The Appalachians

A passion for music: Partita, by Barbara Kingsolver, reviewed

Barbara Kingsolver’s bestselling novels tackle political and social issues and win prizes, among them the Pulitzer and Women’s Prize for Fiction (twice). Subjects she has covered include colonialism; environmental issues (preserving ecosystems and flora and fauna, and punishing polluting companies); the validity of extended family approaches to child-rearing in Cherokee Nation communities; the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and their friendship with Trotsky; and the McCarthy era and the House UnAmerican Activities Committee.