The Secret Life of Bees is a novel by Sue Monk Kidd set in South Carolina during the 1960s. It follows the journey of a young girl named Lily Owens as she seeks to uncover the truth about her deceased mother while grappling with her own identity and the complexities of race and family. Lily finds refuge with three beekeeping sisters, the Boatwrights, who teach her about love, forgiveness, and the importance of community. Through her experiences, Lily learns valuable life lessons that help her navigate the challenges of growing up in a turbulent time.