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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Barbara Kingsolver is a master of place. I felt like I knew the town and mountain in this novel, they became close friends. I also really appreciated the ecology lessons, although the listing of species of birds, especially, became a little tedious. The novel was surprisingly sexual, but also lush with life. The plot twists were easy to spot a mile away, but I enjoyed following the characters down their paths regardless. It was a lovely novel for a spring/summer read.
I wanted to love it, but one of the main characters was deeply unlikable to me for no reason.
Also call me a hater but I don't think it was necessary to the plot for the other girl to have a crush on her 17 year old nephew.
But the prose, as always, was divine. And I loved the ending.
Also call me a hater but I don't think it was necessary to the plot for the other girl to have a crush on her 17 year old nephew.
But the prose, as always, was divine. And I loved the ending.
I rarely read a book twice, and this is a book I want to read again.
It's been a long time since I read it (from a friend's recommendation), but I remember enjoying the amazing imagery, the interesting plot, and the developed characters.
It's been a long time since I read it (from a friend's recommendation), but I remember enjoying the amazing imagery, the interesting plot, and the developed characters.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.75 rounded up. Kingsolver seems like the voice of reason which is probably why I love her books so much. I always learn something when I read her novels and that makes this book worth your time.
I was hoping for something more like the Poisonwood Bible. Instead this came off as a little preachy, and some of the storylines weren't all that interesting. I found Lusa the most interesting character and could have read more of her and less of, say, Garnett, who comes off more a caricature than a full-fledged character.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Enjoyed this but I’ve given three stars just because I didn’t love it as much as Flight Behavior (or Demon Copperhead obvs). The three intertwined stories were all captivating and I really loved Lusa’s — didn’t want it to stop! But the book had a bit of a feel of a lesson about the biodiversity crisis too. That’s fine, but just less subtle than in other Kingsolver books I’ve read
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
We re-read this aloud to each other -- probably the second or third time for each of us. Lyrical, transcendent language used to reflect on deep spiritual connectivity between the world and us ... and between each other. It didn't get old; it got newer. Lusa ... Deanna ... Garnett ... Nanny ... Little Ricky are hauntingly human characters, working it out as best they can. And the mystical senses by which Lusa "speaks" with her lover/husband through scent rather than words? by which Deanna knows when it's time to let her time on the mountain go? by which Garnett stumbles toward gratitude and care with his nemesis Nanny? Priceless.
