Humanity’s relationship with bees is one of beautiful complexity and interdependence. In Listening to the Bees, readers are introduced to this delicate balance through Renee Saklikar’s richly evocative poetry and Mark Winston’s deep and profound relationship with the insects.
Each entry from Winston—field journals from his over 40 years of scientific research into the biology and nature of bees—invites us to accompany him on a colourful journey of both facts and philosophy. As we are guided from Vancouver to Kansas to French Guiana and beyond, Winston’s journals use both research and opinion to cleverly remind us of our impact on the bees and how that impact shapes our world.
Between each research expedition we’re invited to embark upon, Saklikar punctuates Winston’s sentiments with vivid poems that teem with life. Saklikar’s words invite us to dive into the hive using intense, hypnotic precision of language. Each poetic response gives palpable emotional context to Winston’s passionately written scientific insights on this critical species.
Winston’s focus on understanding and maintaining environmental diversity—coupled with real-world examples—provides crystal-clear perspective on our responsibility to protect our planet and its pollinators.
There is nothing better than art that makes us question who we are and who we want to be. Listening to the Bees, with its incredible ability to show us the inside of the hive in all its life-giving glory, will make the reader reconsider their connection to the Earth and their responsibility for its survival.
This excellent book, an exciting fusion of art and science, offers readers an incredible learning experience as it guides them on a journey set to change their culture irrevocably, provided we are willing to listen to the bees.