'Little Bee' by Chris Cleave - Book Club Discussion Questions

Little Bee by Chris Cleave is about two women whose lives are tied together by an unexpected meeting on a beach in Nigeria. Little Bee is a Nigerian refugee and Sarah is a British magazine editor. Use these book club discussion questions on Little Bee to lead your reading group into the novel.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about Little Bee by Chris Cleave. Finish the book before reading on.

1. In Britain, Little Bee was published under the title The Other Hand. Which do you think is a better title for the book? What aspects of the novel does each title highlight?
2. Why do you think Andrew refused to cut off his finger but Sarah was able to? Do you think you would have?
3. Do you think Little Bee is as culpable in Andrew's death as he was in her sister's?
4. Suicide comes up several times in the novel. Do you think there is a difference in the refugee's suicide in the barn and Andrew's?
5. Why do you think it is a comfort to Little Bee to imagine how she would kill herself in each new place she goes? Why don't you think she killed herself in the end?
6. Does Sarah's discovery of Andrew's research and possible book redeem him at all in your eyes? Who did you like better, Andrew or Lawrence?
7. Did you learn anything new about the oil wars in Nigeria? What will you do with that knowledge?
8. Did you learn anything new about the way refugees are treated in Britain? What will you do with that knowledge?
9. In what ways are we culpable for the real life Little Bees if we choose to move on after hearing stories like this?
10. Why do you think Little Bee feels hope at the end of the novel despite her dire circumstances?
11. Rate Little Bee on a scale of 1 to 5.