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Cover of Grey Bees
Literary Fiction· Ukraine

Grey Bees

by Andrey Kurkov
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2018Russian
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About This Book

Published in 2018, Grey Bees established Andrey Kurkov as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, 'Grey Bees' follows the story of Sergey, a beekeeper living in the war-torn 'grey zone'. Through his journey to find a safe haven for his bees, Kurkov offers a poignant exploration of the human cost of war, resilience, and the search for peace in a divided land. Themes of war, resilience, peace run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAndrey Kurkov
Published2018
Country of Origin🇺🇦 Ukraine
LanguageRussian
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780857059352
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇦 Ukraine

This book is part of Ukraine's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Ukraine →

Editorial Assessment

In "Grey Bees," Andrey Kurkov deftly explores the themes of isolation and resilience against the backdrop of a war-torn Ukraine, using the unlikely metaphor of beekeeping to illuminate the fragility of life. The novel's poignant narrative weaves a tapestry of human connection amid chaos, highlighting the enduring spirit of those who find solace in nature. Kurkov's lyrical prose invites readers to reflect on the delicate balance between conflict and peace, making this work both timely and timeless.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · global
20190
✍️
About the Author
Andrey Kurkov
Ukraine
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Andrey Kurkov is a Ukraine author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grey Bees about?

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, 'Grey Bees' follows the story of Sergey, a beekeeper living in the war-torn 'grey zone'. Through his journey to find a safe haven for his bees, Kurkov offers a poignant exploration of the human cost of war, resilience, and the search for peace in a divided land.

Who wrote Grey Bees?

Grey Bees was written by Andrey Kurkov, from Ukraine. First published in 2018.

What awards has Grey Bees won?

Grey Bees has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Grey Bees worth reading?

Grey Bees is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in war, resilience, peace.

Where can I buy Grey Bees?

You can buy Grey Bees on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Grey Bees?

Grey Bees is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Grey Bees from?

Grey Bees originates from Ukraine's literary tradition. Explore more books from Ukraine on our country page.

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