The Bee Sting by Irish author, Paul Murray, is a study of generations of a dysfunctional family - the Barnes family, particularly Dickie and Imelda plus their teenagers Cass and PJ. The first four sections of the book deal with each of these characters individually as well as collectively providing background information in this long and complicated family saga. The author then reveals more recent events in the family's story.
When we meet them, the Barnes family owns two car dealerships and are well off financially. However over time the family business begins to go downhill and is almost destroyed during a recession. Much of the novel involves how family members deal with these changes. We also learn that some of the stories told about the family are not true. There has been much bad luck, as well as some stupidity, which has resulted in the current spiral of misfortune. Towards the end of the novel the characters begin to consider how to improve relationships but is it too late to undo the damage?
The Bee Sting was on the shortlist for the 2023 Booker Prize.
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray - The Guardian
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray - Turner Stories
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