51 pages • 1 hour read
Barbara KingsolverThe Lacuna
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver follows Harrison William Shepherd, a man born in 1917 to a Mexican mother and an American father. His life journeys between Mexico and the U.S., intersecting with famous figures like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky while working as a plasterer and cook. Later, as a novelist in Asheville, NC, Harrison faces scrutiny from the House Un-American Activities Committee. Sensitive topics include assassination and political persecution.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Barbara Kingsolver's The Lacuna blends historical fiction with personal narrative, drawing praise for its rich storytelling and complex characters. The novel's backdrop of 20th-century political upheaval captivates readers, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it's celebrated for its depth, emotional resonance, and insightful exploration of identity and history.
Who Should Read The Lacuna?
Readers who appreciate historical fiction interwoven with social and political themes, such as those found in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall or Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, will likely enjoy Barbara Kingsolver's The Lacuna. Kingsolver's vivid storytelling and deep character development resemble the engaging narratives of Toni Morrison.