The Lacuna

Barbara Kingsolver’s new novel is a long read (500pp) but well worth the effort. It spans 21 years in the life of Harrison Shepherd from 1929 to 1950 in time and from Washington, DC to Mexico to Asheville, NC in place. Kingsolver has done her research and has placed Shepherd with pivotal people and events of his time: Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Leon Trotsky, and Senator Joseph McCarthy’s Communist purge.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the novel is the way it is told through journals kept by Shepherd from ages 13 to 34. Kingsolver skillfully changes the style and perspective of the journals as the boy grows up. Letters, clippings, and an afterward written by Shepherd’s secretary, Violet Brown, round out the assortment of narratives. This book evoked one of the longest and liveliest discussions ever in our book group. We all agreed that Harrison Shepherd seems as if he must be based on a real person albeit one who is increasingly detached from society's mainstream.

The lacuna is a recurring theme throughout the book. At various times it signifies a cave, a hole, a mouth, and that which is missing in a story—the one piece of information that we do not know.

I strongly recommend this challenging book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a good read.