Prodigal Summer: A Novel

📚 Why We Recommend It

"Prodigal Summer" is a novel by American author Barbara Kingsolver, published in 2000. Set in the fictional town of Egg Fork in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the story unfolds over a single, humid summer, intertwining the lives of three distinct characters.

The narrative is presented through the perspectives of:

• Deanna: A woman in her forties, living alone in the forest as a park ranger, with a deep passion for predators in the ecosystem, particularly the newly arrived coyotes.
• Lusa: A young entomologist who, after marriage, finds herself a widow and grapples with integrating into her late husband's farming family.
• Garnett: An elderly man dedicated to reviving the extinct American chestnut tree, entangled in a contentious relationship with his neighbor, Nannie.
  
  

Kingsolver's writing vividly captures the natural beauty and ecological intricacies of the Appalachian region, weaving themes of love, loss, and the interconnectedness of life. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and our bond with the environment.

If you're drawn to stories that explore the delicate balance between humanity and nature, and appreciate rich, character-driven narratives, "Prodigal Summer" offers a compelling and thought-provoking read.