Reading Group Questions
1. The book is seen largely through the eyes of the central character Meridia. Do you think that she gives the reader a reliable view of the other characters in the book? Do we see her mother-in-law Eva as she really is?
2. The author uses very colourful metaphors and symbols to represent feelings and behaviours, such as the bees of Eva’s nagging and anger. How effective is this?
3. In what way does the author represent women in this book? How does this contrast with the development of the male characters?
4. OF BEES AND MIST is set in a timeless and magical reality. Discuss the use of time and place in the novel.
5. Discuss the relationships between men and women in the book. There are also strong relationships between women in OF BEES AND MIST. Discuss these too.
