Sometimes it can be hard to find yourself. Even as an
adult, there are so many people wandering around out there, not knowing
exactly where they are going. And the biggest message we can get from
that is that it's ok. Everybody has a different path, and that's kind
of what this book was all about to me.
Codi Noline returns to her
hometown to teach biology for a year. It's not a planned move, Codi's
never been really good at planning or staying in one spot. This is just
another step on the road as she meanders around trying to find some bit
of happiness. In fact, her father's decline from Alzheimer's is all
that brings her back anyway. Meanwhile, her sister Hallie is off to
South America, to try to teach farmers a way of saving their crops and
lands, but finds herself in some dangerous work because of the political
climate there. Codi does reconnect with several people from her
childhood though, most notably a man that she had conceived a child with
when she was in her teens, although he doesn't know about it. And as
she starts to settle in her old urge to pick up and go reemerges, and
she just can't figure out what she should do with her life.
Codi
is a compelling character. You can feel sorry for her, and empathize
with her, because she is so real. Kingsolver is a character builder,
and that's what all her books are about, the people. Codi is no
exception, she has some real problems in her life and with her feelings
and I can really relate to her. Especially about the not knowing what
to do with your life. Hey boyfriend Loyd (and yes it is spelled that
way) is also a pretty decent guy. He has some hobbies that I'm not
thrilled with but allows himself to grow and tries to be a good person.
So that's admirable in my eyes. All the other characters are pretty
wonderful too. They're all so real and definitely can remind you of
people in your own life. It was like watching someone's life go by, in a
book.
I could see where this book could be potentially boring
for some. Not a lot really happens, it's mostly the main characters
musings and conversations between everyone. But I found it easy to
immerse myself in the book and get lost. I kind of feel like a broken
record saying it, but everything just felt so real. Like I could go out
West and find this group of people. The main point of views switch
between Codi and her father, and I found that a little distracting, but
it did help with some background information in regards to Codi. But
then because her father is suffering from a mental disease it also made
it hard to understand from his point of view. Which is clever writing
but still frustrating at times.
A very good book and one I'd
recommend. I wouldn't say it was a favorite but I found it very
compelling. I look forward to reading more by Kingsolver.
Animal Dreams
Copyright 1990
352 pages
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