The Murmur of Bees

By: Sofia Segovia, Simon Bruni - translator

Narrated by: Xe Sands, Angelo Di Loreto

Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

From a beguiling voice in Mexican fiction comes an astonishing novel - her first to be translated into English - about a mysterious child with the power to change a family’s history in a country on the verge of revolution.

From the day that old Nana Reja found a baby abandoned under a bridge, the life of a small Mexican town forever changed. Disfigured and covered in a blanket of bees, little Simonopio is for some locals the stuff of superstition, a child kissed by the devil. But he is welcomed by landowners Francisco and Beatriz Morales, who adopt him and care for him as if he were their own. As he grows up, Simonopio becomes a cause for wonder to the Morales family, because when the uncannily gifted child closes his eyes, he can see what no one else can - visions of all that’s yet to come, both beautiful and dangerous. Followed by his protective swarm of bees and living to deliver his adoptive family from threats - both human and those of nature - Simonopio’s purpose in Linares will, in time, be divined.

Set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution and the devastating influenza of 1918, The Murmur of Bees captures both the fate of a country in flux and the destiny of one family that has put their love, faith, and future in the unbelievable.

Sovas Award - Audiobook Narration - Fiction, Best Voiceover - 2019

©2015 by Sofía Segovia. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. English translation © 2019 by Simon Bruni.

Critic reviews

An Audible Best of 2019 | Top 10 and Best Fiction

"And Sofía Segovia is proof that magical realism is still evolving and breaking barriers." --Tricia, Audible editor

"Acclaimed Mexican author Segovia’s first work translated into English is a gorgeous novel of family, friendship, land, and murderous envy, a tale reminiscent of Isabel Allende’s early tales…With the help of a gifted translator, Segovia skillfully envelops readers, fully engaging their senses and imagination in this wonderful novel." --Booklist

In love

I am in love with this book it reminds me of being in Mexico as a child on our visit to visit family thank you for this book thank you for your words thank you for giving me this these memories brilliant

Bitter sweet like honey on lemons

I had to finish this story through its sadness, horror and truthfully mystic story. The characters are skillfully woven and you feel the revelations of the bees as if you too can hear them. I don’t suggest reading or listening if you are dealing with personal trauma, but I fully suggest it for the rollercoaster of emotions that bring you to the brink and leave you breathlessly wanting closure. You will be satisfied.

This is such an amazing story. Beautifully narrated !

I loved the beautiful accents the rich voices telling a tale that you could not imagine how all could be weaved together so the listener became part of the lives of the characters. Very moving story. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Listening made it even more delicious. Thank you Sofia Segovia.

A book from the heart

Everyone knows that great books are able to stand alone. This book is one of them. The story line comes from the heart. That being said, the excellence of the narrations becomes the pulse of this book. This is more than a book, it’s an experience

OMG. read this book!

from start to finish this book is completely engrossing and full of every emotion you can imagine. it's heart-wrenching it's happy makes you laugh makes you cry. when you are done with this book your heart will break but it will be an amazing journey

Wow.

This book was amazing -- hard to put down. It is beautifully written with unforgettable characters, plot tension to keep the pages turning, and a thought-provoking story. It is like an extraordinary painting that lingers in your mind long after it has been vuewed.

Outstanding and So Very Moving

This book is simply magical. The characters are so well defined that you feel you've truly gotten to know them. The setting of early 20th century Mexico is both unsettling and fascinating. And, in the end, you've learned more about what life means than you ever thought you would. Unlike a few comments I read, I found the narration charming and part of the essence of the story. Loved it!

Depth of character.

Each of the players has a distinct role in the play; each has a profound effect on the others. A magnificent tale of love and family and persistence.

One of the best books I have heard in forever

The story is wonderful and meaningful and compelling. But the language used is beautiful and extraordinary. And the narration tied it all together. The narrators set the perfect pace and tone for each part of the story. I am so sorry the book is finished and hope to be able to hear more from this author soon.

Fascinating Story

Beautifully written and wonderfully performed. I enjoyed every minute of this book, and listened to it every chance that I got. Highly recommended!