49 pages • 1 hour read
The Bean Trees
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Book Brief
246
Novel • Fiction
Kentucky, Arizona • 1980s
1988
Adult
14+ years
900L
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
174,115 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
174,115 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lou Ann Ruiz
Lou Ann Ruiz
Taylor's friend and roommate, originally from Kentucky, who navigates life in Tucson, Arizona, as a young mother dealing with anxiety and the end of her marriage, while gaining independence and confidence.
Turtle
Turtle
A young girl given to Taylor under traumatic circumstances, whose early years of abuse have left her withdrawn and developmentally delayed, but who gradually thrives under Taylor's care.
Estevan
Estevan
A Guatemalan immigrant and former English teacher seeking political asylum in the US, who works as a dishwasher and forms a close relationship with Taylor while married to Esperanza.
246
Novel • Fiction
Kentucky, Arizona • 1980s
1988
Adult
14+ years
900L
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