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View Full Version : Barbara Kingsolver - Prodigal Summer


Renniemist
12th December 2006, 13:35
Prodigal Summer
Author: Barbara Kingsolver

Prodigal Summer weaves together three stories of human love within a larger tapestry of lives amid the mountains and farms of southern Appalachia. Over the course of one humid summer, this novel’s intriguing protagonists face disparate predicaments but find connection to one another and to the flora and fauna with which they necessarily share a place.


I first came across Barbara Kingsolver earlier this year when I read The Poisonwood Bible. It was one of my favourite books this year. Prodigal Summer is another favourite. It is about nature and people and how they interact with each other. The descriptions are wonderful. The book is so full of life; plants, insects, animals and humans are all ready to get down to the business of reproducing themselves. Kingsolver of course has a message she wants to tell: about nature and evolution and modern farming methods.

The book is however basically a charming story about the people over the course of the summer. It is about their joys and their sorrows and how each of them interacts with one another. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking to read more of Kingolver’s books very soon.

SusanMargaret
13th December 2006, 04:00
Hi Renniemist,

I have never read any of Kingsolver's books. Your review of Prodigal Summer has inspired me to check this book out. Does the story take place in the 21st century or is it a historical novel?

Renniemist
13th December 2006, 11:25
Prodigal Summer is a contemporary novel.

If you read it let me know how you get on. I am curious to know what others think about it.

Anyway I hope you enjoy it.

Bellatrix
5th November 2008, 17:45
Renniemist you'll be glad to know I thought this was a wonderful book, the women in this book are great - so in tune with the earth around them (mother nature / Gaia call it what you will) I found all three of them inspiring. Along with 'The Poisonwood Bible' I would put this up there in 'The Books I Have Loved' list. A very easy & enjoyable read.

Renniemist
5th November 2008, 18:59
I am glad you enjoyed it Bellatrix.

Since reading this book I have also read Pigs in Heaven, which was very good. I mean to read more of Barbara Kingsolver when I find the time.