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The Murmur of Bees
- Narrated by: Xe Sands, Angelo Di Loreto
- Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
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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
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
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What listeners say about The Murmur of Bees
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 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.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2021-08-05
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lorette George
- 2021-07-27
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eris Wunnabun
- 2021-06-19
Literary genius
Elegant, delicious prose, a paced, delving story of family and the land, pain, memory, and healing
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Michael Thomson
- 2021-02-22
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- DALEE. Planette
- 2020-07-22
moving, beautiful, gentle read
I love this book. The narration is perfect and sets the scene so nicely. EnjoyPls
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Addicted to Audible
- 2019-07-07
Beautiful, mesmerizing, heart breaking....and life
I loved this book. it really surprised me. it starts slowly but the mystery of where it is headed and how grabs you and before long it is rolling along. The fantasy elements are written so subtly and fluidly as part of the story that I didn't feel like I was reading a "fantasy" or 'magic" book, it is more like the lives it describes, intertwined and part of each other. Though it is a translation I found the writing lyrical and almost like poetry at times, just beautiful. There are wonderful moments but be warned - this story is more about heart breaks and how we keep living despite them rather than about lives filled with joy. There is reconciliation and joy, though. The narrators were wonderful, rhythm, pace and accents spot on with the tone of the story.
137 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vmcg
- 2019-05-11
One of the best books I listened to ever!
For me, this book ranks up there with some of the best books I've read, either in print or the audio version. If you loved A Gentleman in Moscow and maybe A prayer for Owen Meany or The Weight of Ink you will love this book. It develops slowly but the author fleshes out the characters with such detail you will come to know each one personally. I admit, it takes a bit to get started and initially I didn't like the female reader. However, I came to love her style and quiet tone, she was a perfect choice for the book!
227 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Eileen
- 2019-11-23
Hard to listen to
The story goes back and forth through time without connecting why. At first did not know who the man's voice was representing. The woman's voice is better. It meanders.
52 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Books on our Brains Society/ Barbara
- 2019-07-15
Magical realism during sickness and revolution
First, let me note that the narration of this book was absolutely excellent. Angelo Di Loreto performs the voice of Francisco with deep emotional connection to the story. Xe Sands performs the exposition sections with the cadence and emotion you would expect from this reminiscence of a slower agrarian lifestyle. The story unfolds as a history of a family, and a remembrance by the main character, Francisco, of his childhood protector and friend. This book will not be everyone's taste as the pace is slow, with lush descriptions and deep emotions. You will know the ending of the book fairly early on, but the journey is worth it.
I give the story a 4.75, only for a short section toward the end that drags on unnecessarily long.
If you have enjoyed the books of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, you will enjoy this book.
81 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- B. Saxon
- 2019-06-08
One of my TOP TEN FAVORITES “The Murmur of Bees”
When I first started this book I thought “nope, it’s not for me, I’ll return it.” Boy, am I glad I didn’t. After the introduction, which confused me a bit, and the characters started materializing, the story took off and was AMAZING! The prose, the intricate way the past and present wove around each other, the characters, were all so well balanced and just plain enjoyable.
Honestly though, i would have enjoyed the book if I read it, but listening to it on Audible, I not only enjoyed it but I REALLY ENJOYED IT. I SOAKED IT IN. The narrators: Xe Sands and Angelo Dundee Loreto, brought the story to life, I could feel, smell, hear each character, each season, each anguish. I heard the bees murmur. Both narrators are the top of the top. Listen to this on audible. You won’t be disappointed. Have tissues at the ready, and don’t listen while driving through rush hour traffic, or you may have to pull over and have a visit with your Kleenex.
206 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- StacieB
- 2019-09-19
Excellent!
Such a beautiful story! The author took me on a full range of emotions...fear, joy, sadness, and wonder! As if that wasn’t enough, this is hands down the best narration I have ever listened too! I can’t wait to listen again!
70 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tamara B.
- 2019-10-31
A spectacular story
Let me start off by saying....WOW! This story really took me by surprise as I really wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. This gem has moved onto my top 10 list of 2019. I listened to the book on Audible as time isn't on my side when it comes to actually sitting down and turning the pages of a physical book. I must say that I am glad I listened to the book because the narrators, Xe Sands and Angelo Di Loreto really brought this story to life with their amazing voices. During one scene, Xe Sands' emotional narration came out so real and life-like, it brought me to tears as I felt what the mother was feeling at that moment....sorrow, desperation and raw feelings for the loss she was feeling about her husband and the hope that her son would be soon be found. Truly a wonderful performance by both narrators, but Xe Sands totally nailed it with this book.
This story was amazing and it will stay in my heart for a long time. Thank you Sofia Segovia for writing such an emotional, beautiful and thought-provoking story and big thanks to the narrators for bringing the story to life.
50 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- chris
- 2019-05-27
Hoping and waiting, but nothing...
This is one of those books where you either make the connection or you don't. If you do then you will not be bothered by the pacing of the story, but if you don't, you will have a difficult time staying focused, you'll keep hoping, wating for something impactful to the story to happen. When nothing ever happens, you'll just give up.
Both narrators are amazing. I think the problem for me is the characters were not developed in a way I could actually care about or connect with them. The main character was the most interesting which was who the book sort of centers around, but because the story shifts between time periods, it made it difficult to connect. It's like a member of your family that you don't know because they aren't around enough, You want to know them and have things to discuss, but you just don't because of the finite time you have to interact. This is how the back and forth time element feels.
I have stopped listening, because at the halfway point nothing much has changed and it's either going to happen in the next couple of hours, or at the end, or not at all. The fact that I'm not able to connect with the storytelling halfway in is a sign that I'm most likely going to be even more annoyed if I keep investing.
I may one day try the book again, but for now, it's taken me almost a month to get through 14 hours when I just listened to a 28 hour book in half the time.
If you make the connection you'll most likely enjoy, but if you don't after 3 hours, you most likely never will.
183 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- StJohn
- 2019-04-24
AMAZING.......
5 stars. I will recommend it over and over. Beautiful writing, characters, story. Loved it!
76 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2019-04-27
A wonderful addition to the sparse genre of magical realism
I loved this story. Finally—a wonderful addition to the genre of magical realism! We need more of these. I felt like I was listening to a beloved relative or friend personally tell me their story. I could have listed to the performers voices forever. Please translate her other stories into English.
84 people found this helpful