The Lacuna
by Barbara Kingsolver
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver holds a well received rating of 3.76 out of 5, based on 45.7K reader ratings. First published in 2009. The book spans 508 pages.
About The Lacuna
In her most accomplished novel, Barbara Kingsolver takes us on an epic journey from the Mexico City of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR, and J. Edgar Hoover. The Lacuna is a poignant story of a man pulled between two nations as they invent their modern identities. Born in the United States, reared in a series of provisional households in Mexico—from a coastal island jungle to 1930s Mexico City—Harrison Shepherd finds precarious shelter but no sense of home on his thrilling odyssey. Life is whatever he learns from housekeepers who put him to work in the kitchen, errands he runs in the streets, and one fateful day, by mixing plaster for famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. He discovers a passion for Aztec history and meets the exotic, imperious artist Frida Kahlo, who will become his lifelong friend. When he goes to work for Lev Trotsky, an exiled political leader fighting for his life, Shepherd inadvertently casts his lot with art and revolution, newspaper headlines and howling gossip, and a risk of terrible violence. Meanwhile, to the north, the United States will soon be caught up in the internationalist goodwill of World War II. There in the land of his birth, Shepherd believes he might remake himself in America's hopeful image and claim a voice of his own. He finds support from an unlikely kindred soul, his stenographer, Mrs. Brown, who will be far more valuable to her employer than he could ever know. Through darkening years, political winds continue to toss him between north and south in a plot that turns many times on the unspeakable breach—the lacuna—between truth and public presumption. With deeply compelling characters, a vivid sense of place, and a clear grasp of how history and public opinion can shape a life, Barbara Kingsolver has created an unforgettable portrait of the artist—and of art itself. The Lacuna is a rich and daring work of literature, establishing its author as one of the most provocative and important of her time.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Barbara Kingsolver |
| Published | 2009 |
| Pages | 508 |
| Genres | Fiction, Historical Fiction, Arts & Photography |
| Average Rating | 3.76 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 45,671 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Lacuna?
The Lacuna is categorized as Fiction, Historical Fiction, Arts & Photography. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is The Lacuna worth reading?
Based on 45.7K reader ratings, The Lacuna has an average score of 3.76 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Lacuna?
The Lacuna has 508 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote The Lacuna?
The Lacuna was written by Barbara Kingsolver. It was first published in 2009.
What is the ISBN for The Lacuna?
The ISBN-13 for The Lacuna is 9780060852570.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
