Pakistan, 1974: The secret-wreathed trees of Harikaya have always called to Hassan. He knows if he doesn’t find the last beekeeper and salvage a precious jar of his mythical black honey before the floods come, his mother will lose her sight.
But then he wins a scholarship to study with the state governor in Karachi amidst a brewing storm of political turmoil and simmering espionage. His entire world is turned upside down when he meets Maryam, the governor’s niece visiting from London.
All the while the fate of his mother and his promise to the bees calls him back to the forest, and so he must decide: Maryam or the beekeeper, England or Pakistan, his head or his heart?
From debut author Siya Turabi, The Last Beekeeper is a beautifully written, tender-hearted coming-of-age story that follows Hassan, a young man who finds himself torn between love and duty. Hassan makes for an intelligent, likeable and extremely captivating protagonist, who, over the course of the novel, undertakes a journey of self-discovery and experiences different kinds of love and connection – for his family, for Maryam and with nature.
A standout feature of the novel is the setting, particularly that of the forbidden forest, which is vividly brought to life through Turabi’s lyrical prose and exquisite sensory detail. These descriptions of the forest are richly imagined and steeped in magic, so much so that as you read, the hum of the bees emits from the page, drawing Hassan – and the reader – deeper into the woods.
The Last Beekeeper is a unique and poignant story, one that is best read slowly and savoured. Filled with finely wrought characters, vibrant settings and plenty of political intrigue, this is a compelling tale of family, first love, friendship, self-discovery and the power of choice in a changing world. Ultimately, though, it is a celebration of the power of nature and our connection with it. It’s a wonderful debut from Turabi, perfect for readers of Christy Lefteri, Yann Martel and Monique Roffey.
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