Ew. It could have been the fact I listened to this rather than read it, but I was thoroughly grossed out by this book. It didn't help that I usually listen to audiobooks while cooking...Twas hard to shake away the creepy ick factor of mouse urine, slime tongues, and antennae dismemberment. While I never had thoughts on bees before, I now think they are gross. Sorry, bees! 
 The story is kind of a dystopian society metaphor maybe? I'm not sure how much is based on the actual behavior of bees and whether or not a "sanitation worker" can rise through the ranks and experience so many facets of hive life. Any symbolism was lost on me as I gagged around my kitchen.