Docket Page 59 – Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver

CHARGE (What was the author trying to say?): To show the interrelation between physical and psychological shelter.

FACTS: “Unsheltered, I live in daylight. And like the wandering bird I rest in thee.” Kingsolver sets the life of a modern woman against that of the 19th century biologist, Mary Treat. Switching between centuries, Kingsolver interjects too much of her political and social ideology into a story that moves at a ponderous pace. The notions of “shelter” had a different connotation in each of the story lines and they never really jelled. There was not much about any of the characters that was endearing or made you can much about their fate.

VERDICT (Was the author successful?): Not guilty. Very disappointing.