A Recipe for Bees

“A wonder to be cherished: a wise, beautiful and deeply felt novel that reminds us all that it’s never too late to fall in love.” – Chris Bohjalian. Gail Anderson-Dargatz's second novel delves into relationships through the life of Augusta Olsen, whose lifelong quest for love and independence unfolds in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. Rich in bee lore and vivid imagery from rural life, the narrative centers on the life, death, and renewal of a remarkable marriage. After her mother’s death, eighteen-year-old Augusta marries her older neighbor, Karl, and moves in with his bitter father. Their marriage lacks romance, leaving Augusta, who yearns for beauty and affection, feeling trapped on the remote farm. An affair with the enigmatic Joe leads to a daughter, a secret that deepens her despair until she discovers her mother’s beekeeping tools, prompting her to “put some honey into her life.” The story unfolds from Augusta’s old age as she and Karl await news of their son-in-law’s surgery. Anderson-Dargatz’s own parents inspired the narrative, leading them to reconcile after decades apart. Nominated for the Giller Prize, this bestselling novel has garnered critical acclaim and is celebrated for its humor and exploration of love's endurance. A Globe and Mail Notable Book of 1998.