10 The Music of Bees Book Club Questions

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Eileen Garvin’s The Music of Bees is a tender symphony of human connection and resilience. Set against the serene backdrop of rural Oregon, the novel introduces us to three souls adrift: Alice, a solitary beekeeper haunted by past regrets; Jake, a spirited teenager grappling with the aftermath of a life-altering accident; and Harry, a young man battling social anxiety.

Their paths converge unexpectedly on Alice’s honeybee farm, forming an unlikely bond that becomes their lifeline amidst life’s storms.

As they navigate grief, fear, and the complexities of human nature, they also face a growing threat to their beloved bees and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit.

The Music of Bees is not just a heartwarming tale of friendship but also a perfect exploration of environmental consciousness and the power of community.

Let’s dive deeper into this enchanting story together.

In the following discussion guide, we’ll explore the themes of loss, healing, and the extraordinary power of human connection.

Are you ready to embark on this journey?

Let’s go then.

The Music of Bees Book Club Questions

The Music of Bees Book Club Questions For Discussion

  • At the heart of the novel is the complex relationship that forms between Alice, Jake, and Harry, resulting in a unique ‘family’ structure at Alice’s homestead. This relationship offers a sense of grounding and purpose to each of the characters, who have been dealing with their own struggles.
    What’s your take on Garvin constructing this unconventional family dynamic, and what role does it play in defining the characters’ identities and their capacity to overcome personal adversities? How is this unconventional family dynamic represented as a microcosm of a larger community in the face of SupraGro’s threat?

  • The antagonist in the novel is SupraGro, a chemical company that plans to infiltrate Hood River, bringing with it a history of environmental destruction. The detrimental effects of SupraGro’s chemicals are highlighted when Alice’s beehives start dying, prompting a collective community response.
    How does the author utilize the conflict between the community and SupraGro to explore themes of environmental conservation and corporate responsibility, and what role does this conflict play in the character development of Alice, Jake, and Harry?

  • Eileen Garvin presents friendship as an essential theme in The Music of Bees, highlighting the bonds that develop between characters of different age groups. Alice, despite being older, creates profound friendships with Harry and Jacob.
    How does this book challenge societal norms and stereotypes surrounding friendships, particularly age-related barriers, and what does it say about the power of shared experiences over age when forming friendships?

  • The character of Harry Stokes offers a view into the struggles faced by an ex-felon trying to reintegrate into society. His journey takes him from being homeless and unemployed in Hood River to eventually finding a new life and purpose as a kitesurfing instructor.
    How does Harry’s status as a felon and his experiences of societal marginalization shape his character? Also, discuss in what ways does his transition to a new life in Hood River reflect society’s inability to facilitate the reintegration of ex-convicts?

  • In the novel, Alice Holtzman, burdened by her anxieties, also finds herself navigating the harsh realities of life and the betrayal that follows. She quits her job at the county planning offices after discovering that her boss and her old friend have conspired against her, leading to a crucial turning point in her life.
    Considering the fact that betrayal changes us, how do you think Alice’s experiences of it, and her subsequent involvement with the Watershed Alliance, influence her character development and her relationship with Jake and Harry?

  • The novel provides an intimate portrayal of Jake Stevenson’s struggle to come to terms with his new reality as a paraplegic after an accident, which in turn, creates a sense of isolation and self-alienation. His journey involves crossing paths with Alice Holtzman and Harry Stokes, where the bond they form seemingly helps them find new ground in life.
    How does Jake’s character evolve throughout the narrative, and how do his interactions and relationships with Alice and Harry contribute to this development, especially considering the significant physical and emotional challenges he faces?

  • The theme of healing is predominant in the novel, where each character is dealing with the respective misfortunes that have led them to the brink of ending their lives. They ultimately find healing and hope in beekeeping, a unique and shared hobby.
    Based on this context, discuss how beekeeping, a seemingly mundane and somewhat peculiar pastime, acts as a catalyst to the transformation of these characters. Also, don’t you think that it is sometimes the mundane that brings the most progress in our lives? 

  • The story follows the transformation of Harry’s life from being homeless to finding a home on Alice’s farm. This change is deeply rooted in his newfound friendship with Alice and their shared interest in beekeeping.
    How does Garvin explore the themes of homelessness and in sharp contrast, stability as well, in Harry’s journey, and how does his evolution reflect on the potential of unexpected friendships and opportunities to radically alter one’s life trajectory?

  • Jacob’s character faces physical challenges due to a horrible accident that confined him to a wheelchair. Despite his physical limitations, he finds his life enlivened through his relationships with Alice and Harry, even mitigating his pain.
    How does Jacob’s story explore the impact of interpersonal relationships on physical suffering, and how does his journey contribute to the novel’s exploration of the intersection between mental and physical health?

  • Eileen Garvin employs the motif of bees as a potent symbol of unity, collective effort, and friendship in the novel. The bees and their hive parallel the dynamic between Alice, Jacob, and Harry as they navigate their shared experiences and individual pains.
    Discuss how Garvin uses this symbol to emphasize the power of companionship and teamwork in overcoming personal hardship. Also, what’s your take on how this nuanced depiction of the bees’ functioning offer a metaphorical lens to understand the characters and their interpersonal lives?

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