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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Beautifully written fiction in the background of actual events from the mid 20th century. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera as supporting characters, it's helpful to have recently seen the film Frida, with Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina. A puzzling structure makes for a difficult start to the novel, but you will assuredly be satisfied if you stick it out.
This book differed significantly from Kingsolver's other books, but I still loved it. I believe this is the first time she has taken on a male protagonist, but she pulls of the author's voice beautifully. The book travels with the author through his lifetime and I was continuously amazed at Kingsolver's ability to show the narrator's maturity and growth in writing. I'll follow Kingsolver wherever she wants to lead.
I liked this a lot, but I didn't love it the way I've loved other Kingsolver books. I found the main character a little distant and hard to get attached to. Nonetheless, the portrayal of life in Mexico with Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is intriguing, as is the portrayal of McCarthyism.
Book club choice. Did not even start as 500+ pages put me off plus the historical setting. Seemed like a bit of a tomb.
fast-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
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The early chapters were magical but I felt reluctant to follow the story when it somewhat abruptly switched cast and location (from Mexico to North Carolina) -- but the leap was worth it. This was a book I found myself thinking about when I wasn't reading it.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Another beautiful book by Kingsolver. Clever, engaging writing and characters, with an interesting mix of fact and fiction. The last 50 pages got a little repetitive, but hang on to the end. Very worth it!
The first half of Lacuna was a first rate food book. I was hungry every time I read it and dreamt of dulce empanadas (or is it empanadas dulce?) I know very little about Mexico, Trotsky, and the Riveras and it was fun to read about them with such vivid imagery. The book was a little long at times - it took quite a while to get to the McCarthy hearings for example - but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really liked the way the ending unfolded. Couldn't help smiling and I thought about it when I woke up this morning.