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Title:
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Unsheltered |
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Authors:
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Kingsolver, Barbara |
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Genre:
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Fiction |
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Pages:
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461 |
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Year:
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2018 |
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Publisher:
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Harper Collins |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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Willa Knox's family is in crisis: she has lost her job, her father-in-law who lives with them is dying, her son Zeke is suddenly thrust into the role of a single parent and their home is falling down around them. Clutching for straws, Willa investigates the history of their home, hoping that the local historical preservation society will come to their aid. Her research reveals a town from more than a century earlier, populated with kindred spirits, especially botanist Mary Treat and Thatcher Greenwood, a school teacher who controversially embraced Charles Darwin's theories.
Moving between the Vineland, New Jersey of 1871 and 2016, this is a thought-provoking and expertly observed story of two families weathering the storms of social upheaval in a world where all the rules have changed.
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Categories:
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Fiction, Big reads, Community, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Political, Relationships, Science & Technology, Social commentary/perspectives, America, 2020 Titles |
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By: TAUR 061
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2024-07-28 19:33:43 |
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At times this was a slog for the group, however we were rewarded in the final third where Kingsolver showed her skills as an author. Mary Treat was our heroine. She represented all that is to be admired in a woman prepared to go against the tide and challenge the status quo. We were reminded that no matter the era, humans resist change. If we all looked up to those ‘blue skies’, like Thatcher and Mary, we too would thrive. |
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By: CHCH 299
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2023-02-09 09:23:53 |
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Everyone was disappointed with this book, especially those who had read and enjoyed other works by Kingsolver. Most thought the discussion between the characters about evolution vs creationism caused the book to drag and at times felt preachy. However, it did generate a good discussion, particularly about the US medical system. |
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By: HAVE 012
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2022-05-13 12:29:28 |
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This book was generally enjoyed by everyone, and a lively discussion was had. |
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By: WELL 008
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2022-05-13 12:28:40 |
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Very mixed reviews, thought it was not her best work and needed a good edit, but provoked some very interesting discussion. |
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By: TIMAR 013
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2022-05-13 12:26:52 |
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Most would have liked this to be shorter! Some members related well to the present day family, others more to the historical characters. All enjoyed the historical element. |
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By: AUCK 060
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2022-05-13 12:25:23 |
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A most memorable book from a brilliant author. Thank you for giving us this. So relevant to all. |
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By: LOWER 006
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2022-05-13 12:23:17 |
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A more varied enjoyment of this one, but overall a good topic with interesting characters and contemporary ideas. |
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By: RICH 007
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2022-05-13 12:21:50 |
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Two people really liked this book and thought the two stories were cleverly interwoven. Others found it hard work, particularly the story during the 1880s, and slow moving. Some good humour particularly in the contemporary story. Provoked good discussion. |
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By: DUNED 100
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2022-05-06 13:20:30 |
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This book sparked a lively and wide-ranging discussion among the group. Everyone enjoyed it and found many different elements fascinating. |
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By: WELL 016
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2021-10-18 14:54:57 |
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Great discussion; differing views on the way the book was written, and the characters. Thanks. |
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By: TAUR 015
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2020-11-11 12:30:26 |
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A cleverly crafted tale. Interesting and absorbing. Recommended by us all. |
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By: HAMIL 029
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2020-10-06 16:11:09 |
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We had an excellent and rather wide-ranging discussion based (loosely) on this book. Generally we like Kingsolver's writing - this is not her best book, too preachy really, but still very readable and thought-provoking, with interesting characters in both story-lines. |
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By: ASHB 027
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2020-09-01 09:32:56 |
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Our group was divided over this title; some loved it and some did not finish. It became more absorbing as you read and the characters became more engaging but some struggled to get that far. We loved the portrayal of the differing roles of women in each time period, and the family dynamics in each household carried the lack of plot to hang the characters on. |
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By: WELL 022
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2020-08-19 13:16:31 |
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Has contemporary relevance. Generated good diverse discussion. Whilst the group appreciated the quality of her writing, there was irritation with the alternate chapter structure, which disrupted the storytelling, and a general agreement that the message was hammered home. |
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By: GISB 006
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2020-07-27 14:32:17 |
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We missed discussion of this great book due to Covid. |
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By: AUCK 016
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2020-07-27 14:31:19 |
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Mixed reactions - different format with two separate stories in alternating chapters. |
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By: CHCH 116
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2020-06-22 14:31:04 |
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Varied comments. generated very interesting discussion on many aspects - the characters ( in both centuries), the attitudes ( Creation vs Darwinism), capitalism vs environmental sustainability. |
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By: MAST 004
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2020-06-22 14:28:47 |
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Our meeting was very divided on this one. Well-written, but some found its juxtaposition of lives a little confusing. Others loved it. |
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By: PARAPA 001
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2020-06-22 14:24:55 |
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There was a mixed reaction to this book. One person didn't finish it, while others thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not an easy read. |
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