this novel tells the story of four dedicated beekeeper - maida, alexander, billie, and henry) with very diverse upbringings and backgrounds who join forces to thwart the construction of a planned pesticide factory to be built on the anacostia river in washington, d.c.this novel is particularly relevant to the recent decline of bees and the public's awareness of the vital role that honeybees play in the pollination of so many of the world's crops, fruits and vegetables.the bee catchers cleverly weaves interesting tidbits about bees and the ecosystem into the action of the story, which coincide with the character's life events, struggles, and triumphs, in a "non preachy" way.there is even a happy ending worthy of jane austen at the end of the story!the bee catchers has been compared it to the shipping news by annie proulx.after reading the bee catchers, readers will have a brand-new appreciation for the vital role that honeybees play in feeding america.