Book Review - 'The Bees' by Carol Ann Duffy

‘The Bees’
By Carol Ann Duffy
Published by Picador
RRP £14.99 (hardback)
ISBN 9780330442442
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans

‘The Bees’ is Carol Ann Duffy’s first collection since she was appointed the Poet Laureate in 2009. Her previous collection ‘Rapture’ won her the T.S. Eliot Prize.

What I love about Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry writing style, is that it’s uncomplicated, it’s not trying to be something it isn’t – her poems are accessible, which makes them all the more wonderful. You don’t have to be an academic to understand or appreciate her craft, you don’t even have to know a thing about poetry to enjoy the words, how they are compiled, their message to you. That’s a rare skill and a beautiful one.

‘The Bees’ covers many themes, from politics and history, to musings on love and life in general. There’s heartfelt elegies to friends and family, mixed with thought-provoking verse and witty stanzas making a gem of a collection that any poetry lover will enjoy, and will want to share with others.