Winner of the Prix Comar dOr and the Prix des Cinq Continents
A 2021 World Literature Today Notable Translation
International Praise for The Ardent Swarm
Yamen Manaispeaks with the accuracy of the scientist and at the same time the fire of a poet and the imagination of the novelist. Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, in interview with Patrick Simonin, TV5 Monde
[ The Ardent Swarm explores] the problems of contemporary Tunisia but [ they are] approached in a very gentle, very subtle way, with a smile. Yvan Le Perec, France Bleu
What a wonderful little book that is at once an enchantment, a hymn to nature, a warning about intolerance and the fundamentalism that threatens us, and also a great lesson in courage. Gérard Collard, La Griffe Noire
Praise for The Ardent Swarm
Warmth, compassion, and humanity, with here-and-there touches of sarcasm and humor. A well-told tale showing that modernity isnt always a blessing. Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
MasterlyThe enormous talent on display here recommends a second reading to relish the authors storytelling ability. Library Journal (starred review)
Lyrical prose and layered insightsa vivid meditation on societal discord and harmony. This elegant allegory of globalizations insidious nature finds rich drama in the tense, turbulent reckoning with questions of modernity versus tradition. Publishers Weekly
A beautifully written novel that blends poetry with politics. Christian Science Monitor
Manai delves into serious issues in this novel, but theres also this humor, this passion, this humanity that buzzes around every page. Writers Bone
Immersive descriptions of animal lifeits clear that Manai spared no effort to depict bees in the most affectionate, lush, and well-researched terms possibleHe leans into the obvious parallels between the inner workings of a bee colony and human power struggles in order to grapple with globalization, colonialism, and the possibilities of collective action. And he pulls it off without making the premise feel contrived, offering deep observations that youd never know were really about bees. Outside Magazine
The ruthless destruction of ecological habitats and the contagion of global transport are the darker shadows that make The Ardent Swarm as much a cautionary tale about environmental harm as an allegory for the death cults of fundamentalists. Manais first outing in English makes the reader want more. The Irish Times
Seems simple, but its not simple at allquite funnya very compelling narrative of a society facing immense changea hopeful novelinspiring. CBC Radio
[ A] love song to beesManai may write in French and live in Paris, but his books capture a Tunisian oral cultureThis one reads as both a lyrical folk tale and powerful indictment of political and religious opportunism. The Tablet
Parable, allegory, oral traditioncall it what you will, The Ardent Swarm in its English translation is simply a beautiful story. The contrast between sociopolitical constructs and natures designs provides commentary but also creates an engaging sense of pathos. The partnership between Manai and Vergnaud is equally brilliant. Touching and memorable, this is a work not to be missed. The Tablet
The Ardent Swarm reminded me of my time in Tunisia in the years that followed the Jasmine Revolution in 2011. Drawing on real events that took place in the country, the author constructs a revealing allegory about the opposing political forces at work then. For readers who want to know more about the Arab Spring, The Ardent Swarm is a perfect place to begin their journey. Jake Walles, Former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia
