Flight Behavior

by Barbara Kingsolver
Flight Behavior cover
Good Books rating 3.95
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10663
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9781443413015
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 2012-11-06
  • Reviews: 4

Flight Behavior follows Dellarobia Turnbow, a young woman trapped in a life of poverty and isolation in rural Tennessee. On the verge of an affair, she stumbles upon a breathtaking and inexplicable phenomenon in the mountains that changes her path forever. This discovery forces her to engage with her community, her beliefs, and the broader world in ways she never imagined. /n/nThe novel explores themes of environmentalism, faith, and personal growth, as Dellarobia navigates the complexities of her newfound purpose and the impact of her discovery on those around her.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-02-07
compelling 3.80

The powerful writing and intriguing characters make this book compelling despite any initial reservations. The heroine is well-developed and the story is engaging.

The reviewer was drawn into the story by the powerful writing and intriguing characters, despite any initial reservations. They appreciate the well-developed heroine and the engaging nature of the story. The reviewer also highlights the author's ability to create quirky and compelling characters, which add depth and interest to the narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, with a traditional and straightforward story that is easy to follow.

Quick quotes

    Kingsolver's powerful writing and intriguing, quirky characters pulled me in despite myself.

    In Flight Behavior, Kingsolver again focuses on a heroine who had ...

    Flight Behavior reminded me that I have not read enough books set in today's world.

Fantasy Hive · 2021-04-04
excellent 4.50

This book is a standout in climate change literature, blending deep themes with engaging storytelling. The characters are vividly drawn and the narrative is both compelling and thought-provoking.

This reviewer was genuinely surprised by how much they enjoyed this book, calling it the finest climate change novel they've read. The characters, particularly Dellarobia, are well-developed and feel authentic. The story is both engaging and thought-provoking, with a strong focus on environmental themes that are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the complexity and depth of the book, making it a standout in its genre.

Quick quotes

    Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behavior is to my surprise, the finest climate change book I have read so far despite, or perhaps because it is absolutely ...

    Kingsolver's powerful writing and intriguing, quirky characters pulled me in despite myself.

    In Flight Behavior, Kingsolver again focuses on a heroine who had ...

The Guardian · 2012-11-10
great 4.00

The book is complex and well-observed, with characters that are both solid and believable. The narrative is impressive and engaging, making it a notable work.

This reviewer found Flight Behavior to be an impressive work, noting its complexity and elliptical nature. The characters, particularly Dellarobia and her family, are well-observed and come across as solid but believable individuals. The narrative is engaging and well-crafted, making it a notable addition to Kingsolver's body of work. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which is both thought-provoking and enjoyable to read.

Quick quotes

    Flight Behaviour is an impressive work. It is complex, elliptical and well-observed.

    Dellarobia and her kin come over as solid but believable individuals.

    It is complex, elliptical and well-observed.

The New York Times · 2012-11-09
good 3.50

The book explores environmental themes through a compelling narrative and well-developed characters. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a notable work.

This reviewer highlights the environmental themes explored in Flight Behavior, noting how they are woven into a compelling narrative. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging, making it a notable work. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the book, which is both thought-provoking and enjoyable to read. The story is set in a Tennessee town grappling with the consequences of a miracle that turns out to have environmental causes, adding a layer of intrigue and relevance to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    A Tennessee town grapples with the consequences of a miracle that turns out to have environmental causes.

    Flight Behavior has a number of shortcomings, but these do not include its language or characters, which are solid, complex, persuasive, and satisfying.

    I really recommend this book as a must read not just because of its discussions on climate change, but also because this is a very well written ...

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