Animal Dreams

by Barbara Kingsolver
Animal Dreams cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 10669
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780349146522
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2023-06-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Codi Noline, a woman at the end of her rope, returns to her hometown of Grace, Arizona, seeking answers about her past and hoping to reconnect with her distant, ailing father. The town she finds is under threat from a silent environmental crisis, and as she navigates this challenging landscape, she uncovers startling clues about her own identity. Along the way, she meets Loyd Peregrina, an Apache trainman with a unique perspective on life, who may hold the key to changing the course of her future. 'Animal Dreams' is a rich, compassionate exploration of family, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems out of balance.

Reviews
The Book Stop · 2024-05-11
powerful 4.50

The main character's strength is compelling, and the sisterly bond adds depth to the story. The exploration of life's commitments is moving and thought-provoking.

This reviewer was captivated by the main character's resilience and the emotional depth of her relationships, particularly with her sister. The story's blend of personal struggles and broader themes of commitment and purpose makes it a standout. They appreciated the way Kingsolver weaves together different elements to create a rich, engaging narrative. The exploration of life's big questions is handled with sensitivity and insight, making the book both powerful and memorable.

Quick quotes

    It's a powerful, dramatic story, and I loved the main character's strength.

    I love a good story about sisters, and I also love a good 'finding yourself' story.

    The exploration of life's largest commitments is moving and thought-provoking.

Book by Book · 2021-06-11
enchanting 4.50

The audiobook is a perfect companion for leisurely activities, and the story's blend of personal and cultural elements is enchanting. The narrative is both comforting and deeply engaging.

This reviewer found the audiobook version of 'Animal Dreams' to be particularly enjoyable, making it a great listen during relaxing moments like gardening. They appreciated the book's gentle pacing and the way it seamlessly blends personal stories with cultural and environmental themes. The narrative's warmth and depth make it a comforting yet thought-provoking read. They highlighted how Kingsolver's writing creates a rich, immersive experience that stays with the reader long after finishing the book.

Quick quotes

    I absolutely loved listening to this book on audio; it was the perfect accompaniment to time spent weeding and digging in the garden.

    Kingsolver's writing is both comforting and deeply engaging.

    The story's blend of personal and cultural elements is enchanting.

In Between Pages Book Blog · 2018-02-06
unique 4.00

The characters were believable and the story was nuanced and unique. The novel felt like a personal account rather than a typical piece of fiction.

The reviewer found the characters in 'Animal Dreams' to be incredibly believable, which added to the overall authenticity of the story. They appreciated the nuanced and unique narrative, which stood out from typical fiction. The story felt personal, almost like an account from a friend, which made it more engaging and relatable. The reviewer also highlighted the richness of the storytelling and the depth of the characters, which contributed to a memorable reading experience.

Quick quotes

    All the characters were believable, the story was nuanced and unique.

    The novel to me read like the account of a friend and not like a typical piece of fiction.

    The reviewer found the characters in 'Animal Dreams' to be incredibly believable.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 1990-09-02
rich 4.00

The novel's complexity and depth reveal the intricacies of human relationships and the difficulty of finding answers to life's big questions. It is a rich and compassionate exploration of life's challenges.

The New York Times reviewer praised 'Animal Dreams' for its intricate exploration of human relationships and the complexities of life's big questions. They noted how Kingsolver's writing delves deep into the characters' experiences, making the novel both rich and compassionate. The reviewer appreciated the way the story navigates through different times and landscapes, offering a nuanced perspective on life's challenges. They highlighted the book's emotional depth and the way it resonates with readers on a personal level.

Quick quotes

    Barbara Kingsolver's second novel, 'Animal Dreams,' reveals how complex any answer to these questions can be.

    An astonishing book that ought to put Barbara Kingsolver in the first ranks of fiction writers.

    A rich, compassionate book that delves deep into the human experience.

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