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The Murmur of Bees cover art

The Murmur of Bees

Written by: Sofia Segovia, Simon Bruni - translator
Narrated by: Xe Sands, Angelo Di Loreto
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Publisher's Summary

From a beguiling voice in Mexican fiction comes an astonishing novel - her first to be translated into English - about a mysterious child with the power to change a family’s history in a country on the verge of revolution.

From the day that old Nana Reja found a baby abandoned under a bridge, the life of a small Mexican town forever changed. Disfigured and covered in a blanket of bees, little Simonopio is for some locals the stuff of superstition, a child kissed by the devil. But he is welcomed by landowners Francisco and Beatriz Morales, who adopt him and care for him as if he were their own. As he grows up, Simonopio becomes a cause for wonder to the Morales family, because when the uncannily gifted child closes his eyes, he can see what no one else can - visions of all that’s yet to come, both beautiful and dangerous. Followed by his protective swarm of bees and living to deliver his adoptive family from threats - both human and those of nature - Simonopio’s purpose in Linares will, in time, be divined.

Set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and the devastating influenza of 1918, The Murmur of Bees captures both the fate of a country in flux and the destiny of one family that has put their love, faith, and future in the unbelievable.

Sovas Award - Audiobook Narration - Fiction, Best Voiceover - 2019

©2015 by Sofía Segovia. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. English translation © 2019 by Simon Bruni.

What the critics say

An Audible Best of 2019 | Top 10 and Best Fiction

"And Sofía Segovia is proof that magical realism is still evolving and breaking barriers." --Tricia, Audible editor

"Acclaimed Mexican author Segovia’s first work translated into English is a gorgeous novel of family, friendship, land, and murderous envy, a tale reminiscent of Isabel Allende’s early tales…With the help of a gifted translator, Segovia skillfully envelops readers, fully engaging their senses and imagination in this wonderful novel." --Booklist

What listeners say about The Murmur of Bees

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  • BDC
  • 2019-06-30

Historical ccontent turned into a riveting story

I LOVED this book.

The synopsis does little to prepare you for the complexity and magic of this story. It sat in my wish list for months because I didn't get the purpose of the story. But the story covers historical events in Mexico in the early 1900s and follows a particular family with their multi- generation household and a dash of a magical boy found. The narration is so good, you will genuinely miss them when the book is over.

The story unfolds slowly and allows for great detail of each event but you will be glad for using your patience in the beginning because it creates such an intimate and emotional experience. You will get to know the characters so well you start to be able to predict their reactions but are delighted to read about them anyways.

I learned so much about Mexican history and cultural norms and how families functioned through the decades. The main family is a well to do family but through them, you get to know many of the other townspeople. You learn about their love and loyalty and tradition. I was particularly fond of Mama - Beatrice, and fascinated with the found Bee Boy and Nana Raha and their strange mystical and beautiful connection. You will see shades of your own family in this story and identify with their roles and feelings.

I was sitting in my car listening to this book because I couldn't stop hearing it. The voices are so perfect and intriguing. it is probably my new favorite audible. You will cry... and parts will have you on the edge of your seat. You will be endeared by Beatrice and Fransisco's love story and the evolution of their shared lives together. Just a beautiful book.

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7 people found this helpful

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Amazing

it took me a few chapters to get into bc I didn't know what to expect but it is an amazing book that envelops you and the narration really brings the story to life.
highly recommend

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Disappointed

On chapter 36 and don't wanna finish it. EXCELLENT writing but BORING. ZZZZZZZ. I really wanted to like it :(

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Deeply engaging

The writing and narration captured my imagination and this story will remain with me. Highly recommend

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Beautiful!!!

Outstanding in every way! Caught me since the beginning and couldn’t stop. The performance of the narrators make you feel as if you’re living the story yourself.

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Beautiful

Absolutely beautiful story . Outstanding performance of both narrators. I wish I could read this book again for the first time . Just wow!!! Loved it hard.

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Fantastic!

This book had me hooked from beginning to end! and the performance was absolutely perfect.

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a murmer of bees

omg! the best book i have read in years! amazing! narrators and story!
beautifully written!

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loved it!

A wonderful story of an amazing family who raise and love a gifted boy at the turn of the century.

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Literary genius

Elegant, delicious prose, a paced, delving story of family and the land, pain, memory, and healing

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