Prue Swann

I loved this novel. It has the hallmarks of a classic. It gently builds a quixotic relationship between two elderly men who have known and disliked each other from schooldays but now under the harsh conditions of war they need to trust and rely on each other. Their needs are simple. The beekeeper cares deeply for his bees and for the family of another deceased beekeeper whom he tries to help. They live in a world of fear and utter deprivation but demonstrate gratitude for what little they have. This book is a wake-up call to the privileged about the values that make us human.