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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Long and slowly paced, but ultimately a nice read. I appreciated the historical context and characters and the way they created a subtle backdrop that didn’t overwhelm the fictional ones. Enjoyed the little twist at the end, too.
I love Barbara Kingsolver and her colorful writing. And I know that sometimes it takes a bit to get into one of her books. But this book just dragged for me. It had some good parts in it, but that last 100 pages I just skimmed as it lost my interest. Blech.
Julie didn't like it, but I am finding it very interesting and increasingly well-written. VERY different from her Taylor Greer stories, though. I miss Taylor!
Not feeling very engaged 150 pages in. We've come some of the real-life character I expected to be captivated by, but am not.
While some of the prose is beautiful, I'm not sure it feels like Kingsolver's authentic voice to me. Not feeling compelled enough
to read 350 more pages.
While some of the prose is beautiful, I'm not sure it feels like Kingsolver's authentic voice to me. Not feeling compelled enough
to read 350 more pages.
Another well-crafted Kingsolver novel. Introspective , precise.
Very slow to build up, but the themes of isolation and feeling stuck between 2 cultures/ 2 extremes is more relevant than ever. The portrayal of Frida Kahlo was a bit weird though
I read this novel, then watched the film Frida, and felt I already knew the story, but with so much more nuance. Kingsolver is a beautiful writer, and she uses this talent to introduce readers to the story of Kahlo, Rivera, and Trotsky. It's about Mexico. It's about Washington, DC. It's about revolution, and the 1930s. It's about the loneliness of not having a home. Simply wonderful.
funny
informative
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:
Complicated
Found this beautiful hardcover first edition book with it's beautiful dust jacket intact in a tiny library in the neighborhood and thought, ya know, I don't believe I've read this one!
I read it, I loved it. I love the way this story comes together through multiple sources in a mix of fiction and nonfiction. Like a hunt through history! Very satisfying.
Also, the relationship between the protagonist and his mother (btw B Kingsolver is really good at boys/men) and his writerly life (and spoiler: final redemption/escape) are some highlights for me.
I read it, I loved it. I love the way this story comes together through multiple sources in a mix of fiction and nonfiction. Like a hunt through history! Very satisfying.
Also, the relationship between the protagonist and his mother (btw B Kingsolver is really good at boys/men) and his writerly life (and spoiler: final redemption/escape) are some highlights for me.