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Historical Fiction· United States

The Lacuna

by Barbara Kingsolver
Aggregate Editorial Score83/100
★Women's Prize for Fiction
Published 2009528 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 2009, The Lacuna established Barbara Kingsolver as one of the defining voices in historical fiction. Harrison Shepherd, a mixed-race American-Mexican boy, works as a cook for Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in 1930s Mexico, then becomes secretary to Leon Trotsky before building a new life as a novelist in America during the McCarthy era. Kingsolver's Orange Prize winner is a panoramic historical novel. Themes of Mexico, McCarthy era, art run through the work. The book has received recognition from Women's Prize for Fiction 2009.

Book Details

AuthorBarbara Kingsolver
Published2009
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages528
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780061491085
Editorial Score83/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver sits within the tradition of historical fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2009 in United States, it engages with Mexico, McCarthy era, art, history in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Lacuna among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Women's Prize for Fiction 2009. Our aggregate score of 83/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Lacuna lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of Mexico, McCarthy era, art, history is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Barbara Kingsolver's role in the literature of United States is well established. The Lacuna can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Women's Prize for Fiction
winner · global
200983
✍️
About the Author
Barbara Kingsolver
United States
View Author →

Barbara Kingsolver is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of historical fiction.

Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
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“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lacuna about?

Harrison Shepherd, a mixed-race American-Mexican boy, works as a cook for Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in 1930s Mexico, then becomes secretary to Leon Trotsky before building a new life as a novelist in America during the McCarthy era. Kingsolver's Orange Prize winner is a panoramic historical novel.

Who wrote The Lacuna?

The Lacuna was written by Barbara Kingsolver, from United States. First published in 2009.

What awards has The Lacuna won?

The Lacuna has received the following awards and honours: Women's Prize for Fiction 2009.

Is The Lacuna worth reading?

The Lacuna is a widely acclaimed work with strong critical consensus, with an aggregate editorial score of 83/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in Mexico, McCarthy era, art.

Where can I buy The Lacuna?

You can buy The Lacuna on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Lacuna?

The Lacuna is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Lacuna from?

The Lacuna originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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