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Simonopio, a boy found beneath a bridge by the wise Nana Reja, harbors extraordinary gifts that ripple through a Mexican village on the brink of upheaval. With his face marked by mystery and a swarm of bees as his constant guardians, Simonopio is seen by many as a harbinger of the supernatural. Welcomed into the home of Francisco and Beatriz Morales, he becomes a beacon of wonder and hope. As he matures, Simonopio's visions—foretelling both beauty and peril—shape the lives of the Morales family, guiding them through tumultuous times. Amidst the turmoil of the Mexican Revolution and the shadow of the 1918 influenza, this tale unfolds, intertwining the destiny of a nation with the miraculous journey of a family that dares to believe in the unseen.

Categories

Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adult, Book Club, Historical, Magical Realism, Spanish Literature, Literary Fiction

Content Type

Book

Binding

ebook

Year

2019

Publisher

Amazon Crossing

Language

English

ASIN

B07GNCQXXB

ISBN13

9781542090490

File Download

PDF | EPUB

The Murmur of Bees Plot Summary

Best Quote

“Tell them to walk in the shade. To listen with their eyes, to see with their skin, and to feel with their ears, because life speaks to us all and we just need to know and wait to listen to it, see it, feel it.” ― Sofía Segovia, The Murmur of Bees

Review Summary

Strengths: The review highlights the author's exceptional writing style and the captivating, magical nature of the story. The characters are described as interesting and well-developed. The translation quality is praised, with the audio format enhancing the experience through multiple narrators. The novel's incorporation of Mexican mysticism and historical context adds depth. Weaknesses: The reviewer expresses a desire to read the original Spanish version, suggesting potential limitations in translation. The story's length and descriptive nature may not appeal to all readers. Overall: The reader is highly impressed with the novel, particularly in its audio format, and expresses eagerness for more translated works by the author. The book is recommended for those interested in historical fiction with magical elements.

About Author

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Sofía Segovia Avatar

Sofía Segovia

Segovia reframes the tapestry of human experience through her exploration of historical fiction and fantasy, creating narratives where memory and the past intertwine with the personal lives of ordinary people. Her novels, such as "El murmullo de las abejas," bring to life the rich cultural heritage and complex history of Mexico. This book was not only nominated for the 2019 National Book Award but also earned recognition as one of the 20 best historical fiction novels by Audible, thus showcasing her international acclaim. Her works are characterized by their detailed prose and empathetic insights, offering readers a profound understanding of characters and events.\n\nIn addition to her fiction, Segovia contributes significantly to the literary community through teaching and promoting reading. Her nonfiction efforts, like "El pasado como memoria del futuro," provide historical analysis and a manual for effective storytelling, aiding aspiring writers in honing their craft. These dual roles demonstrate her commitment to both enriching literary art and nurturing the next generation of storytellers.\n\nReaders benefit from Segovia's ability to capture the human condition with precision and warmth, making her work an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in historical narratives with emotional depth. Her book "Peregrinos," translated as "Tears of Amber," became an instant bestseller on Amazon, further attesting to her ability to resonate with a global audience. Meanwhile, her ongoing engagement with literary workshops ensures that her impact extends beyond her published work, fostering a community of readers and writers alike.

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