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A review by greyetal
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
3.0
I picked this book a year ago based on Barbara Kingsolver's popularity - and then read her most popular book, The Poisonwood Bible, and really did not enjoy it. I kept putting this one off because of it, but when it was available at the library as an audiobook I decided to give it a try.
I'm glad I did! I think the audiobook definitely helped, there were accents & intonations that added to the story, but there were so many moments I think I would've enjoyed either way. The story follows Willa, a new grandma who finds herself caring for her grandson more than expected, while also caring for her elderly father in law & being in a tricky financial situation despite her & her husband "doing everything right". At the same time, it follows a previous resident of Willa's street, Thatcher - a science teacher who is trying to share new ideas in his small town & not making any friends doing it.
It reminds me of It's Not All Downhill From Here in that what's happening to the characters isn't so much earth shattering, just normal life - but the characters are well developed and interesting and their observations & slow growth over time is profound. But, I did find the Thatcher parts a bit slow in the beginning - so if a slow burn is not your style, it's probably not for you.
I'm glad I did! I think the audiobook definitely helped, there were accents & intonations that added to the story, but there were so many moments I think I would've enjoyed either way. The story follows Willa, a new grandma who finds herself caring for her grandson more than expected, while also caring for her elderly father in law & being in a tricky financial situation despite her & her husband "doing everything right". At the same time, it follows a previous resident of Willa's street, Thatcher - a science teacher who is trying to share new ideas in his small town & not making any friends doing it.
It reminds me of It's Not All Downhill From Here in that what's happening to the characters isn't so much earth shattering, just normal life - but the characters are well developed and interesting and their observations & slow growth over time is profound. But, I did find the Thatcher parts a bit slow in the beginning - so if a slow burn is not your style, it's probably not for you.