Secret Life of Bees, The

Lily, a motherless child searching for the truth about her mother and her own role in her mother's death, lives with an abusive father and a black housekeeper. This maid, Rosaleen, is arrested and beaten when she tries to register to vote. Lily and she escape and find refuge with three black, bee-keeping sisters. Lily is intrigued with their world of bees and honey and their black Madonna icon. In this nurturing environment, Lily learns about feminine spirituality,family, forgiveness and love.