Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors and this novel did not disappoint. I’ve never been underwhelmed by any of her books so far. It was on the list of so many favorite books in 2024 and I am proud to say I’m part of that trend. My friend also added it to her favorites! It might take a bit to get into the first person point of view of the main character, but the slow beginning picks up quickly. The book is long but fast paced.
Children, choices, Ruin, that was the labor and materials we were given to work with. An older boy that never knew safety himself, trying to make us feel safe. We had the moon in the window to smile on us for a minute and tell us the world was ours. Because all the adults had gone off somewhere and left everything in our hands.
It took me about half way through the book to realize a major theme of the book which is kind of embarrassing, but it was a nice aha moment. It is not a fun and easy read but there are quite a few entertaining moments in between the hardships that will unfurl. The ending was a tad lackluster for me but not enough to ruin the whole thing and should not keep you from reading it.
The main character, Damon, is from the Appalachian mountains and grows up in poverty. The story follows him through his childhood surrounded with some neighbors who take good care of him until they cannot anymore, then off to foster care. There are a lot of characters that have very strong personalities and not in a good way for the most part but isn’t that what makes reading so much fun. I don’t have much more to say but I highly recommend this book or any others by Barbara Kingsolver.
This novel also won a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and a Women’s Prize for Fiction.
To her mind, a ripped, bald guy in a denim vest and no shirt was the be-all end-all of manhood. If you’re surprised a mom would discuss boyfriend hotness with a kid still learning not to pick his nose, you’ve not seen the far end of lonely.
Book It Babe 