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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Not bad, set in Appalachia, where a lot of Kingsolver’s books are set. Also interested in ecology and the inter-connectedness of things. It’s three interwoven stories, a woman forest ranger living in isolation on a mountain, a young widow trying to keep her dead husband’s farm going and an old man intent on repopulating the American chestnut. It’s all about how human’s actions on the natural world have unintended and in fact opposite effects. Spraying insecticide results in more pests, killing coyotes ends up with more coyotes. These three stories are all about finding a different way to live and farm
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Might have hit harder if I read this when it came out, but at this point I knew essentially all of the environmental policy points Kingsolver addresses. But it was well done with fairly realistic characters, so overall would recommend. Everyone needs some Moth Love.
I loved this book! What a masterful job Kingsolver did writing a wonderful work of fiction while explaining the complexities of the food chain/web of life--without being preachy or boring. The novel is set in the Appalachian mountains and adjoining farmland and concerns three main characters whose stories interweave in interesting ways. One of the main themes is the ways in which humans interact with nature. Each character has a different way of relating to the land and making use of it and attempting to control outcomes. The novel also touches on the extreme difficulties of making a living as a farmer. One of the most interesting points that Kingsolver is able to convey in the book is the value and necessity of predators to our web of life. This was not something I had thought about before and she explains it in such a way that I not only understand but feel like advocating on the behalf of wasps!
I also really liked the characters. Kingsolver made each of their stories interesting and I was encouraged to care about their outcomes--even cheer for them. Great read!
I also really liked the characters. Kingsolver made each of their stories interesting and I was encouraged to care about their outcomes--even cheer for them. Great read!
There is much to think about here: Man's relationship with man, with nature, nature with nature. I loved all the characters, and while I did learn a thing or two, at times I felt preached too. Warning, even though draped in gorgeous language, for some people (including me) she goes a step too far in her love scenes.
I just don’t think this book was for me. The ecological elements were not interesting to me. I thought the depictions and discussions of nature would be more like Thoreau. There were some parts I really enjoyed, but those were far and few between. Maybe I’ll try again in a couple of years when I have the time to really give it a chance.
Beautifully drawn characters, with the landscape and ecosystem somehow a character in itself. Barbara Kingsolver manages to create an almost oppressively intimate atmosphere through her vivid descriptions of the smells, sounds, sensations. I somehow felt muddled about whether the three stories were contemporaneous or not, which was distracting, but otherwise an absorbing and thought provoking read.
Joyfully outstanding. I love Barbara Kingsolver.
I tried to get into this and I just could not. It's not at all like The Poisonwood Bible, which I remember really liking.