Pigs in Heaven

by Barbara Kingsolver
Pigs in Heaven cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 10668
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780816158782
  • Publisher: Macmillan Reference USA
  • Published: 1993-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Six-year-old Turtle Greer's life takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses a freak accident at the Hoover Dam, leading to a man's dramatic rescue. Her moment of celebrity draws her into a complex web of historical proportions, affecting not only her and her mother, Taylor, but everyone else who touched their lives. This acclaimed novel by the author of The Poisonwood Bible explores the boundaries of family and the ties that bind us and tear us apart./n/nWith vivid storytelling, the author renders a world of heartbreak and redeeming love, illuminating the many separate truths about the ties that bind us and tear us apart. The narrative delves into the past and future, connecting the lives of those involved in a profound and moving way.

Reviews
The Nature of Things · 2024-10-29
poignant 4.50

The novel is a poignant exploration of family and identity, with characters that feel deeply human and relatable. The story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, offering a rich tapestry of human experiences.

In 'Pigs in Heaven,' Barbara Kingsolver crafts a narrative that is both heartwarming and introspective. The characters are deeply human, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with readers. The story explores themes of belonging and cultural heritage, offering a rich tapestry of human experiences. Kingsolver's writing is lyrical, and the emotional depth is profound, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate character-driven stories. The novel invites reflection on the bonds that define us and the challenges that shape our lives, making it a poignant exploration of family and identity.

Quick quotes

    Kingsolver at her best. ... Poignant and beautifully written, with some lovely turns of phrase and deeply perceptive insights into human nature.

    The characters are unique and descriptions make this story come alive. Kingsolver continues to a superb storyteller with the ability to craft images.

    The plot in this one was a perfect blend of heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Bound2Books · 2020-04-01
insightful 4.50

Kingsolver's characters are relatable and engaging, making the story resonate with readers on a personal level. The narrative is a celebration of mothers and daughters, offering a unique perspective on family dynamics.

Barbara Kingsolver's 'Pigs in Heaven' is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters. The characters are relatable and engaging, making their stories feel deeply personal. The narrative celebrates the bonds of family while also challenging traditional Western ideas of what family should be. Kingsolver's writing is both insightful and emotive, creating a story that resonates with readers long after the last page. The book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of family dynamics, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven stories.

Quick quotes

    Kingsolver always writes extremely interesting and relatable characters. It is what made me fall in love with her writing, and is what keeps me coming back.

    The book also makes a commentary that traditional Western ideas of family and motherhood are not the only valid ones.

    Kingsolver imbues her characters, even the less likable ones, with believable humanity. We care about them and their story and we want things to work out for them.

Stuck in a Book · 2018-11-19
heartwarming 4.00

The story captures the essence of family and identity, weaving together a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking. The characters are deeply human, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with readers.

In 'Pigs in Heaven,' Barbara Kingsolver delves into the complexities of family and identity, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and introspective. The characters are crafted with such authenticity that their journeys feel deeply personal. The story explores themes of belonging and cultural heritage, offering a rich tapestry of human experiences. It's a book that invites reflection on the bonds that define us and the challenges that shape our lives. The prose is lyrical, and the emotional depth is profound, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate character-driven stories.

Quick quotes

    The main thing you need to know from that novel is that Taylor adopted young Native American girl called Turtle, given to her by a stranger in a car park.

    Kingsolver's writing is both poignant and beautifully written, with some lovely turns of phrase and deeply perceptive insights into human nature.

    The characters are unique and descriptions make this story come alive.

Sam Anne Elizabeth's Blog · Sam Anne Elizabeth · 2018-03-27
memorable 5.00

The characters and Kingsolver's writing style make the novel memorable and enjoyable. The reviewer particularly loves Taylor and Alice, and finds Jax and Barbie charming.

This reviewer is particularly fond of the characters in the novel, especially Taylor and Alice, who are portrayed with warmth and depth. The writing style of Barbara Kingsolver is highlighted as a key strength, making the story both memorable and enjoyable. The reviewer also mentions how characters like Jax and Barbie add a layer of charm and humor to the narrative. The overall impression is one of a well-crafted and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    What made it so good and so memorable was the characters and the way Kingsolver writes.

    I love Taylor and Alice.

    Jax and Barbie made me smile.

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