Unsheltered

Barbara Kingsolver — 2018

Willa Knox has always prided herself on being the embodiment of responsibility for her family. Which is why it's so unnerving that she's arrived at middle age with nothing to show for her hard work and dedication but a stack of unpaid bills and an inherited brick home in Vineland, New Jersey, that is literally falling apart. The magazine where she worked has folded, and the college where her husband had tenure has closed. The dilapidated house is also home to her ailing and cantankerous Greek father-in-law and her two grown children: her stubborn, free-spirited daughter, Tig, and her dutiful debt-ridden, ivy educated son, Zeke, who has arrived with his unplanned baby in the wake of a life-shattering development. In an act of desperation, Willa begins to investigate the history of her home, hoping that the local historical preservation society might take an interest and provide funding for its direly needed repairs. Through her research into Vineland's past and its creation as a Utopian community, she discovers a kindred spirit from the 1880s, Thatcher Greenwood.

Reviews

Sarah Sammis@pussreboots

Apr 4, 2024

DNF... too slow a plot. Too much time spent for characters debating current events.

Sian Wadey@sianwadeykerr

Aug 12, 2022

Well a week late is better than not at all! This is the #abookandabeer most recent read and I must admit I did consider giving up a few times. I think being able to read big chunks in one go definitely helped. The story goes between modern day Willa and 19th century Thatcher Greenwood (fantastic name). I really felt for Willa and all of the agonising decisions she had to go through. Unfortunately, I think many people are going through her situation and watching events unravel and the problems spiral made my heart bleed. Thatcher's parts grew more interesting as his story unfolded, particularly the debate with Cutler. I found myself holding my breath. I was also fascinated to find that Vineland and Landis are all based in fact and will be doing some research of my own. The reason this is 3 stars, is because of the dialogue. I understand that this novel is a commentary on politics, climate change, society, but the conversations had around the dining table were unbelievable, at least, in my own experience.

Clara Moore@beingmybestshelf

Aug 5, 2022

This was not my favorite Kingsolver book. I think I maybe would have enjoyed it more if I was a mother. However her prose was beautiful and her chapter transitions, between time lines, was very lyrical and helped the story flow from past to present seamlessly.

Cindy Lieberman@chicindy

Mar 26, 2022

3.5. This novel struck me as a thinly disguised way to discuss many of today’s most pressing social and political issues, including science (climate change; evolution), health (Medicare and the Affordable Care Act), racism, immigration, and how/why the current president rose to power. There were also discussions around the sharing economy, the focus on tenure at universities, parenting, and what makes a home. The novel alternates between two centuries, drawing interesting comparisons (and some surprising similarities) when it comes to human behavior and dogma. It was slow at times, and I was pleased to be able to listen to the audiobook at 1.5x speed for a good part of it. Some aspects of the novel will stay with me for a while, and I’m glad I read (listened to) it.

Jaime McLean@jme76

I just could not finish this audiobook. I liked the premise, but I think the pace of the audio was just too slow for me. I got fairly far into the nook, but I just never wanted to go back to it.