Barbara Kingsolver weaves a mesmerizing story set in rural Appalachia, bringing together gorgeous prose, a rich sense of place, and a dynamic main character in Dellarobia Turnbow. The book explores climate change in a way that's both intimate and relevant, seeing it through the eyes of people often left out of the conversation. If you love strong character development, novels about personal transformation, or are curious about the intersection of science, nature, and everyday life, this one’s for you - bonus points if you’re a Kingsolver fan or appreciate a good book club pick.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not every reader was charmed - some found the environmental message a bit heavy-handed or felt the book leaned more toward a lecture than a story. The pacing can be slow, especially early on, and those looking for a breakneck plot or immediate action might get restless. Others didn't connect with Dellarobia or struggled with the bleakness of her circumstances and the side characters’ development. If you’re not keen on novels with social or ecological themes, or prefer your fiction with less message and more escapism, you might not be the target audience.

Thoughtful, beautifully written, and thought-provoking, 'Flight Behavior' blends an urgent message with striking character work - a great pick for readers who like their fiction with a side of real-world relevance.

About:

"Flight Behavior" by Barbara Kingsolver follows the story of Dellarobia, an Appalachian woman who stumbles upon a population of monarch butterflies on her family farm, attracting various visitors including a scientist studying the phenomenon. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, small-town life, marriage, and climate change, all woven together in a delicate narrative. Kingsolver's writing style is described as beautiful and captivating, drawing readers into Dellarobia's world with vivid imagery and engaging storytelling.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, particularly Dellarobia, who grapples with her discontent and seeks to redefine her identity amid external and internal conflicts.

Writing/Prose:

Kingsolver's writing style is lyrical and rich, effectively combining beautiful descriptions with realistic dialogue, though at times it can feel didactic.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Dellarobia Turnbow's life-changing encounter with Monarch butterflies that have migrated to her Appalachian home, prompting her to question her stagnant marriage and engage with environmental issues.

Setting:

The setting in rural Tennessee provides a powerful backdrop for the exploration of environmental issues and the life of a struggling community.

Pacing:

The pacing is gradual, with an initial slow build that accelerates as the plot develops, culminating in Dellarobia's transformative moment.

A certain feeling comes from throwing your good life away, and it is one part rapture. Or so it seemed for now, to a woman with flame-colored hair who marched uphill to meet her demise. Innocence was ...

Notes:

The story centers on Dellarobia Turnbow, a young farmer's wife in rural Appalachia.

Dellarobia discovers millions of Monarch butterflies on her husband’s family farm instead of their usual wintering grounds in Mexico.

The butterflies' unusual migration is caused by climate change, which serves as a major theme in the book.

Dellarobia’s journey includes her feelings of entrapment in her marriage and life circumstances.

The arrival of butterflies brings scientists to the rural community, including the intriguing Ovid Byron.

The book highlights the contrast between scientific understanding and the beliefs of local townspeople.

Kingsolver uses humor and social commentary to discuss issues such as poverty, education, and faith.

The writing includes vivid descriptions of nature, enhancing the themes of the story.

Certain scenes critically depict the media's superficial coverage of serious environmental issues.

Dellarobia’s growth throughout the novel signifies a quest for personal fulfillment amidst external chaos.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of marital dissatisfaction, emotional turmoil, and discussions of climate change effects.

Has Romance?

The book contains a medium-level romance, as Dellarobia navigates her feelings towards Ovid Byron and explores her dissatisfaction with her marriage.

From The Publisher:

New York Times Bestseller

Indie Bestseller

Barnes & Noble Bestseller

National Bestseller

Amazon Best Book of the Month

Indie Next Pick

Best Book of the Year: New York Times Notable, Washington Post Notable, Amazon Editor's Choice, USA Today's Top Ten (#1), St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Kansas City Star

Prize-winning author: Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Dayton Literary Peace Prize (Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award), Orange Prize for Fiction

Prize-winning Author: National Humanities Medal, Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Orange Prize for Fiction, Dayton Literary Peace Prize (Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award)

"Kingsolver is a gifted magician of words."

-Time

The extraordinary New York Times bestselling author of The Lacuna (winner of the Orange Prize), The Poisonwood Bible (nominated for the Pulitzer Prize), and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Barbara Kingsolver returns with a truly stunning and unforgettable work. Flight Behavior is a brilliant and suspenseful novel set in present day Appalachia; a breathtaking parable of catastrophe and denial that explores how the complexities we inevitably encounter in life lead us to believe in our particular chosen truths. Kingsolver's riveting story concerns a young wife and mother on a failing farm in rural Tennessee who experiences something she cannot explain, and how her discovery energizes various competing factions-religious leaders, climate scientists, environmentalists, politicians-trapping her in the center of the conflict and ultimately opening up her world. Flight Behavior is arguably Kingsolver's must thrilling and accessible novel to date, and like so many other of her acclaimed works, represents contemporary American fiction at its finest.

November 2012

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574 pages

Ratings (34)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (17)
Liked It (9)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (88):

Read It (34)
Want To Read (40)
Not Interested (14)

1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Did Not Like

1 year

2.5 stars. It was ok.. Not my favorite kingsolver

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Flight Behavior

Barbara Kingsolver

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