39 pages • 1 hour read
Unsheltered
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Vineland, New Jersey • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, the plot intertwines the lives of Willa Knox, a contemporary middle-aged magazine editor dealing with personal and financial crises, and Thatcher Greenwood, a 19th-century science teacher facing societal backlash for his support of Darwin's theories. Both struggle with deteriorating homes and unresolved social issues, seeking stability and support through family and community. The storyline includes sensitive topics, such as suicide.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
81,148 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Barbara Kingsolver's Unsheltered offers a dual narrative that critics praise for its timely exploration of societal collapse and resilience. While some appreciate its rich character development and thematic depth, others find the pacing uneven. The novel's interwoven timelines receive mixed reactions, with some finding them compelling and others, disjointed.
Who Should Read Unsheltered?
Readers who enjoyed The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver or Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout will appreciate Unsheltered. This novel attracts those keen on multi-generational family sagas, social commentary, and historical fiction with contemporary parallels, blending personal and societal upheavals.
81,148 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thatcher Greenwood
Thatcher Greenwood
The other protagonist, living in the 19th century as a sensitive and philosophical individual. He struggles with societal norms in Vineland and values intellectual exploration.
Mary Treat
Mary Treat
A self-taught scientist who is independent and intellectually active, rejecting many conventional gender roles. She influences Thatcher by supporting his intellectual pursuits in Vineland.
Iano Tavoularis
Iano Tavoularis
Willa’s husband, characterized as lighthearted and optimistic. He serves as a foil to Willa, contrasting her practicality with his carefree nature, and contributes to the story’s conflicts.
480
Novel • Fiction
Vineland, New Jersey • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
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