" is "Sveta." This "Svetna" looks as if the author or translator has confused the full and abbreviated form of this name.
However, the review is written very well.