The Lacuna
Barbara Kingsolver
November 2009
528 pages
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Yo, FTC: I purchased this book. Sort of. Because I had Borders Bucks, and it didn’t cost me a dime. Thank god.
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The Lacuna begins in Mexico in the 1920s. Harrison William Shepherd’s mother has left her American husband and returned to her native Mexico to live as the mistress of a wealthy man. Young Harrison is pretty much left to his own devices…he spends his days swimming, reading and learning how to cook. A few years later he is shipped off to his father, who in turn ships him off to a military academy, which he is subsequently kicked out of. Harrison returns to Mexico and ends up working as a cook for Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. From there, he ends up as a typist in the household of Leon Trotsky.
After Trotsky’s assassination (it’s historical fact people, not a spoiler), Harrison winds up back in America, after which he goes on to a career as a successful novelist.
All of this is recreated for the reader from the diaries and correspondence of Harrison, compiled by his secretary. She interjects a few times with her own comments, although it’s not until the end that it all becomes clear as to why she is telling Harrison’s story.
Years ago I read The Poisonwood Bible, a book that I found to be long and torturous (I’ve blocked all other details from my mind). The Lacuna was my attempt to give Kingsolver a second chance. There will be no thirds.
Because the thing is, Harrison is flat. He’s unemotional. He may have good reason for his lack of emotions, but he makes a fairly boring protagonist. He seems to drift through life, letting things happen to him. And while the book has three historical characters (Trotsky, Kahlo and Rivera) that play key roles, I’m not sure that I was comfortable with their presence. Especially Trotsky’s. Sometimes real people in fiction books are okay, sometimes they’re not. This time….eh. I especially didn’t like the scene prior to Trotsky’s death, and Harrison’s reflections that he might have been able to stop the assassination.
After awhile I felt like there was no point to the story. And at 528 pages, that’s a lot of time spent wondering what the point iThen, the addition of the news articles about ½ way through just added more boringness. Somewhere around page 380 I saw the glimmer of a plot, but then it turned into the most predictable story line imaginable. J. Edgar Hoover, a famous author, communism, FBI witch hunts…tell me you don’t see the ending written in stone. Even the surprise twist at the end wasn’t a surprise twist…sorry, but you could see that coming a mile away, too. Spoilery rant follows in white type.
It’s right there in the title, for god’s sake! Lacunas (empty places, or gaps) are a recurring theme in the book…of course he swam into one and didn’t really drown like everyone thought he did. I’m not stupid…you didn’t need to explain it!
So anyways. Not impressed. Also, vaguely pissed that I stuck it out and read the whole thing. The Lacuna definitely marks the end of my relationship with Kingsolver.
I’ll close with this passage from the novel, which made me laugh, because, oh, the irony…
“She was curious about how a writer decides where to begin the story. You start with ‘In the beginning,’ I told her, but it should be as close to the end as possible. There’s the trick.
‘How can you know?’
‘You just decide. It could be right here. In the first light of dawn, the king in maroon robes and a golden breastplate stood atop his temple, glowering down at the chaos. He understood with dismay that his empire was collapsing. You have to get right into the action, readers are impatient. If you dilly-dally, they’ll go turn on the radio and listen to Duffy’s Tavern instead because it’s all wrapped up in an hour.’” (p. 404)
yes, love the irony and your impatience with the story. So. What’s on tap at Duffy’s Tavern?
oh – and I enjoy your lil comments at/abt the FTC …
.-= Care´s last blog ..Proust Was a Neuroscientist =-.
I saw your tweet about replying to comments…I love replying, but I usually run out of hours int he day!
Your entire review had me in giggles. I have been debating about this book for awhile now because I wasn’t such a fan of The Poisonwood Bible either. I have another Kingsolver book though so maybe I’ll just go with that and see what I think of it. Because like you said, there will be no thirds!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Library Loot =-.
Well, rumor has it Prodigal Summer is good…I hope that’s the one on your shelf!
I didn’t care for Kingsolver when I read one of her books years ago. But everyone raves about The Poisonwood Bible so I picked it up at 1/2 Price Books a few months ago. I think I might be happy that I didn’t pay much for it. This one’s also been getting great reviews but I think I’ll skip it for the time being at least.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Christmas Giveaway at The Christmas Spirit =-.
I’m still trying to figure out why everyone raves about The Poisonwood Bible…let me know if you figure it out.
Is it bad of me to say I’m not the least bit interested in reading anything by Kingsolver?
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Flashback Challenge 2010 =-.
Nope, not bad at all. In fact, it’s damn smart of you.
I always enjoy reading your reviews, Jill. From the description of this book, it doesn’t sound especially appealing to me and from your own thoughts (and the way you described the plot), I can see my impression is probably right. At least now you can officially say Kingsolver isn’t an author for you.
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Review: The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White =-.
I’d always been afraid I was missing something, because of my reaction to TPB. Now I know.
I’m a Kingsolver fan! Except I didn’t like Pigs in Heaven, or the Bean Trees (but I didn’t get through them). All her other books I’ve really enjoyed. However, none of them featured famous people, which alongside the apathetic character, makes this one sound less than stellar to me. I’m probably going to skip it.
.-= Jeane´s last blog ..The Midwife’s Tale =-.
I’m starting to think I’ve scared the entire blogosphere off this book…yikes!
Prodigal Summer is really good. I swear. It takes a good 60 pages and then you are hooked. I didn’t care for any of her other books but I really enjoyed PS. If you can find it in yourself at all to give her one more shot, do so with PS.
.-= Ti´s last blog ..2010: The Year of the Classic =-.
Book pusher.
I read Kingsolver’s nonfiction book ‘Animal, Vegetable, Miracle’ last year and loved it. I’ve never read any of her fiction though. Despite the great reviews “The Lacuna” (excepting this one! lol) has received, I really had no plans to read this one either. Trotsky, Kahlo and Hoover are 3 famous people I’ve just never been all that interested in.
.-= J.S. Peyton´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: The Cold and the Flu =-.
And the critics loved it (except NPR, I think it was). I feel so alone.
Fabulous review! I also read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle this year and enjoyed it, though I thought Kingsolver’s daughter’s portions were annoying. I have had Poisonwood Bible on my shelf forever. This book sounded interesting, but it no longer does
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..Review: Red Seas Under Red Skies =-.
But someone else needs to read it for a second opinion!
So sorry this one did not work for you. I’d be ticked too if I bought it. I have an review copy but have note read it yet.
.-= Diane´s last blog ..190 – The Girl on Legare Street; Karen White – Blog Tour =-.
Uh-oh…this wasn’t a very inspiring review, then.
I have also only read The Poisonwood Bible and while I found it very slow I thought it was a satisfying read in the end. I almost requested this book from the publisher, but I’m now very glad I didn’t as I’m not a fan of these fictional memoirs. Thank you for letting me know that this book isn’t for me.
.-= Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..Flowers for Algernon – Daniel Keyes =-.
Frida was slightly interesting, but Diego and Leon? Meh.
I’m with Ti – Prodigal Summer was good, but I’m not a huge fan of Kingsolver’s other books either. The Poisonwood Bible is still a source of numerous book club jokes. One member said it “changed her life” while the rest of us struggled to finish. We’ve never let her forget it!
I’ll pass on The Lacuna.
.-= JoAnn´s last blog .."A Chaparral Christmas Gift" by O. Henry =-.
So now I need to know…just how did it change her life??
I like Kingsolver, but I’ll be honest: the premise of this novel doesn’t do a lot for me, and I’m not feeling any sense of urgency to read it.
Unlike Jeane, I loved The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven – they’re probably still my favorite Kingsolver novels. If you WERE going to give her a third chance – and I totally understand why you’re not! – I’d suggest going back to those. I’ve also liked her nonfiction.
.-= Florinda´s last blog ..Such scandalous news! (Weekend Assignment – on Wednesday – #296) =-.
You’re a book pusher, too…just like Ti!
lol! This might sound awful, but I have to say I love it when you dislike books
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin =-.
I am here to entertain.
I’m so disappointed because I love Kingsolver’s work.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday =-.
Maybe you’ll like it?
The only thing I know about Trotsky is his relationship to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. And even that is pretty boring.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Angel Month Wrap-Up =-.
Well, there was an affair. But even that failed to add much oomph to the plot.
“There will be no thirds.”
I agree … two book and you’re out … not three.
Shall I inform Ms. Kingsolver?
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..FreeVerse: Poems About Marriage =-.
Yes please. Just don’t tell her about the review and how many book sales I cost her.
I read “the Poisonwood Bible” years ago on a flight to London. I didn’t like it very much, and was annoyed that I had lugged such a big book across half the world. And then I lugged it back home because I still had to make myself finish it. (this is when a kindle would have been handy).
I’ve never been interested in giving Kingsolver a second chance, although I know there are many who love her books.
.-= Valerie´s last blog ..“Queen of Dreams”, A Novel =-.
I only lugged TPB to the gym. I can see how a transatlantic flight would lead to some bitterness.
Oh dear, you make me so sad.
But I’m thinking that since I loved The Poisonwood Bible I’ll probably really enjoy this book a well. I think you and Kingsolver are definitely a mismatched pairing! ~LOL~
.-= Heather J.´s last blog ..The Better To Hold You =-.
Yeah, I doubt I’ll ever get blurbed by her (or anyone else, for that matter).
I haven’t read Kingsolver’s yet, but I have Poisonwood Bible on my shelf. I read so many mixed reviews about it, so I’m so unsure to start. But I think I’m gonna read it anyway, just to see what’s her all about.
I’m not sure how I feel about having Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in the story too. Mmm.
.-= mee´s last blog ..The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins =-.
There are lots of people who love TPB, though. Hmmm, maybe they’re the same group that loves P&P.
Hi there,
I wasn’t crazy about the poinsonwood bible, but the very first barbara kingsolver books I read I loved — the bean trees and pigs in heaven. they stay truer to her southern american roots, and i think thats why they work. it seems like the books she’s got to research don’t ring as true?
The Reader
I’m a Bookworm
.-= The Reader´s last blog ..The Flies =-.
The only Kingsolver I have read is The Bean Trees, which I did not like (although it came highly recommended by a friend). I still want to read Animal, Vegetable, Mineral though.. that’s non fict so maybe it will be better. Will steer clear of Lacuna though.. thanks for helping me dodge that bullet.
.-= Lisamm´s last blog ..Keeping the Feast – Winter Reading Series Announcement! =-.
I’ve only read Prodigal Summer and I really liked it. Just picked up Bean Trees because it’s a favorite of a friend. Thanks for warning me off this one!
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Happy 101 & Let’s Be Friends =-.
Oh I’m sad you’re giving up on Kingsolver. This one doesn’t sound too appealing to me…it sounds like it has too much political history involved. I loved The Poisonwood Bible, though I can certainly understand why some may not. Prodigal Summer was enjoyable, and I really like The Bean Trees. They seem a bit lighter than some of her others.
.-= Kari´s last blog ..GIVEAWAY Winner: Totally Killer =-.
I have read (and enjoyed) the Poisonwood bible, probably because I happened to be travelling to Congo while reading it so it gave more life to my business trip.
I was initially attracted to the Lacuna, then not so sure anymore after reading the plot summary. It would definitely be a worthwhile read if her research on Mexico is as good as the one on Congo.
Your critique just aroused my curiosity and discovering that Frida and Trotsky are involved just makes the book more appealing to me.
Anyway, it is currently not in my budget and will wait till it’s out in pocket format.
I just sort of skimmed because I was hoping to read this, I even asked for it for Christmas! I guess if nobody gives it to me I’ll make it a library book, not a buying book.
.-= Jen – Devourer of Books´s last blog ..Saffron Dreams – Mini Book Review =-.