Why I Shouldn’t Put Things Off (Like Bees To Honey)

I don’t know why I do this. Well, I do, and I know I’m wrong, which makes things that little bit worse. (I don’t like being wrong.)

When I get a book I know I’ll like, I put off reading it. I tell myself: ‘Nik, you want to read this when you’ve chance to enjoy it. When there are no distractions.’

There are always distractions. And when I finally decide that enough’s enough, and that I should just get on with reading the book I always love it and wish I’d have just got on with it earlier.

I did it with Caroline Smailes’ ‘In Search of Adam(I talk about it here) and, more recently, her latest, the wonderful ‘Like Bees To Honey’.

So. ‘Like Bees To Honey’ is the story of Nina. A young woman ostracised from her family in Malta because she fell pregnant by a non-Maltese man. The story charts her return to her home island to see her parents again, one last time. But the Malta she finds is somewhat different to the place where she grew up.

Mainly because there are ghosts there.

And Jesus (who’s actually more like Johnny Depp than one might have imagined).

I can honestly say that this is one of the most affecting books I’ve read. It’s beautifully written, deeply moving and very funny in places. It’s the perfect story of understanding, of family, of home, of grief and of healing. And it will probably break your heart.

I’ve said many times on here that I’m rubbish at reviewing books so all I’ll say is that Like Bees To Honey is a wonderful, wonderful book which I wouldn’t hesitate to both recommend and give it a great big five star rating.

You know what to do. Just, you know, do it quicker than me.

Published by

nikperring

Nik Perring is a short story writer, author, teacher of writing, and editor from the UK. His stories have been published widely all over the world. His books include the widely celebrated Not So Perfect (Roastbooks 2010), A Book of Beautiful Words; and Beautiful Trees; and he co-wrote Freaks!(TFP/HarperCollins, 2012).

8 thoughts on “Why I Shouldn’t Put Things Off (Like Bees To Honey)”

  1. How could I think that your review of Like Bees To Honey was ever going to be anything but 100% positive? The reverence you have shown for Caroline and her writing lately, has bordered on legendary. It's a wonderful thing to see.After a review like this how could anyone resist not reading Like Bees to Honey? You've convinced me once again Nik. Thank you!WarmestRob

  2. Thanks Rob. Caroline's a wonderful, wonderful writer and, no surprises, Like Bees To Honey, is a wonderful, wonderful book.Hope you enjoy it as much as I did – look forward to your thoughts on it!Nik

  3. Like Bees to Honey is a stunning book. I absolutely loved it, too. Good to know I'm not the only one who hoards what I know will be a great read until the stars align, the breeze is blowing in the right direction, the choc is room temperature and the wine is chilled. 😀

  4. Talli – I loved it! And Jesus was fab! Big fan of Tilly too, to be honest.Kath – glad it's not just me!Thanks for dropping by Crystal Jigsaw. Ah yes, ghosts are good!

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