Book of the week

On average there are about 184,000 books published every year in the UK. Considering that only a slight fraction of that total are deemed to be a mainstream success, it’s fair to say that the competition to stand out in the literary world is fierce.

This week’s book, Here Is The Beehive, is one guaranteed to garner some attention, as it offers an unusual, alternative form of storytelling by delivering a narrative told entirely in written verse.

To call it a poem would belie the length and complexity of the plot it contains but it is also definitely not a literary novel in the traditional sense.

A crossbreed between two literary forms, it is the story of Ana and Connor who have been having an affair for three years when Ana receives an unexpected call from Connor’s wife, Rebecca, to inform her that he has suddenly passed away.

Alone with their secret and her grief, Ana begins to seek solace in the only other person who can understand her loss: Rebecca.

Here Is The Beehive is not an easy read for many reasons but equally, this is what makes it a worthwhile one.

It’s a story that is already complex and emotionally fraught based on its themes concerning infidelity and grief.

Arguably, its complexity and intensity is further enhanced by the way in which it is told, which is no doubt a conscious decision made by the author to elevate the impact of the story.

For this, Crossan proves to be an impressive writer as the execution of such an intelligent concept within a challenging form is not an easy feat; for this she should be applauded.

Yet, while it may be a brave choice in telling it by means of verse rather than as a straightforward narrative it can’t be forgotten that poetry is an acquired taste.

In this way, it’s a bit difficult to ever feel you’ve completely got to grips with the plot.

Likewise, while it was such an emotional story, this is arguably more to do with the way in which it is told rather than what is actually conveyed.

When stripped of its merits relating to its style and form, the plot is quite basic and, as it is limited in narrative techniques such as characterisation, further examination reveals it lacks the depth and involvement which a traditional narrative would provide.

Casting aside these faults, it still provides a powerful story that will transfix readers.

Review by Emma Reekie. 7/10