Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar is lauded for its lyrical prose and skillful blend of magical realism and family drama. Readers appreciate its complex characters and profound themes of heritage and identity. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable. Overall, it captivates readers with its emotional depth and imaginative storytelling.

The ideal reader for Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar enjoys family-oriented narratives with magical realism. Fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan's Echo or Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane will appreciate this blend of folklore and real-world challenges, particularly those interested in intergenerational relationships and cultural heritage.

Published in 2016, Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar follows 12-year-old Carol, who spends a transformative summer at her grandfather's sheep ranch in New Mexico, helping prepare it for sale and care for her grandfather, Serge, who has dementia. Entwined with Serge's enchanting stories about the land's magic and history, Carol begins to embrace her roots and the enchanting world around her.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet

- Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar was her debut novel and received critical acclaim for its unique blend of magical realism and exploration of family dynamics.
- The book was recognized as a Junior Library Guild selection, highlighting its appeal and quality for young readers in the literary market.
- Lindsay Eagar wrote the novel while participating in a workshop with renowned author Lynda Barry, who inspired her creative process and storytelling approach.

**Carol/Carolina**  
The 12-year-old protagonist and narrator who anglicizes her name to fit in at school but grows to embrace her heritage and family history throughout the story.

**Alta**  
Carol’s older half-sister, who initially appears self-centered and moody due to feeling excluded from the family dynamics during the summer spent at their grandfather's ranch.

**Raúl**  
Carol’s father and the only son of Serge, who struggles with his relationship with his father and the pressure of preparing the ranch for sale while reliving his childhood resentments.

**Serge/Sergio**  
Carol’s grandfather, who tells Carol stories of the enchanted tree and grapples with his own fears and past decisions about life on the ranch.

**Rosa**  
Carol’s grandmother and a figure in Serge’s stories, remembered for her adventurous spirit and desire to explore beyond the safety of the enchanted village.

Lindsay Eagar

Middle grade

Novel

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Chapters 1-8

Hour of the Bees Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-16

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Chapter 17-Epilogue

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