Review: Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver

This was one of my favs of 2019. I have loved all of her books and this tops the list. You can tell Kingsolver is liberal, hence, many from my book club either couldn't finish it or didn't like it. I had a feeling when I offered to be the discussion leader that this would happen!

It follows two families that live in the same house in the 19th century and then in the 21st century. There are many Trump references, health insurance and student loan issues. My fav characters are Willa, the modern day heroine. She is a hoot. The other fav is Mary Treat who was a science writer and naturalist who actually corresponded with Charles Darwin! Who knew!? You will love the characters from both eras, except Grandpa! After writing this, I want to reread it!

Julie here--I agree with my mom, to an extent...Kingsolver's writing has scathing critiques of the right, yes, but in a more layered and symbolic way. I don't think she named Trump outright--I mean, she may as well have, but I don't think readers of this post should shy away because they don't want to read a political book, because it's not. Ultimately, I think this book is a portrait of American life during two different time periods, using the house to juxtapose the two and show the similarities of their struggles.

It was also one of my favs of 2019! An absolute must-read!

Rating: 5