The Lacuna
A Novel
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"The story of Harrison William Shepherd, a man caught between two worlds -- Mexico and the United States in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s -- and whose search for identity takes readers to the heart of the twentieth century's most tumultuous events"--Provided by publisher.
Publisher:
New York : - Harper
Pages:
507
Edition:
1st ed
ISBN:
9780060852573, 0060852577, 0571252648, 9780571252640
Language:
English
Statement of responsibility:
Barbara Kingsolver
Physical description:
x, 507 p.; 24 cm.
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Add a CommentA fabulous book. I kept putting it off, but once I got five pages in I was hooked. The voices of the two main characters are perfect, and distinctive. A beautifully written portrayal of some very interesting and difficult times in our history. A great book club book, because there is a lot to talk about here!
Like some of the other readers here, it took me some time to become engaged with this book. In the end, I couldn't put it down.
Lovely read for anyone who might like a different slant on art, politics and history.
I usually really enjoy Barbara Kingsolver's books, and this one was OK, but it just didn't engage me as much as her other books have. I ended up returning it unfinished.
I loved this book. She brings to life a colorful period in Mexican history When Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Trotsky lived and worked there. Then, in exploring that awful period in American history when McCarthy and other conservatives went witch hunting for Communist subversives, Kingsolver seems to be shining a light on the horrors of our own witch hunts after 9/11.
America, the land of the free? Not so much, according to this riveting account by Barbara Kingsolver. With "The Lacuna," Kingsolver offers us an unflinching unveiling of America's not-so-long-ago past political transgressions. Kingsolver better watch out, or she too might find herself a victim one day of some committee or other charged with investigating un-American activities... like speaking your mind, for example. The story does run on in some places, but the language is beautiful and the ideas are ones we should consider carefully. The role of the media, for example, is portrayed as being particularly culpable. I think there is more than a seed of truth in this observation. Well worth reading.
Historical fiction at its best. The Lacuna is a riveting story about politics, history, Mexico in the 1930's, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky and the US Committee on Un-American Activities to name but a few. It is also a story told entirely through diary entries and letters by a Mexican-American boy. A fascinating read!
I really liked this book and I'm not a huge Kingsolver fan. It's been hit and miss on several of her books for me. This one really hit the mark for me, the characters and plot are very rich and compelling. I try the read for enjoyment during the school year but its difficult at times as I often don't have the time or can only pick up a book every few days and only read a page or two at all. Most books I end up losing interest in and can't continue. Not The Lacuna, it kept my interest and even though it would be almost a week between readings, I was able to pick up right where I left off. I highly recommend this book.
I have been a Barbara Kingsolver fan for years, but this novel just didn't do it for me. I could not get interested in the story or the characters - I really tried, but gave up after 200 pages. Just plain boring!
Good story!!! This is the third book that I have read written by Barbara Kingsolver. I love the way the author described the lives of Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera. If you want to read books about her, you should also read "Pigs in Heaven" and "Animal Dreams". "Animal Dreams" is my favorite book by Barbara Kingsolver, you get to learned about the life of a character, and also about family problems.