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fayestrange's review against another edition
3.0
so many thoughts
barbara kingsolver is a talented writer and can write some banger lines, but this book was a bit of a slog for me; overall i think it’s a pretty good book with some really interesting and nuanced conversations, that being said, some of the choices are questionable and i think she really leans into uncomfortable moments
barbara kingsolver is a talented writer and can write some banger lines, but this book was a bit of a slog for me; overall i think it’s a pretty good book with some really interesting and nuanced conversations, that being said, some of the choices are questionable and i think she really leans into uncomfortable moments
hannahg1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jenhurst's review
4.0
I think this book was good, but I’m a little fascinated by how popular it is! For how many years people go crazy over this. I’m just not sure why it’s created such an effect and other books of similar caliber have not.
cactusdragon's review
5.0
Loved the journey the main character and her family go on through out this book and their lives!
steffski's review
1.0
Sooooo boring I had to force myself to finish. Perhaps my expectations were too high and I cared too little for the history lessons it included.
josie_davis's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gatorbabe3's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
frostap's review
5.0
I've been curious about Barbara Kingsolver for a while (she's a Kentuckian, after all) and finally tracked this down at a used book shop.
I was initially concerned that the FIVE shifting perspectives would drive me insane (and be hard to keep track of), but it wasn't a problem at all. Each of Kingsolver's characters has a distinct voice and their varying views are pertinent and move the plot along.
The book contains many funny moments--especially those in Rachel's voice--but is also melancholy and poignant. I kept wishing this had been a book club pick so I'd have someone to talk to about it (so instead Jason just gets to hear my musings about what it all meant).
The last third of the book threw me off a little bit. I kept expecting the story to end, but it goes on for (spoiler alert) some thirty more years. I haven't decided if I'm at peace with that ending yet, but it was moving and satisfying and there's nothing I hate more than a book that ends before I'm ready, so I should not complain.
I was initially concerned that the FIVE shifting perspectives would drive me insane (and be hard to keep track of), but it wasn't a problem at all. Each of Kingsolver's characters has a distinct voice and their varying views are pertinent and move the plot along.
The book contains many funny moments--especially those in Rachel's voice--but is also melancholy and poignant. I kept wishing this had been a book club pick so I'd have someone to talk to about it (so instead Jason just gets to hear my musings about what it all meant).
The last third of the book threw me off a little bit. I kept expecting the story to end, but it goes on for (spoiler alert) some thirty more years. I haven't decided if I'm at peace with that ending yet, but it was moving and satisfying and there's nothing I hate more than a book that ends before I'm ready, so I should not complain.
brannonkrkhuang's review against another edition
Getting me to read a book about Africa from the pov of racist southern Baptists was always going to be a tough sell. Too much not enough happening.