Eileen Garvin

The story follows three separate characters, whose storylines converge: Abigail (neurodivergent entomologist who studies bees), Jake (honey farmer and paraplegic), and Flaco (14-year-old migrant worker sent alone from Mexico by his fearful mother). The book was engaging right from the start, and all of the characters had such distinct personalities. Even though it revisits characters from the author's previous books, I hadn't read them and this one worked very well for me as a standalone. I show more had no trouble following along with the storyline. I loved watching how all three characters impacted the others in, and how all of them benefitted and grew from knowing one another. There were a *lot* of bee and immigration facts packed into this charming story. Although it was a little heavy on info in places, the level of detail definitely gave the story depth. The author writes very knowledgeably and has clearly done her research. There was more tension in this book than I expected, with strong themes of social justice and environmentalism woven into the plot lines. They were handled well, and gave the story gravity. Definitely check content warnings for heavier themes. I think you'll enjoy this book if you're looking for a story that has strong found family vibes, a sense of inclusion and compassion, with a satisfying conclusion. Publishes April 21, 2026. This review is based on a complimentary DRC of the book, all opinions are my own. show less

Are you looking for your next feel good read? Looking to escape Covid for a little while and disappear inside an book? Look no further than Eileen Garvin's just released debut novel, The Music of Bees.

Alice has withdrawn from friends, family, neighbours and more following a series of heartbreaks. She goes to work and then goes straight home. She is alone except for her beloved bees. "Alice kept certain thoughts behind a firmly closed door in her mind..."

She literally runs into eighteen year show more old Jake one evening - and knocks him out of his wheelchair. Jake too has withdrawn from his friends, interests and his dysfunctional family. "He hated what he had done to his stupid life and that he had no one else to blame. He was broken in a way that could not be undone."

Harry has been living with his great uncle in a condemned trailer, hiding from his past, his parents and any social interactions. "Harry, stuck as he was between the recent debacle of his past and the uncertainty of his future, was happy to pause here, suspended between what he had done and what he might make of himself."

Three people that have no idea how to fix themselves - but maybe together they can find a way.

Alice's beehives touch each character in a different way and become the propolis that cements their friendships. What is propolis you ask? Well, it's "glue-like material is used by bees to build their hives and fix any cracks and tears and also creates an even and hard surface inside the beehive." I learned that and much more about bees, hive life etc. in The Music of Bees. It was only on finishing the book and reading the author's bio that I discovered Garvin is a beekeeper herself. Her knowledge and love of bees certainly shows in her descriptions and settings. Take the time to read the bee quotes at the beginning of every chapter - they directly tie into what's happening with Alice, Jake and Harry.

All three characters are so wonderfully drawn and the reader can't help but feel their pain and hope that they can heal and go forward. There are antagonists as well - some particularly nasty co-workers for Alice and a "nefarious pesticide company".

Having a friend is the start and from there goals, a purpose, courage, happiness and yes, even love seems possible again for each of the three. The Music of Bees is uplifting, heartbreaking and heartwarming. An excellent read - and especially now. show less

Bees, boys, protests and joy wrapped in a great story!

Eileen Garvin shows her skill at storytelling as she immerses the reader in a small town, rural atmosphere. She uses a light hand with character back stories making them interesting, well developed and engaging along with metaphorical yet educational elements of bee keeping. The story focuses on Alice Holtzman, a woman who takes Jake, a wheelchair bound teen on as a boarder and teaches him bee keeping. In short time, as he learns the show more trade, his musical ear tells him buzzing in the key of G equates with a happy queen, hence the book's title. Soon after, a parolee in need of a job is hired and the two quickly become friends while Alice rallies both community and environmental groups to battle a pesticide corporation. While its not Pulitzer material, its well written, engaging, paced to perfection and uplifting which for someone like myself is ideal. For all who enjoy a great story, its well worth adding to your list! show less

An absolutely stunning work. I love that Garvin is so honest about her experiences and how she felt about them. She gives a true account of how she felt growing up with a sister living with severe autism and does not try to hide her negative thoughts and actions toward her sister during various stages of her life. While some of the stories become repetitive throughout the book and some of the present-to-past memories become a little confusing, this was a terrific book. It gives a great show more first-person narrative of how one woman struggled to figure out what it means to have a sister living with autism. Her story was eye-opening and the ending was perfect and beautiful. show less