The Bean Trees
8.04 / 10 182K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 1988
- Publisher
- Harper & Row
- Pages
- 232
- ISBN
- 9780780792876
Taylor Greer is determined to escape a predictable life in rural Kentucky, so she gets in her car and heads west with two goals: to get a new name and to stop wherever her car breaks down. Her journey takes an unforeseen turn when a stranger leaves a silent, traumatized child in her care. Suddenly responsible for another life, Taylor lands in Tucson, Arizona, with a new daughter she calls Turtle. There, she must navigate the complexities of motherhood and survival far from everything she has ever known.
In the Arizona desert, Taylor discovers that family is not always the one you are born into. She forges an unlikely community with another single mother, a compassionate tire shop owner who shelters refugees, and others living on the margins. The Bean Trees explores the surprising nature of love, the power of friendship, and the profound ways in which people can save one another. It is a story about the resilience of the human spirit and the discovery of a home in the most unexpected of places.
In the Arizona desert, Taylor discovers that family is not always the one you are born into. She forges an unlikely community with another single mother, a compassionate tire shop owner who shelters refugees, and others living on the margins. The Bean Trees explores the surprising nature of love, the power of friendship, and the profound ways in which people can save one another. It is a story about the resilience of the human spirit and the discovery of a home in the most unexpected of places.
Subjects
Other editions (17)
What other readers say
Liked
Reviewers widely praise The Bean Trees for its engaging and vivid characters, particularly the protagonist Taylor and the strong female friendships she forms. Many found the characters relatable, unique, and deeply human, developing significantly throughout the narrative. The novel is celebrated for its exploration of powerful themes such as the formation of "found families," the strength of community, and the transformative power of compassion. Readers appreciated its focus on social justice issues, including immigration, trauma, and human rights, which many found to be timeless and remarkably relevant even decades after its publication. Kingsolver's writing style is frequently lauded as charming, powerful, and subtle, with many highlighting the excellent, honest, and often humorous dialogue, as well as the vivid descriptions that bring the story and its settings to life.
Disliked
Despite much praise, some reviewers expressed reservations about certain aspects of The Bean Trees. A few found the pacing to be slow or the plot to feel somewhat disjointed, with some events stretching credulity, such as the protagonist's casual acceptance of a child. Early characterizations, particularly of the main character, were occasionally described as too naive or simple, though this often evolved as the story progressed. One reviewer felt the depiction of the setting relied too much on factual listings rather than evoking a true sense of place. Additionally, a minority of readers found the novel's overt political and social messaging, particularly concerning immigration and human rights, to be heavy-handed or difficult to engage with if one held differing views. Some also noted that the symbolism could feel overly explicit by the book's conclusion.
In short
Overall, The Bean Trees is largely regarded as a strong and impactful debut novel that showcases Barbara Kingsolver's talent for storytelling and character development. It is described as a poignant and often hopeful read that blends humor with serious social commentary. The book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives, particularly those focusing on themes of unconventional family, female resilience, and the importance of community. It would appeal to those interested in exploring social justice issues like immigration and child welfare through a humane and thought-provoking lens. Readers who enjoy vivid writing, engaging dialogue, and stories that leave a lasting emotional impression, and who approach books with an open mind to challenging social topics, are likely to find The Bean Trees a rewarding experience.
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