Reviews

The Ardent Swarm by Yamen Manai

calliopereads's review against another edition

challenging mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

brettpet's review against another edition

3.0

The Ardent Swarm is a lovely little novel/novella about the impact of Arab Spring on tight-knit communities. Tons of connections to be drawn between the main character Sidi's bee colonies and the village he lives in, with both communities responding to outside stressors in similar ways. Writing wise, I didn't have much to complain about—Yamen Manai's prose (granted, I read the translated version) is effective and sets up the stakes quickly.

Overall, I just wished the book was longer. Certain sections are far too brief, such as the introduction to characters like Tahar and Jannet, and I felt like I needed more time with the setting. This is a very digestible and approachable novel, and it could have been expanded into something much deeper with another 100 pages (usually I'm saying the opposite with books, so I mean this as a compliment). I really liked the ending, not sure if other readers found it too predictable but it felt a bit like a folk tale and was

Spoiler

surprisingly positive

? Definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from Manai.

katietheman's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The more I reflect on this book, the more I like it. I think I did a disservice to myself listening to the audiobook because I do feel like there are things I probably missed, especially at the beginning of the story. The symbolism felt obvious but that is something I appreciated about the book. Very good!!

mg_reads's review against another edition

emotional informative medium-paced

4.75

ropey's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad

3.0

sincerelymendacious's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

emmmysue's review against another edition

Not for me.

geenahnola's review

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

chelstell's review

4.0

Recommend the audiobook narration. I really think it added significant value to the story. It’s a short read. The use of cutesy characters to deliver a message about adult themes like war and radicalism reminded me of maybe an Antione de Saint-Exupéry book. Short, fast-paced book that offers both protagonist and ensemble perspectives.

mmarques's review

challenging hopeful lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I loved this book! The beekeeper is such a lovely character.  The beekeeper is somewhat oblivious to, but also affected by the growing Islamic fundamentalism.