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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I'm not in the proper mindset to give a review right now that could probably encompass how much I loved the book. It is AMAZING. It deserves to be a classic. This novel is even better than some of the literary world's canon classics. I am so glad that I got to read it.
This is easily one of my recent favorites now (recent favorites being books that I read since I ended my reading slump). It's not usually the kind of book I read, which makes it even more awesome that I stumbled onto this book and downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited. It's a really, really great book.
This is easily one of my recent favorites now (recent favorites being books that I read since I ended my reading slump). It's not usually the kind of book I read, which makes it even more awesome that I stumbled onto this book and downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited. It's a really, really great book.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
At first, "The Murmur of Bees" seemed familiar. It's set in the same period (Revolutionary Mexico) and basic location (northern Mexico) as "Like Water for Chocolate." There's a gentle magic realism that does not verge on fantasy; the magical cooking in one, and a child's protective bee swarm in the other. If you've has some experience in the Magic Realism realm there is not much special in this novel, but it is an enjoyable story, well written, and ultimately winds up as a satisfying read.
The child protected by the swarm of bees is Simonopio, a baby found abandoned and taken for dead because of those bees. He has a severe cleft palate which makes some of the locals uncomfortable, but the central landowners in the family take him in and love him, becoming used to the swarm that nests near him and often follows him. As he grows it becomes clear that Simonopio has a second sense not only about nature but about his family's future and a danger they will face.
This novel grew on me as it developed and the Morales family survives the Revolution, the Spanish flu, and changing economics. "The Murmur of Bees" is a treat and a pleasure, and not a page too long.
The child protected by the swarm of bees is Simonopio, a baby found abandoned and taken for dead because of those bees. He has a severe cleft palate which makes some of the locals uncomfortable, but the central landowners in the family take him in and love him, becoming used to the swarm that nests near him and often follows him. As he grows it becomes clear that Simonopio has a second sense not only about nature but about his family's future and a danger they will face.
This novel grew on me as it developed and the Morales family survives the Revolution, the Spanish flu, and changing economics. "The Murmur of Bees" is a treat and a pleasure, and not a page too long.
this book was beautiful, but went over my head at times and I ended up getting lost in the complex prose. still, a vivid setting, interesting characters and magical realism to boot — I would recommend.
4! This book was refreshing, beautiful, and wonderfully translated (I can only imagine how much more amazing it would’ve been to read in its original language). I caught this book at the right time in my reading journey and can say that it had a profound effect on me (yes, I actually cried/bawled at the end). I can’t guarantee that feeling for others but personally I was in awe of the beauty within the story: how the author conveyed both the simplicity and complexity of life and love, and our relation to the world around us. I loved the way the sentences were strung together and the style the author used to tell the story through various characters’ perspectives. I did have some hesitations and parts that I am naive on related to historical events, race, class, and culture in Mexico. It gave me a weird feelings knowing the wealthy leads were all depicted as fair skinned, and as “the good guys” while many other indigenous or “dark skinned” characters were treated more poorly, or were even the antagonists. I have thoughts and feelings - some good some bad, but overall I enjoyed it. Would love to hear from someone more knowledgeable on Mexican history from the time period it took place!
Update, I found this response from the author: https://www.goodreads.com/questions/1847975-why-are-the-depictions-of-the-characters
Update, I found this response from the author: https://www.goodreads.com/questions/1847975-why-are-the-depictions-of-the-characters
challenging
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such a beautiful story. Read so well. Gave me all the feels. I love it on audio, I’m not sure if I’d have been able to stick it out in book form.
Muy linda historia. Me encantó el matrimonio de historia real y magia. Me costó trabajo entender los cambios de perspectiva y tiempo al principio del libro. Hay partes donde los puntos de vista no cambiaban suficientemente que sentí que leía lo mismo dos a tres veces.