Don't you just hate it when they put those stickers on the cover? Imagine the poor cover designer, slaving away for weeks to create a beautiful design and then the publisher slaps a sticker on it. And then you try to peel them off and they leave that little sticky patch… Ugh.
I really loved Kingsolver's earlier novel The Poisonwood Bible, but – as is often, quixotically, the way when I come across an author I like – hadn't read anything else by her. But thanks to my mum & her book club I found this on her shelf and was almost immediately hooked. This is another book with an elegant structure based around diaries and letters, related by different voices with notes and interjections. It tells the life story of Harrison Shepherd, born in America, raised in Mexico, who ends up working in the household of Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo, and forming a special friendship with Kahlo. The tale then twists as Lev Trotsky, seeking refuge from Stalin, is sheltered by the Riveras and Shepherd, nicknamed Insolíto by Kahlo, becomes his assistant. The third part of the novel follows Solí's return to America and the years he passes living there, where he becomes a celebrated novelist.
As with The Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver's gift is the way she brings her characters to life, they leap off the page to live and breathe in the mind's eye. The narrative is a curious one, taking real events from history and spinning a fascinating backstory from the incidental details, and while I enjoyed it, for quite a bit of the time I found it a slightly odd read – though the vivid characters and my curiousity about where the story was going kept me turning the pages. I found the pace varied – Solí's childhood and then life with the Riveras was eventful and interesting, but the long third act detailing his life in America I found slow and rather dull. But just as I was feeling doubtful the brilliant and satisfying ending – so hard to get right – won me back, and left me feeling appreciative of Kingsolver's skill as a writer.
So a slightly odd read, but highly recommended all the same. It's maybe a little fat for the luggage, but would make a great holiday read.
