Little Bee, by Chris Cleave

Characters

Sarah Summers Andrew O’Rourke – husband Charlie – son Lawrence – lover Clarissa – partner and friend

Little Bee – Udo (means peace) Nkiruka – older sister

At detention center – released with Little Bee: Yvette Sari Girl Girl with no name

For discussion:

1.       1. Can you imagine what Sarah’s world looked like through Little Bee’s eyes?  What do you think would be surprising or difficult to understand from your own life?

2.       2. Do you blame Little Bee for Andrew’s death?  Were you surprised that she was there when he died?

3.       3. Do you blame Sarah for Andrew’s death?

4.       4. Discuss Andrew’s book project.  Why do you think he did not tell Sarah?   She faulted him for not caring or doing anything.  Do you think it would have made a difference if she had known about his research?

5.       5. On page 209 Sarah talks about losing your childhood innocence and realizing that “some of the world’s badness is inside you, that maybe you’re a part of it.”    Do you agree?

6.       6. On page 133 Little Bee muses about Nkiruka and states that she “…loved music and now I saw that she was right because life is extremely short and you cannot dance to current affairs.”  What do you think about this statement?

7.       7. Discuss the statement on page 220 about surviving and living.  Little Bee thinks, “To survive, you have to look good or talk good.  But to end your story well – here is the truth – you have to talk yourself out of it.”

8.       8. How could Lawrence go to London with Sarah, Charlie and Little Bee without fear of being caught?

9.  9. What do you think of Lawrence?  Was he a positive or negative character?

1110.   Discuss Sarah.

1111. When Lawrence gave Little Bee the phone when Charlie was missing, do you think he intended for her to get caught when the police arrived?  Why didn’t he call himself – he had the phone and he knew the number.

1212.  Did you like the end of the story?  Was it plausible?