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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
As a Kingsolver fan, I was really looking forward to reading her latest novel. The Lacuna was a disappointment. Incredibly slow (I had to renew it from the library 3 times).
As a dedicated Kingsolver fan, I profess The Lacuna is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Kingsolver’s prose is endlessly beautiful. Her writing is filled with unlikely metaphors which returning throughout the text at unexpected but perfect intervals, displaying Kingsolver’s genius ability to communicate with the reader. Being a history lover, I so enjoyed Shepard’s direct immersion in historical events, and especially adored his dialogue with and close relationship to Frida Kahlo. Though Shepard’s naivety is occasionally heavy-handed, I understand Kingsolver’s characters are often vehicles to promote her beliefs in social justice and historical misdeeds in a manner palatable to a potentially ignorant American audience. Ultimately, Shepard’s innocence represents the perspective of someone actually experiencing history, which is likely why his observations appear blunt to a reader with knowledge of history’s trajectory. Kingsolver imbues her stories with remarkable wit, impelling me to laugh openly and become endeared to the frank and clever characters. I found the unraveling history element incredibly satisfying, though somewhat confusing as certain developments are initially obscured until the reader receives further information as history progresses. The exposition may seem slightly aimless, and therefore potentially inaccessible to new Kingsolver readers, though her writing throughout is continually exquisite. Kingsolver’s unmatched writing quality, wholesome characters, and fascinating historical exploration make The Lacuna an incredibly worthwhile read.
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This is a tough one to review... I kind of liked it, then loved it, unwillingly dragged myself through an entire section, then loved it again.
Because I've loved Barbara Kingsolver through The Poisonwood Bible, The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams and (especially) Prodigal Summer; I wanted to give The Lacuna a fair chance.
It felt as though each phase of Harrison Shepherd's life read like a completely different novel. I personally found the settings in Mexico far more engaging. I have always loved any bit of history surrounding Frida Kahlo and enjoyed how she was integrated into the story. I have been to La Casa Azul in Coyoacan as well as Trotsky's walled compound in Mexico City. Having a bit of background knowledge might have helped peak my interest however I do believe that this time period was far more intense.
My expectations went from very high with it being one of my favorite authors writing about my favorite female painter, to then very low after reading reviews. All in all I enjoyed The Lacuna as a whole!
Because I've loved Barbara Kingsolver through The Poisonwood Bible, The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams and (especially) Prodigal Summer; I wanted to give The Lacuna a fair chance.
It felt as though each phase of Harrison Shepherd's life read like a completely different novel. I personally found the settings in Mexico far more engaging. I have always loved any bit of history surrounding Frida Kahlo and enjoyed how she was integrated into the story. I have been to La Casa Azul in Coyoacan as well as Trotsky's walled compound in Mexico City. Having a bit of background knowledge might have helped peak my interest however I do believe that this time period was far more intense.
My expectations went from very high with it being one of my favorite authors writing about my favorite female painter, to then very low after reading reviews. All in all I enjoyed The Lacuna as a whole!
i don't think i have the words to describe what this book made me feel. I loved the writing style; not unnecessarily flowery but not bland. And though a lot of the political commentary probably went over my head, as I'm not the most well versed in Russian or American politics on account of not being from either of those countries, what I did understand I found very interesting. Especially as a lot of the problems mentioned (specifically in America) are still so relevant today. I also quite liked how extraordinarily ordinary most of the tale was. This is the story of a man, a writer, a lover, nothing more and nothing less. Now, don't get me wrong it was interesting and anything but ordinary in terms of how this boy lived, but still, it was the tale of a man.
I do have a lot more to say about this book (if you saw the state of my own copy, you might understand) but I fear it would not all fit into this little box here, so I would like to, as an end note, add that I loved this book very much and that I do believe most everyone should read it.
I do have a lot more to say about this book (if you saw the state of my own copy, you might understand) but I fear it would not all fit into this little box here, so I would like to, as an end note, add that I loved this book very much and that I do believe most everyone should read it.
As usual with Barbara Kingsolver--I ADORE her books but typically think she could shave off around 100 pages from each, this book is no exception.
As a Frida Kahlo lover, this book spoke to me in many ways. It was a love letter to Mexico, to food, to history, to unconventional relationships, to storytelling, and most of all, to a main character who is sporatic.
As a Frida Kahlo lover, this book spoke to me in many ways. It was a love letter to Mexico, to food, to history, to unconventional relationships, to storytelling, and most of all, to a main character who is sporatic.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
It took me quite a long time to get into it and finish, but I ended up enjoying the structure and story it told. Not the best Kingsolver book I've read (which is only Poisonwood and the nonfictional Animal Vegetable Miracle), but she does know how to craft an interesting, well-researched story. I wish Frida wasn't necessarily such a background character, but that's how it was set up.
I love Barbara Kingsolver’s writing. I think she is eloquent and observant and often quite funny. So the writing of this book was a pure pleasure throughout.
That being said the story was a bit lacking for me. I appreciated the first half a lot more than the second as it certainly had more happening and more relationships but overall it just wasn’t quite gripping or entertaining as a story. A satisfying read, to be sure, but not immediately one I would jump to recommend to others.
That being said the story was a bit lacking for me. I appreciated the first half a lot more than the second as it certainly had more happening and more relationships but overall it just wasn’t quite gripping or entertaining as a story. A satisfying read, to be sure, but not immediately one I would jump to recommend to others.