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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
What a beautiful book, one of my favorite this year! Although it took me a bit to understand whose perspective the chapters were coming from (reading on an e-book it made it difficult to go back and re-read certain sections, which I would have loved to do), the story is beautifully written and builds towards a few key moments that really are heart-wrenching, even though you know deep down that they're coming.
I also found it fascinating reading this perspective of the 1918 Spanish flu during our own pandemic, and thinking about the similarities and differences between them. Obviously this section resonated more deeply with me because I'm experiencing a similar sense of loss, loneliness, despair, and isolation that was described during their "quarantine" in the book...the only difference was that theirs seemed to go by much faster!
Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone, it was a joy to read.
I also found it fascinating reading this perspective of the 1918 Spanish flu during our own pandemic, and thinking about the similarities and differences between them. Obviously this section resonated more deeply with me because I'm experiencing a similar sense of loss, loneliness, despair, and isolation that was described during their "quarantine" in the book...the only difference was that theirs seemed to go by much faster!
Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone, it was a joy to read.
I love historical fiction. I love magical realism. Isabel Allende and Garcia are two of my favorite authors. That being said .... I loved what this book represents. The story Segovia wove. The little bits of wisdom and knowledge shared with the reader as you read were beautiful. The only reason I gave it 4 stars - there were moments that dragged. Times I had to push myself to continue reading ... the story felt like it was dragging and I just wanted to push the characters to make something happen. I wouldn’t read this again.
Enjoyed the book quite a bit. Simonopio was my favorite character
We read this for book club, and while at first it was hard to keep track of the characters, it was great. The book is long but didn’t read that long.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
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:
Yes
Lyrical, epic folk tale revolving around Mexican agrarian culture and the Spanish flu pandemic with one special young boy at the center of it all. Part historical fiction, part mystery and part metaphysical, the swarm of bees which were covering him as a foundling become his lifelong companions and advisors. Beautifully written, heartfelt and wise.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wunderschöne und erholsame Geschichte über einen besonderen Jungen.
Aus mehreren Perspektiven beschrieben, was das gesamte Leben gut widerspiegelt. Zudem aus mehreren Generationen einer Familie erzählt.
Aus mehreren Perspektiven beschrieben, was das gesamte Leben gut widerspiegelt. Zudem aus mehreren Generationen einer Familie erzählt.
This book reminded me quite a bit of A Thousand Years of Solitude, but easier to follow with fewer characters. However, it just felt very repetitive. Ordinarily I would wonder if this was something that occurred in translation, but I think it was in the writing, as I noticed it happening most between chapters when it switched between POV. I also did not see the value in the very short chapters toward the end.