Unsheltered

Unsheltered cover
Good Books rating 3.83
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Technical
  • ID: 10662
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780571347063
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2018-10-16
  • Reviews: 3

Willa Knox stands braced against a world that seems to offer little mercy to her and her family, as they struggle to keep their old, crumbling house from falling down around them. With two grown-up children, a newborn grandchild, and her ailing father-in-law all living under one roof, life feels more precarious than ever. Yet, when Willa discovers that a pioneering female scientist once lived on the same street, she finds a historical connection that might just save their home from ruin. /n/nAs Willa delves into the past, she uncovers a story of resilience and determination that mirrors her own struggles. The novel explores themes of family, community, and the enduring power of human connection, all set against the backdrop of a society that often seems indifferent to the plight of those on the margins. With her signature insight and compassion, the author crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Reviews
Cristina Sanders · 2019-01-14
positive 4.50

The story explores complex relationships with poignant and real threads. The unexpected elements make the characters vivid.

The reviewer highlights the book's exploration of complex relationships, which they find poignant and real. The unexpected elements in the story bring the characters to life, making them vivid and memorable. The reviewer appreciates the depth and authenticity of the relationships portrayed in the book, which adds a layer of emotional resonance to the narrative.


Quick quotes

    This is a story of complex relationships

    The many threads binding the characters together feel poignant and real

    The unexpected makes them vivid

Libro Fulltime · 2018-10-30
positive 4.00

Despite its heavy-handedness, the book is powerful and impressive. It skillfully weaves together numerous issues and emotions.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book can be heavy-handed at times but finds it very powerful and impressive. They are amazed by the number of issues and emotions the author manages to incorporate into the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the complexity and depth of the story, which makes it a compelling read despite its flaws.


Quick quotes

    Heavy-handed it might be, but I also found it very powerful and impressive

    It's amazing how many issues and emotions she works in

    Like many of Kingsolver's novels, it's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading

The Guardian · 2018-10-24
mixed 3.00

The book is meticulously researched but suffers from an overly didactic tone. It struggles to balance teaching with storytelling.

The reviewer praises the depth of research in the book, comparing it to the works of Willa Cather. However, they feel that the author's eagerness to educate overshadows the narrative, making the reading experience feel more like a lecture than a story. The book's attempt to tackle multiple issues and emotions is impressive, but the heavy-handed approach detracts from its overall impact.


Quick quotes

    Unsheltered is researched as carefully as any Cather novel

    Kingsolver is so anxious to demonstrate and teach that there is no space here

    It's amazing how many issues and emotions she works in