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Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite
The Hive by Gill Hornby is a funny and in your face, yet touching novel, showing that even though you might leave high school, the drama, social circles, betrayal, and cliques never really leave you. I got to listen to the audio-book, which was AWESOME. I loved the narrator's play on the tones of different characters. It really made the book sparkle.
St. Ambrose is one of the town's top educational development tracks and the most prestigious school if you really want your kids to get into the big league. It's the beginning of yet another school year, and as the September leaves are beginning to turn, both the children and their mothers are learning lessons, though the mom's lessons may be harder than anything you learn in school. The Queen of the moms, aptly named Beatrice or Bea, rules the other moms with an iron fist and has managed the fundraising and other projects for years, and expects to for many years more.
The characters were all unique, though at times pushed the boundaries of being cardboard cutout characters of a Young Adult novel. You get Georgie - the basket case character who just wants a smoke; Heather - the desperate wanna-be who just wants to be noticed and accepted by the popular girls; and Rachel - the casual observer who may want to be included, but may just want to watch everyone make a fool of themselves.
The Hive dives into the petty world of moms and the playground politics that makes the school grounds look like a battle ground for stay at home moms and dads everywhere, and shows that you never quite leave high school. Gill Hornby showcases her skill as a very entertaining author with a quick wit and a writing style that is both darkly funny, and very entertaining!
