A review by tanzipanzi
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

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

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and that surprised me. I’m not one to enjoy literary novels, and I have to admit this took me a really long time to get through but I’m glad I persisted (I’m talking like 8 months of “reading” it, but when the timing is right it’s a book you don’t want to put down). If you let the words sit with you and can stay focused enough to be absorbed by the story, you’ll be rewarded with a descriptive and cleverly written interwoven accounts of three families living in Appalachia. The connection to nature and the metaphorical language is poetic and beautiful without being overly unattainable for the average person, and quite frankly, it’s hot. 

This was recommended to me by a friend who described it as the sexiest thing she’s ever read even though it’s only describing nature, and that was enough to pique my interest. I’d recommend reading it and letting yourself get full absorbed and transported to another life.