Somewhere in the middle, I wanted to give up on this book. I've been in a giving up mood lately. But I didn't give up. The reason I didn't is that I went and checked the reviews of others. Many felt as I did (not sure if they actually gave up or not) but one in particular said not to--that the end is worth it.

And so I persisted. And so I say the same to you if you are reading this review wondering whether to continue.

I'd read something by her once before but I remember neither the title nor the plot. I do remember it was somewhat political and that I was bothered by that--not by the political views themselves, because I'm sure we are on the same side, but by what I felt was a setup to support them. I felt similarly during this book. Perhaps I should not object to what Ms. Kingsolver calls the "literature of social change." I don't do so as a political position and I'm glad our common point of view is being promoted in this way. My objection is more visceral. Like Harrison Shepherd, the main character in this book, I am not a joiner (which is not to say that I haven't in fact attended protest rallies.) I am psychologically suspicious of being swept up in an emotional appeal, yet, at the same time, I enjoyed just that while reading this book. I enjoyed the movie Trumbo as well which covers some similar ground.

And let me add that she does it well. The writing is never boring. (I confess I once tried to read a novel by Glenn Beck and never made it past page 2.) Where I got bogged down was in the historical detail of Mexico during the time of Trotsky's exile. Again I can't say quite why this was the case. I was glad to learn about this time period but at the same time, I felt resistant to being taught in this way. I wanted it to be more "novelistic."

I don't know what I'm trying to say here. I liked reading Gore Vidal's Lincoln which treats history similarly. Maybe you can figure it out.

So, yes, go on to the end. I'm sorry I have such a hard time when I feel manipulated. I'll work on it in therapy.