The story is told in alternating chapters by a young Nigerian refugee, Little Bee, and a female British journalist, Sarah. The pair met on a beach in Nigeria in a shocking scene where Sarah loses a finger in an effort to save the young girl’s life. Years later, Little Bee is released from a British detention centre with no paperwork, and turns up on Sarah’s doorstep the day of her husband’s funeral. Sarah decides to take Little Bee in until she can figure out what to do with the girl. Little by little, Little Bee reveals details of her final days in Nigeria, including the brutal rape and murder of her older sister, her escape to the UK, and her time in the detention centre. The book is exceptionally well-written, funny and shocking. Great for book clubs.
Kristy (Cathy, Chris and Elly have also read The Other Hand)
