Siya Turabi

The Last Beekeeper is a lyrical, mystical novel about growing up, making friends and making difficult choices. It’s set in Pakistan in 1974, a time and place unfamiliar to most of us, and that adds to the fascination you will feel and the hold this story will have over you. Hassan is just 14, but his life is not simple or easy; it’s complicated. Village life should be basic, but intrigue and politics surround it. Hassan’s father is a dreamer, a poet, obsessed with gathering black honey from the forbidden forest to save Hassan’s mother’s sight. He’s a very interesting character but not a very reliable one. Hassan’s mother works hard and is afraid to break the law. She’s more or less resigned to losing her sight. So when Hassan wins a scholarship to study with the state governor in Karachi she forces him to go.

From the minute he sets foot in Karachi, Hassan is conflicted. This is a new world, things he never even imagined. He doesn’t become part of the governor’s family, but he is included. And he’s met a girl. But – his father is not around so it’s up to Hassan to go back to the forbidden forest and get the black honey for his mother. What will he choose?

The Last Beekeeper is a compelling, satisfying read. Well-drawn characters and a solid plot, and a very different culture and customs and problems. Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers Ltd. For providing an advance copy via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)