Reviews

Natural History: Stories by Andrea Barrett

carabones's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

emreads0's review against another edition

This book just did not catch my interest. I am from NY, so I felt connected to the locations mentioned, but I was so lost about the characters. Its a very vibes not plot book. I was just not in the mood for it I guess

the1andonly's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

sophiefi's review against another edition

4.0

I loved the writing, it was witty and insightful and very absorbing. 

I really liked the intricate family tree, and that all the stories had that ‘natural history’ to them. Nothing felt like forced coincidences. 

Would really like to explore more of Barrett’s work 

isabelrstev's review against another edition

adventurous challenging informative mysterious reflective tense

4.5

serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 I found Natural History, a collection of six loosely connected short stories, to be quietly compelling. Many of the stories focus on the natural world and the role of women in exploring it and educating others about it. Exploration of the world is a theme that Barrett returns to constantly in many guises. Other themes involve home, family, class, women’s role in society and the role of teachers. There’s nothing flashy about the writing, it’s richly detailed yet understated, unobtrusively drawing the reader in. I enjoyed seeing characters appear in different stories, showcasing different aspects of their lives. While this book stands on its own, I’m looking forward to reading more of Barrett’s work, much of which intertwines with this collection and should contribute to a broader, deeper picture of certain characters and themes. 

disreputabledog's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

savannaskye's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I so thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The author's love of the natural world positively shines through; against that backdrop, one can only love the characters the way we're meant to: for exactly who they are. 

inkylink's review against another edition

3.0

Stark, detailed and wonderful portraits of all the characters. Unfortunately, there were so many it was at times difficult to keep track, especially at points of head hopping, and I belatedly realized these characters exist from other projects by the author as well. While I do believe this collection can exist in isolation, the convoluted connections between the narratives and their relationships to one another familially and platonically made it at times difficult to appreciate the narrative as it was being presented.

msmoodyreader's review against another edition

emotional reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0