The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver, * * * *

The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver is written in a very similar way as her previous novel, The Poisonwood Bible. In The Lacuna, Kingsolver seeks to place her main character, Harrison Shepherd, in a historical context. Shepherd spends time with the likes of Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky, and Frida Kahlo. All of these characters, in their own way, have a profound impact on Shepherd.

This story is told though journal entries, written by Shepherd and later published by is longtime assistant, Violet Brown. From a young age, Shepherd writes. Frida encourages him to do so as well. The idea is for Shepherd to tell his story. At times Shepherd is reluctant to do so, even going so far as to have his assistant 'destroy' (which she does not) all his journals. These journals create a unique perspective in the book. We are told the story from a first person point of view, but Shepherd does not reveal very much about himself. He is telling the story of the world around him, which comes across as third person point of view. However, since the story is told through journal entries the reader is given only limited information. What the reader ends up with is: first person, third person, limited (non-omniscient) point of view. The reader sees Shepherd's world through Shepherd's eyes, but not all of it.

Shepherd is modeled after reclusive author J.D. Salinger. I do not know if Kingsolver had Salinger in mind specifically, however there are several similarities between Salinger and Shepherd, most notable being Shepherd's desire to stay out of the public eye. At times in the novel this is almost frustrating because in the absence of Shepherd's own words the public creates a view of him that is not true. All he needs to do is grant one interview, but he maintains his privacy and will not succumb. Though frustrating, this 'reclusivity' ends up making Shepherd a very strong character. He does not care what other people think of him. He is strong, confident, etc. enough to live his life without the approval of the masses.

Using character to show history Kingsolver paints a picture of a very dark time in the world's history, the Red Scare. This was a time when the world was at war, though without any weapons being fired. Communism was spreading like wild-fire throughout eastern Europe and Asia and the United States was absolutely horrified that communism might take hold in America. To that end many people were accused of being communist, or communist sympathizers. Shepherd falls victim to this paranoia. Since he does not grant interviews the public has come up with their own view of him: communist sympathizer. This image is enhanced do to Shepherd's past association with Rivera and Trotsky.

Kingsolver highlights some key things here. One, how easily panic spreads. In the beginning Shepherd is seen as a hero because he is such a gifted author. In the end, though, he is vilified for his supposed communist leanings. Why? The country is in a panic. Fear runs rampant and because of that Shepherd suffers. The fear of the American public, and government, lead to his fall from grace. Two, the prejudice that exists in human hearts. Shepherd has several strikes against him. One, he is half Mexican. Two, he is a homosexual. Three, he is private (which, in the eyes of everyone else, means he is hiding something). These aspects of Shepherd's character are used against him, even though he is, in absolutely no way, communist.

Most of the book is sad, due to Shepherd's life and the things he experiences. However, Kingsolver ends on a positive by revealing Shepherd may actually be alive (he supposedly commits suicide rather than face the 'communist accusations). This is a great way to end the book. Shepherd gets what he always wanted: a private life, away from everything, free to live how he wants.

Good book overall. Kingsolver manages to once again weave a great story through some historically tumultuous events.