Kingsolver previously wrote the marvellous The Poisonwood Bible. Her new book has two story lines, about people who live in the same house in New Jersey: one family in 1874 and a contemporary family in 2012. Both stories involve dealing with hardships. In 2012, the issue is economic instability and insecurity (making me think of some classic Lionel Shriver books). In 1874, a biology teacher is conflicted by the controversy about Darwin versus traditional religion. The way Kingsolver links the alternating family stories is masterful and her knowledge of biology is exceptional. This is a very interesting worthwhile read.
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David – I also read this book recently and enjoyed it. I did a little digging afterwards and discovered that Mary Treat (the neighbour) was a real person, and did in fact correspond with Darwin. I’ve just ordered a book on Darwin’s correspondence with women, which I’m quite looking forward to, and I hope she pops up in this book. I’ll keep you posted. Erin.
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