Ellen C. (marathonmom) reviewed on 1/9/2011 + 25 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

The Lacuna is set in the cold war era in Mexico and in the US. Kingsolver weaves in history lessons, art lessons, cooking lessons, and writing lessons in crafting a beautiful tale of a Mexican-American writer, Harrison Shepherd. Shepherd spends his early life soaking up art and life lessons from Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, then faces the perils of the Communist blacklists when he returns to the country of his birth. Kingsolver gives voice to the characters of Shepherd's early life, as well as the to Violet Brown, a back country-bred secretary who takes on the responsibility of guarding Shepherd's legacy. Each contributes in their own essential way to Shepherd's ultimate fate, and each becomes an individual through the considerable talents of Ms. Kingsolver. Beautifully written, historically accurate, and a compelling story - what else could one ask for in a contemporary novel?

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