BOOK BRIEF

Gardens in the Dunes

Leslie Marmon Silko
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Gardens in the Dunes

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000

Book Brief

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Leslie Marmon Silko

Gardens in the Dunes

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

American Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

American Southwest • 1890s

Topic
Gender & Feminism

World History
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Gardens in the Dunes by Leslie Marmon Silko, individuals explore themes of cultural connection and displacement. The protagonist, a young Native American girl, navigates the transforming landscapes of the 19th century as she reconnects with her roots, embarking on a journey that intertwines her Native heritage with European influences within botanical and human gardens.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Fantastical

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,370 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Leslie Marmon Silko's Gardens in the Dunes is praised for its rich depiction of cultural intersections and deep historical insights. The narrative intricately weaves Indigenous and European influences, showcasing Silko's lush, evocative prose. However, some critics find the pacing uneven. The novel's depth and cultural resonance outweigh these occasional slow patches.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Gardens in the Dunes?

Readers who relish richly woven tales of cultural heritage and ecological themes will enjoy Gardens in the Dunes by Leslie Marmon Silko. Similar in appeal to those captivated by Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible, it promises a blend of historical, spiritual, and environmental storytelling.

4.1

1,370 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

American Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

American Southwest • 1890s

Topic
Gender & Feminism

World History
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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