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49 pages 1 hour read

The Bean Trees

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

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Book Brief

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Barbara Kingsolver

The Bean Trees

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kentucky, Arizona • 1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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Super Short Summary

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver follows Taylor Greer as she leaves Kentucky, travels across the US, and unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of a toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, she forms a close-knit community with other marginalized individuals, including single mother Lou Ann and Guatemalan asylum seekers Estevan and Esperanza, as they navigate challenges related to poverty and discrimination. The novel references death by suicide, child sexual abuse, and racism.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

174,115 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Barbara Kingsolver's The Bean Trees is praised for its rich character development and vivid storytelling, offering a heartfelt exploration of human relationships and resilience. Some critics feel the plot is predictable, but many appreciate the novel's warmth and humor. Overall, it is considered an engaging read that thoughtfully addresses social issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Bean Trees?

Readers who enjoy The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver typically appreciate character-driven stories with strong themes of resilience and found family. Similar audiences may enjoy The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, which also explore themes of personal growth and female empowerment.

4.2

174,115 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kentucky, Arizona • 1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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