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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
This was a tough one for me, in the beginning I thought I would give it a 3 bc it was really hard to get into. Then I appreciated how beautifully some very poignant parts were worded and I thought I’d give it a 5. Then I was just frustrated with some really lengthy descriptions and just wanted to to get to the end because the storyline really was great, so it got 4 stars. Ultimately I’m so glad I read it. Gorgeous way of tapping into life and loss, culture and tradition, legacy and pride and all the connective tissue that goes with those things. Maybe if my headspace was in a different place, I’d better appreciate taking the time to soak up her words.
This book pulled me in from the first few pages - it's a great story and so well-written. I can only imagine how much more beautiful the writing must be if you're able to read it in Spanish. The layout of the book can be a bit difficult to follow at times because the narrator keeps changing, but stick with it.
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I enjoyed the story but felt like I needed more at the end.
I listened to the audiobook, which was well done. In particular, the actor who voiced Francisco Jr. was very good at bringing that character to life.
I'm not a huge fan of magical realism, but in this book it was not too crazy. I could almost believe there was an orphaned, disfigured boy named Simonopio, who was always surrounded by bees, and that these bees communicated with him, helped him see the future, and kept him safe.
Simonopio was adopted by the land owners, Francisco and Beatrice, and raised as their godson. He was crucial to the family's success. At one point, he brought orange blossoms to Francisco, which allowed the man to change his crops and keep his land during a time the Agrarian movement. Simonopio was also the guardian and savior of the son, Francisco Jr.
Most of the story takes place in northeastern Mexico a hundred years ago, against the backdrop of the Mexican civil war and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. **It was really interesting to read the descriptions of how the flu affected the townspeople, during our Covid19 pandemic!** A famous folktale of the lion and the coyote is also a strong theme woven through the story.
I loved how it ended, with Francisco going home to reunite with Simonopio many years later. My only criticism is that there are too many chapters (100), and that the ending of the book dragged on way too long. That is the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4.
I'm not a huge fan of magical realism, but in this book it was not too crazy. I could almost believe there was an orphaned, disfigured boy named Simonopio, who was always surrounded by bees, and that these bees communicated with him, helped him see the future, and kept him safe.
Simonopio was adopted by the land owners, Francisco and Beatrice, and raised as their godson. He was crucial to the family's success. At one point, he brought orange blossoms to Francisco, which allowed the man to change his crops and keep his land during a time the Agrarian movement. Simonopio was also the guardian and savior of the son, Francisco Jr.
Most of the story takes place in northeastern Mexico a hundred years ago, against the backdrop of the Mexican civil war and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. **It was really interesting to read the descriptions of how the flu affected the townspeople, during our Covid19 pandemic!** A famous folktale of the lion and the coyote is also a strong theme woven through the story.
I loved how it ended, with Francisco going home to reunite with Simonopio many years later. My only criticism is that there are too many chapters (100), and that the ending of the book dragged on way too long. That is the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4.
5/5 - Book Club pick - this was such a beautifully written book - I loved the writing style and the setting and how it was historical fiction but there was also a touch of magic.. I also just loved the characters and I cried *several* times - it's truly such a beautiful book and really touched my heart
3.5 stars. The book was really beautiful, but lagged at times, possibly because I read an electronic version and my brain prefers paper.
I wanted to love this book but it lacked in direction for me. The characters were interchanged too quickly and the theme was lost.
Loved being transported to a different time and culture. Learned some new vocabulary and human history. Heartbreaking.
I don’t really read anything in Spanish (even if it’s my first language) so I didn’t know what to expect while picking this up, but I’m so glad I did because it definitely has been one of my favorites in the year!!
The writing style is so beautiful, crafted and cozy it creates a really lovely and familiar atmosphere even in times of one of the biggest wars in Mexico. You can clearly see all the work and research put into it.
Also, the characters!! So well written and lovely
I can’t really put into words how much I appreciate this book and how emotional it made me feel, a true masterpiece!!
But if you need one concrete reason to pick up this book besides my appreciation for this book and universe, you don’t know how many valuable life lessons it has. Truly unique!!
The writing style is so beautiful, crafted and cozy it creates a really lovely and familiar atmosphere even in times of one of the biggest wars in Mexico. You can clearly see all the work and research put into it.
Also, the characters!! So well written and lovely
I can’t really put into words how much I appreciate this book and how emotional it made me feel, a true masterpiece!!
But if you need one concrete reason to pick up this book besides my appreciation for this book and universe, you don’t know how many valuable life lessons it has. Truly unique!!
I was hooked from the beginning. This beautifully crafted story has rich character development and a compelling story that stayed with me even when I wasn't reading.