"The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver is a novel that follows the life of Harrison Shepherd, a writer who navigates through the tumultuous events of the 1920s to the 1960s in Mexico and the US. The story delves into his relationships with historical figures such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Lev Trotsky, showcasing his journey from being a cook and journalist to a successful author. The narrative weaves through themes of friendship, betrayal, McCarthyism, and the complexities of identity, all portrayed through Shepherd's journals and the perspective of his secretary.

Kingsolver's writing style in "The Lacuna" is praised for its vivid prose, intricate character development, and the seamless incorporation of historical events. The novel expertly blends fiction with real-life figures, offering a glimpse into the lives of renowned artists and political figures while exploring Shepherd's personal struggles and triumphs. The multi-layered storytelling, shifting perspectives, and the use of journal entries and newspaper clippings add depth to the narrative, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are complex and vividly drawn, ranging from historical figures to fictional counterparts, each contributing to the richness of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is rich and engaging, utilizing multiple narrative forms to create a layered and emotional storytelling experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows Harrison Shepherd, whose life intertwines with historical events and figures in Mexico and the US, exploring themes of identity, political fanaticism, and societal repercussions.

Setting:

The story unfolds across rich and dynamic settings in both Mexico and the United States, providing a backdrop for the historical and personal narratives.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout, with a slower start that eventually engages readers more fully, reflecting the complexities of the story.

A certain feeling comes from throwing your good life away, and it is one part rapture. Or so it seemed for now, to a woman with flame-colored hair who marched uphill to meet her demise. Innocence was ...

Notes:

The term 'lacuna' refers to a missing gap or space, which is a recurring theme in the novel.

Harrison Shepherd is the main character, a boy of mixed heritage growing up between the US and Mexico.

The story involves historical figures such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky.

Kingsolver's writing captures the political climate of America during the McCarthy era.

The novel connects personal identity with broader historical and political contexts.

It includes diary entries, letters, and newspaper articles to tell Harrison's story.

The setting shifts between Mexico and the United States, exploring cultures and politics in both countries.

The book addresses themes of unthinking prejudice and the power of lies in shaping public perception.

Violet Brown, Harrison's secretary, plays a significant role in collecting and presenting his story through her perspective.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of political persecution, violence, and references to McCarthyism and its impact on individual lives.

From The Publisher:

New York Times Bestseller

National Bestseller: Washington Post, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle (#1), Chicago Tribune (#1), Denver Post (#1), Minneapolis Star-Tribune (#1), Publishers Weekly

Indie Next Bestseller (#1)

Best Book of the Year: New York Times Notable, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times, Kansas City Star

Prize-winning Author: National Humanities Medal, Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Orange Prize for Fiction, Dayton Literary Peace Prize (Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award)

In The Lacuna, her first novel in nine years, Barbara Kingsolver, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of The Poisonwood Bible and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, tells the story of Harrison William Shepherd, a man caught between two worlds-an unforgettable protagonist whose search for identity will take readers to the heart of the twentieth century's most tumultuous events.

Ratings (8)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (3)

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The Lacuna

Barbara Kingsolver