family pain

this is a book which is worth keeping on with. the small cast of characters cover two historical periods so there are times when you play catch-up as you listen. in Kingsolver you have a very competent reader, whose voice is a pleasure to hear (& I speak as a Brit!).

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

Not quite but nearly….

Slightly disappointed, too many unbelievable plot twists that deter from the plan message which I did like and informed as well as terrified me. This book is set over 2 time periods and the shift skilfully done, it worked in the main but I wanted more somehow from the older period. I love her as a writer and been a follower since Poisonwood, but this one lacked something. Still a great companion as I do day!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Unsheltered

Really loved this book. Would definitely recommend. Will certainly seem out more books written by Barbara Kingsolver.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A true pleasure to listen to.

I always look forward to a Barbara Kingsolver book. I think I’ve read all of them - each one so different from its siblings - and they always live up to expectations. This is the first of her books that I have listened to - and it is read by her too. That was a true bonus. Her reading was so enjoyable- had me laughing out loud quite a few times- and I think I’ll have to get the book too. Deftly switching from one generation to another, back and forth, with a story for each family that I couldn’t wait to get back to. I know I’ll hear her voice while I read it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A tender and thought provoking story of two histories intertwined.

Clever and sensitive. Thought provoking and raising so many of today’s important issues in the gentlest of writing. Beautifully read by the author, bringing out the poignancy of the writing in her lovely lyrical voice. Not missing a trick throughout of this incredible story. This is in my top ten ever books for sure.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Perfection

I absolutely loved this book. So many layers of meaning. Such wisdom and wonderful characters. Chilling reflection on modern society but a hint of optimism if we can all be more like Tig.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Not Author's usual style

I enjoyed this book a little... The story was slightly gripping but at times didn't hold up. I found explanations being missed out, human reactions seemed dulled and finer details missed out. Weird because her previous books have felt so rich and interesting. At times it just felt like a political dialogue and I lost interest. It also surprised me when it ended, I was left feeling "what actually happened?"

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Slightly disappointed by my favourite author

I’ve loved Bárbara Kingsolvers other books but I struggled with this one. The present day part of the story just about held my interest but the historical part did not. I wasn’t keen on the way it was read although I have liked her reading of previous books. Perhaps I should have read the book in print.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Great, writing far, far too long

I had been expecting much of Barbara Kingsolver, and initially I was enthralled by her writing. But I soon started to tire of the endless botanical, references and other details that slowed the story down far too much. I think it could easily have been edited down by about six hours! I actually ended up listening to it at a slightly faster speed, as it was driving me mad! I can see what she was trying to do, and the points she was trying to make, but it was just all too much.
When right at the end, the incredibly valuable artefact (I won’t go into detail) was discovered, it was quite incomprehensible for Willa to hand this over to a local museum when we had spent the whole book enduring her family’s slide into poverty! As a character, I also found Willa pretty damned irritating. Not my favourite book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Another ‘Treat’ from Barbara Kingsolver ...

Kingsolver’s research is always in-depth and out of the ordinary which in turn leads to a fascinating story. Beautifully written and compelling.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!