Prodigal Summer

by Barbara Kingsolver
Prodigal Summer cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 10667
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780571246229
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver is a rich tapestry of interconnected stories set in the Appalachian mountains. The novel weaves together the lives of a reclusive wildlife biologist, a city girl turned farmer's wife, and a pair of elderly neighbors, each grappling with their own desires and attachments to the land. Kingsolver's vivid prose brings the natural world to life, highlighting the delicate balance between human emotion and the rhythms of nature. /n/n As the summer heat intensifies, the characters' lives become increasingly entwined, revealing the profound ways in which love, loss, and the environment shape their identities. With its lyrical language and deep ecological themes, Prodigal Summer stands as a testament to Kingsolver's storytelling prowess and her ability to capture the essence of human experience.

Reviews
NAM Cologne · 2024-05-02
brilliant 4.75

The novel is enticing, informative, deeply emotional, and at times tantalizing, making it a highly recommended read.

The reviewer finds the novel to be especially enticing and informative, with a deep emotional impact that stays with them long after finishing the book. They appreciate the way the book explores various themes, making it a tantalizing read. The reviewer highly recommends this book to others, indicating a strong positive sentiment towards the novel. Their enthusiasm for the book is clear, and they highlight its ability to engage and move the reader on multiple levels.

Quick quotes

    Prodigal Summer is an especially enticing, informative, often deeply emotional, and at times tantalizing novel.

    I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeply engaging read.

    The novel's exploration of various themes makes it a tantalizing read.

Words and Dirt · 2021-06-05
excellent 4.50

The book is bursting with energy and appreciation for all living things, reminding the reviewer of their own connection to nature.

The reviewer is captivated by the book's vibrant energy and its deep appreciation for all forms of life. They reflect on their own relationship with nature, acknowledging that they are not a farmer or a naturalist in the true sense. The book's exploration of ecological themes resonates with them, making it a deeply engaging read. The reviewer's connection to the material is evident, and they appreciate the book's ability to evoke such strong emotions and reflections.

Quick quotes

    Bursting with energy and appreciation for all living things, the book reminds me that I am not a farmer, that I am not a naturalist––not in the true sense of the word.

    The book's exploration of ecological themes resonates with me deeply.

    I am captivated by the book's vibrant energy and its deep appreciation for all forms of life.

Stuck in a Book · 2019-03-11
great 4.00

Kingsolver excels at developing human relationships gradually and pacing them beautifully. However, some aspects of the book did not resonate as strongly.

The reviewer praises Kingsolver's ability to craft evolving human relationships, both romantic and otherwise, with a perfect pace. They appreciate the depth and nuance in these interactions. However, they mention that not every element of the book worked for them, indicating a mixed but generally positive experience. The reviewer's admiration for Kingsolver's writing is clear, but they also acknowledge areas where the book fell short of their expectations.

Quick quotes

    Kingsolver is brilliant at the gradual evolving of human relationships (romantic or otherwise), and paces them wonderfully.

    What I didn't love was the pacing of the plot.

    Kingsolver's writing is both unassuming and lovely.

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