The Bean Trees

by Barbara Kingsolver
The Bean Trees cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 10670
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Published: 1988-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Taylor Greer, a resilient young woman from Kentucky, embarks on a journey west in the 1970s, hoping to escape her humble beginnings and find a better life. Her adventure takes a turn when she meets a Native American woman and her child, leading her to Tucson, Arizona, where she forms deep bonds with a diverse group of friends. /n/nIn Tucson, Taylor opens a tire shop and becomes entangled in the lives of her eclectic neighbors, including a nun, a waitress, and a man with a mysterious past. As she navigates the complexities of her new community, Taylor discovers the true meaning of family and the power of love and friendship.

Reviews
Reddit - IReadABookAndAdoredIt · 2026-02-02
adored 5.00

The novel reads like a classic, with characters and scenery that jump off the page. It's a five-star read that leaves a lasting impression.

This Redditor compares 'The Bean Trees' to classics like 'Anne of Green Gables', praising the way the characters and scenery come to life. They found the book to be a five-star read, highlighting its ability to leave a lasting impression. The reviewer appreciates the novel's unique blend of humor, heart, and depth, making it a standout read that they couldn't put down. The characters are particularly memorable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story.

Quick quotes

    It reads like Anne of Green Gables or the Golfinch where the people and the scenery just jump out and grab you!

    It's a five-star in my opinion.

    Such a great book, I couldn't put it down.

Kate Forsyth's Blog · Kate Forsyth · 2026-02-02
heartwarming 4.50

The novel's big heart and emotional depth make it a compelling read, despite some minor flaws. The unfulfilled romance adds a layer of sadness that resonates deeply.

Kate Forsyth highlights the emotional depth of 'The Bean Trees', praising its big heart and the way it handles complex themes. She finds the characters and their relationships to be the strongest aspects of the novel, making it a deeply moving experience. The unfulfilled romance is a particular standout, adding a layer of sadness that lingers long after the book is finished. While there are some minor flaws, Kate is willing to overlook them because of the novel's overall impact and the way it resonates with readers on an emotional level.

Quick quotes

    The Bean Trees has such a big heart, I'm willing to forgive these minor flaws.

    And, yes, there is a hint of a very sweet, very sad unfulfilled romance along the way.

    The characters and their relationships are the strongest aspects of the novel.

Winona Media · 2020-10-01
uplifting 4.00

The novel explores themes of damage and healing, with a rich mix of colloquial language and off-beat characters. The central theme of hope shines through, making it a powerful read.

This review from Winona Media emphasizes the novel's exploration of damage and healing, highlighting the rich mix of colloquial language and off-beat characters that bring the story to life. The central theme of hope is particularly noteworthy, making 'The Bean Trees' a powerful and uplifting read. The reviewer appreciates the imaginative plot and the way it balances serious themes with moments of levity, creating a well-rounded and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    This novel is about great damage and great healing.

    From a rich mix of colloquial language, off-beat characters, and an imaginative plot, a central theme of hope.

    A powerful and uplifting read.

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