REVIEW - GREY BEES by Andrey Kurkov

The opening scene is set in the small village of Starhorodivka in the grey zone between Ukrainians and "separatists". The complexities of the Ukrainian conflict preceding the current war with Russia are seen through the struggles of mild-mannered Sergey Sergeyich who is more 'confused' than fearful.

Sergey's melancholic journey from his devasted village to save his bees demonstrates his courage and commitment to their welfare, place and value on the planet. As a custodian of the industrious colony, Sergey celebrates their harmony and ordered life. "It was the wisdom of nature that fascinated Sergey. Whenever wisdom was visible and comprehensible to him he would compare manifestations with human life and always to the detriment of the latter." (p.365)

Bees are superior to ants (and people) "Ants on the other hand had only reached the stage of real, natural socialism; this was because they had nothing to produce and so had merely mastered order and equality. But people? People had neither order nor equality even their police were useless, just loafing around ..."

Sergey's lifeblood was nature, especially his beloved bees. In a time of darkness, the simple sound of the call of a bird revives his depressed spirit.

"The cry had awakened the beekeeper's curiosity, reviving his mind; he turned his ears to the colourful, sonorous silence of the world around him, the silent flying crying creature suddenly forgotten. Into this silence were woven the whispers of foliage, the breeze's breath, the buzzing of bees – all the tiny sounds that constitute the peaceful silence of summer."

(p.261)

The descriptions are lively and often amusing like Akthem's widow's facial incongruence, "how could two different moods get along on one face like that?"

Kurkov writes in a way that makes extraordinary events seem ordinary, presenting absurd and surreal situations as commonplace, reflecting the complexities of post -Soviet society and the human condition. The style has a poetic touch and leans towards the form of a fable. There is a blend of magical realism and political satire, infused with dry deadpan humour that makes his work compelling and thought provoking.

The author's use of the third person provides a window into Sergey's heart and mind, revealing his intimate thoughts and nuances of his varying emotions. Unpredictable twists and turns add an undercurrent of uncertainty, giving the narrative a creepiness. It felt like Sergey is constantly tip-toeing through a minefield.

I liked Sergey - a gentle, heartwarming, honest and "responsible" individual, careful to promote peace than conflict, neutrality rather than partiality, although he does deliver a single ironic backhand swipe at Putin.

For me this well-crafted entertaining read deserves five stars.

David Kerr