The Bean Trees: A Novel
by Barbara Kingsolver
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Book Summary Information
Author: Barbara KingsolverEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-09-09
ISBN: 0061097314
Number of pages: 336
Publisher: HarperTorch
Book Reviews of The Bean Trees: A Novel
Book Review: "CRITICS GIVE IT TWO THUMBS UP, WAY UP!"
Summary: 4 Stars
I must say that before I even opened up to the first page of this book, I already had thought that it would be another incredibly boring novel that I couldn't relate too. Later my opinion was swayed after I found myself more and more involved in it. One of the most positive things about reading a story for and English Class it that you discuss and scrutinize the novel with other classmates and there fore understand more about the author's style and ideas. A short summary of the book reveals that a main character, Missy, later known as Taylor, is not satisfied with her current life style in Kentucky. She leaves there and sets out to go as far as her 1955 Beetle can take her. On her journey she unexpectedly had a small baby thrust upon her. While all this is taking place, another main character, Lou Ann, is having her own troubles. Her and her husband have fallen apart while Lou Ann is pregnant with her first child. From there the two characters develop as the book transpires. If you do choose to read this book you will get to find out about many of the other characters that they meet on the way and how they affect each other's lives. What many people might over look is that Kingsolver's novels also have political ideas in the theme that surface throughout the book. When picking up on these messages you often find yourself thinking about your life and the environment that surrounds you. She uses her books to stress key political problems and to help us pick up on ideas we wouldn't ordinarily think about. As far as character's go Lou Ann starts off with a low self-esteem and very unsure of herself. But later on she takes a dramatic turn with her new job. Taylor on the other hand is very determined, she knows what she doesn't want but doesn't know what she wants. She is very direct and doesn't beat around the bush. Kingsolver has a very unique style to her writing. She doesn't go into long paragraphs describing the setting and scenery. She lets the image come to you through dialogue and short descriptions. She is very realistic and writes everything how it would be in reality. This is good because it is easier to relate too. She also uses extended metaphors and similes to help better understand the story and which all ties in with the whole political idea. Quotes from her book helps us better understand the setting. "We crossed Arizona State line at sunup. The clouds were pink and fat and hilarious-looking like the hippo ballerinas in a Disney movie."
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