Reviews with content warning for Cancer - Prodigal Summer

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though it took more than 100 pages to connect the three storylines running parallel to one another, which, personally, felt a little too late even to begin hinting. The writing style was one of my biggest pet peeves, specifically in the chapters centering on Garnett. Here, the author constantly reiterated through dialogue what was already discussed through description which felt repetitive and unnecessary. By around the 300-page mark, I began to skip chapters that focused on Garnett's point of view because it just did not seem exciting or plot-forwarding.
One topic that was disturbing to read as it was introduced and played with so nonchalantly was...

the implied romantic relationship between Lusa and her dead husband's 17-year-old nephew, Ricky. It was so so very strange when it was introduced, but I let it slide due to it being only a few weeks after Lusa's husband passed away and figured it would be used as a literary device that showed just how lost Lusa was and how much she saw Cole in everyone she came across. But as the book continued and the two got closer, there was more and more talk of how Lusa noticed this boy's romantic, nay, sexual interest in her and how she seemed to enjoy it but only in theory. She'd never act on it, but she wasn't stopping it which was so yucky. Let me reiterate that she's in her mid-20s and her literal nephew is 17. At one point Ricky kisses her, and though she says that it's too much and not appropriate, she still keeps him around and personally, underreacts. And then, towards the end of the book, Ricky admits that he would like to take her to bed. She then admits out loud that she wouldn't be opposed! Like...huh? In what world is that appropriate? And to make matters worse she then invites him to take her dancing, which they both had said people (aka Ricky's parents...Lusa's in-laws) associate dancing very heavily to sexual intercourse. It feels very manipulative and predatory! She also asks him to manage her farm after which again feels like abusing her power knowing full well this boy has a very inappropriate and strong crush on her without her ever fully acknowledging how it 100% absolutely cannot and will not happen. Weird!

The only storyline that captivated me throughout the whole book was the chapters about Deanna. She was a very loveable character and I enjoyed her overall progression and growth.
I would only recommend this book if you enjoy slow books and are willing to overlook some questionable beliefs/behaviors of the characters. It was published in 2000 after all. :)

Content Warnings

passionatereader78's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

An emotional story about 3 women living in the mountains of Virginia . Beautiful detail and biology facts. If you like books that have a descriptive setting this book is for you.

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_kbean_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

A beautiful story with characters I grew to love, and an abundance of nature references/education. But, it took me far too long to get into. I nearly gave up several times and only persevered after reading other reviews saying it was worth it! Also agree with other reviewers that the ending did not live up to expectations.

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ghost_rider's review against another edition

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emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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alyssathorn's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

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carli_indicating's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The book had an overall unfinished feeling to me with a rough start and abrupt finish. I don't typically demand resolution, but I was reading this on Kindle and I was looking for the next chapter after the end. That's after I almost didn't get past he opening chapter, because I found it overwrought, even for Kingsolver. I kept on because the book was recommended by someone I'm in a reading group with, and after that I was truly enjoying the characters. I was sad it was over. So it's worth reading for the experience, but not for those who like things tidy.

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