Sofía Segovia

This book of historical fiction is set in Linares, #Mexico. With subtle magical realism, it follows the life of Simonopio, the bees that swaddled him as a babe when he was born, and the family that found and raised him. Simonopio is mostly mute. born with a facial deformity (probably a cleft lip), causing some in his small Mexican town to believe him to be a demon & at least one wishing to kill him. Simonopio’s godparents are landowners, who lovingly tend the land, with a number of show more sharecroppers and their families in a work-to-own arrangement. They rightfully fear Mexico’s agrarian reforms that threatened to take their ancestral family’s land and losing all they’ve worked for. Simonopio, even as a small child, makes himself and his bees the family’s protectors given his unusual skills to read nature and the future dangers that the family is to encounter over the years. It’s an immense task for him, to which he’s dedicated his life. This is his story and the story of his bees. The storytelling is mesmerizing. The narration was the best I’ve ever listened to and this book is now a favorite I hope to read again and again. show less

This book was given to me as a gift, and I am glad because I may not have read it otherwise. I hadn't heard much about it. This is as close to a perfect book as you can get. Bearing in mind, that this book was written in Spanish, and I read the English translation, it's safe to assume that some of the descriptions and beautiful language from the original copy have not been recreated exactly. I would love to be able to read this book in Spanish to get the full effect of the perfectness. My show more book was translated by Simon Brunt. This is a most remarkable and magical book. The language, the characters, the human interplays, as well as the accurate historical events it depicts are all wrapped up in one beautiful package. The book begins in November 1918 and the Spanish flu is running rampant through the world. This is particularly poignant now with the current pandemic, and all of the concerns, worry, desperation and longing for returning to normalcy is what we have been and are still experiencing in the present day. The story runs on from there to the Mexican Revolution and all the damage and danger that war caused in Mexico is covered here from the viewpoint of an agrarian family who lived in a small town not far from Monterrey.called Linares Their idyllic world is changed forever when a small infant is found abandoned in the countryside. When he is found he is totally covered in bees which appear to be protecting him, rather than harming him. The infant was born with a cleft palate and really no mouth to speak of. But, in spite of this impediment, the Morales family take him in and treat him as their own son. Simonopio is a gifted and lovable child, and as he grows he becomes more and more important to the Morales family. His destiny is determined by what he does for this family, and how his special gifts and him in particular protect their small son. The prose is heart-stopping and the storyline is breathtaking. I can't recommend this book enough. By far the best that I've read so far this year. Once in awhile, a book comes into my life that has a lasting effect and that leaves me in wonder. This is one of those books. show less

A enchanting story conceived from a small village in northern Mexico. A fantasy in some ways, but more a story with a parable. REVIEW BY JO ANN BUTLERFrom his birth in 1910, it is clear there is something unusual about Simonopio Morales. It isn?t just the birth defect which disfigures the infant?s face and robs him of speech ? when old Nana Reja finds the little boy abandoned under a bridge in Linares, Mexico, Simonopio is blanketed by bees. Though some mutter that the child was disfigured show more by the devil?s kiss (or the devil himself) the Morales Cort?z family, a prosperous farming clan, adopts Simonopio to raise as their own.Over the ensuing years, the family witnesses marvelous events. Some, like the Spanish Flu of 1917, the 1910 Revolution?s land seizures, or a tenant?s jealousy, prove more tangible threats than demonic possession. Through it all, Simonopio repays the Morales? kindness many times over: tending the ancient woman who rescued him or retrieving young Francisco Morales when he strays. It?s clear that there is far more to Simonopio than the swarm of bees which follows him everywhere ? the Morales have a protector with near-supernatural abilities.The Murmur of Bees, an award-winning novel by Mexican author Sofia Segovia, intrigues from the start. Ms. Segovia combines a subtly magical atmosphere and unique, yet believable characters with kinetic narration to craft a story with broad appeal. I particularly loved Ms. Segovia?s vivid depiction of northeastern Mexico, letting this reader explore the area?s pastoral farms and rocky hillsides with Simonopio and his murmuring bees. You will enjoy The Murmur of Bees too! show less

I am not a big fan of translated stories but since I cannot speak Mexican, I had to trust my gut about this book. It was recommended to me by Goodreads and thought why not. Let me expand my knowledge.
I was not disappointed.

Simonopio’s story is written with so much empathy and understanding that I simply could not put this book down. And I believe the translation was spot on because the essences of the story came through in each word and sentence and could I enjoy this historical read to show more the fullest. The author’s ability to capture my imagination by the amicable storytelling had me from page one.

It is storytelling at its best. As a reader, I was taken on a journey, back in time when Influenza played a huge role in the reshaping of the world.
At one stage, I wondered if the 2020 pandemic has influenced my thoughts, since the same changes are visible all around us. But this was worth every minute I spend within this book.

The relevance of the history and Simonopio's story, even today is heartfelt as you venture into this world of surviving everyday life with the unusual boy accompanied by bees. The relationship between man and bees is well-known but, in this story, it felt as if I could understand the hive and their reasons for protecting the boy. The delicate relationship of trust and determination between them added a subtle twist into the story. Knowing that something is about to happen but unsure.
The continual built up gives you glimpses of life on this farm and the people that lived there. The subtle nuances between landowner and workers became part of the suspense. Written in the third person, I had a good understanding of each character’s thoughts which enhanced the storyline greatly.

Simonopio’s character though was absolutely the best to follow. This boy could not speak a word but through the eyes of the author, this character felt like an old soul with so much wisdom that I was mesmerized. His actions are genuine and insightful as you tagged along.

Nana Reja’s character also filled me with curious wonder. Her tale just as unusual and fitting to the story.

Within all these events, evil loomed like dangerous cancer which only the bees were aware of. The bees and Simonopio. An evil with no name but growing in intensity. As his journey continues it grew while the world went off their lives as normal as always.

The trail always leading Simonopio onwards. Seasons come and goes and each time the intensity grows with the boy. Like a fever, it builds till that moment of revelation. The small breaks like the discovery of orange blossoms gave realism to the plot and you are plunged into time, progress and growth.

A book I can recommend to every reader that likes the delicate intricacies of a well-written tale. show less