Unsheltered

by Kingsolver, Barbara

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On Oct 12, 2018, Anonymous said

Unsheltered is the ninth novel by best-selling, prize-winning American novelist, essayist, and poet, Barbara Kingsolver. Now in her fifties, Willa Knox never expected to be living in a run-down house in Vinelands, New Jersey, still the hub of a family that includes her two adult children, her new grandson, her debilitated, demanding father-in-law and an ageing dog.

Virtually unemployed, Willa is writing some freelance articles; her university professor husband Iano has a low-paid teaching job; her recently-widowed son Deke is juggling single fatherhood with setting up a personal financial advice company; her daughter Tig has abandoned college for protest action; her father-in-law Nick needs urgent medical care; and due to a lack of foundations, the house she inherited is literally starting to fall apart. Any sort of windfall, though not expected, would be helpful.

Some hundred and forty years earlier, Thatcher Greenwood has moved from Boston to teach science at Vinelands High School. Newly married to Rose, he has taken on the responsibility of both his late father-in-law's family and house. His bright young sister-in-law, Polly is a bonus, whereas Rose's mother, Aurelia falls into quite a different category. The house is not as sound as Aurelia believes, and his teaching position is a source of great frustration, as the school's principal undermines his every attempt to infuse his students with current scientific knowledge.

The timelines alternate between chapters with the events of the 1870s told from Thatcher's perspective, while Willa narrates the story set in 2015/6. Kingsolver uses a clever device to bridge the chapter: the final words of one chapter form the heading of the next. Between the narratives, parallels and echoes abound, and not just the residency at 744 East Plum Street. And with them, Kingsolver deftly demonstrates that many of the challenges we think we're facing for the first time are by no means unique or new phenomena.

Kingsolver is highly skilled at creating believable characters: she writes about ordinary people facing everyday challenges, and yet, the reader can't help but be enthralled. These are people who face hardships yet still worry about the greater good, about their country and the world. Their dialogue is credible, their relationships, realistic, and while there is naturally some friction between certain characters, their interactions (between couples, friends, siblings, parents/children, in-laws) are often entertaining.

Kingsolver's depiction of these pre-Trump-era characters who have made good decisions, doing the right thing and working hard all their lives, and still ending up effectively on the poverty line, is absolutely spot-on. Her analysis of the mindset of those who support Trump (who remains unnamed herein) is astute and insightful. "…we're overdrawn at the bank, at the level of our species, but we don't want to hear it. So if it's not this exact prophet of self-indulgence we're looking to for reassurance, it will be some other liar who's good at distracting us from the truth. Because of the times we're in."

Kingsolver gives Tig the voice of caution, making her intelligent, perceptive and articulate. If some readers feel this has a preachy tone to it, well, perhaps that's because nothing else has worked and the situation is truly becoming dire. But it's not all doom and gloom: there are also plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in the conversations; and if those nations that consider themselves highly developed could take a leaf out of the book of a country that has had no choice but to curb their consumerism/materialism, then Cuba apparently has much to teach us all.

As always, Kingsolver's descriptive prose is exquisite, and her love of nature is apparent throughout, as is her concern for the state of the nation and of the world. Again, she gives the reader an interesting, thought-provoking and eminently enjoyable read.

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Unsheltered
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Unsheltered

by Barbara Kingsolver

Condition
Used - Fine
Edition
First Edition
Published
2018
Binding
Quarter bound cloth in blue and white cloth. embossed titles
ISBN 10
0062684566
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San Rafael, California, USA
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Fine book in Fine DJ. In Mylar cover. "Brilliantly executed.... Unsheltered is the story of two families, in two centuries, who live at the corner of Sixth and Plum, as they navigate the challenges of surviving a world in the throes of major cultural shifts. --- Goodreads
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Unsheltered
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Unsheltered

by Barbara Kingsolver

Condition
Used - Near Fine
Jacket Condition
Fine
Edition
First Edition / First Printing
Published
2018
Binding
Cloth
ISBN 10
0062684566
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Carrollton, Texas, USA
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New York: Harper, 2018. SIGNED. 1st/1st. Purchased New. NF/F. Stated First Edition. First printing with complete 10 number line ending in 1. Signed by Barbara Kingsolver on the title page. The unread book has sharp tips and clean unmarred boards. Spine tail gently pushed. The textblock is clean with no writing, bookplate, or markings and not BCE, ex-library, or remaindered.… Read more about this item
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UNSHELTERED (SIGNED & DATED)
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UNSHELTERED (SIGNED & DATED)

by KINGSOLVER, BARBARA

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New
Jacket Condition
New
Edition
FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING
Published
Oct 16, 2018
Binding
Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket in an Acid-Free Cover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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HARDCOVER. SIGNED in Person at the Book Signing Event. UNSHELTERED by Barbara Kingsolver (2018). With an Afterword also by Barbara Kingsolver. SIGNED, Dated, (10-16-18) to the Full Title page by Barbara Kingsolver, the author. Brand New and Never owned. This is a FIRST Edition, FIRST Printing copy as stated on the copyright page. Dust jacket is in Brand New condition… Read more about this item
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Unsheltered: A Novel

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
Like New
Edition
First Edition
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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Boonsboro, Maryland, USA
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Harper, 2018. First Edition. hardcover. Like New. 6x1x9. Signed. Inscribed by author. Hardcover and dust jacket. Good binding and cover. Clean, unmarked pages. *Autographed by author.*
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£21.25
Unsheltered: Author of Demon Copperhead, Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction

Unsheltered: Author of Demon Copperhead, Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction

by Kingsolver, Barbara

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Used - Very Good
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Paperback
ISBN 10
0571347029
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GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, GBR
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Paperback. Very Good.
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Unsheltered: A Novel

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
Used - VG+
Jacket Condition
VG+
Published
2018-10-15
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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San Francisco, California, USA
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Harper, 2018-10-15. hardcover. VG+/VG+. 6x1x9. Signed 1st edition, 1st printing, Harper hardcover w/ DJ, 2018. Book is VG+, w/ clean text, tight binding. DJ is VG+, w/ very light edge/shelf wear (no tears or chips); "signed edition" sticker on front panel. Signed by author on title page. Free delivery confirmation.
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Unsheltered

Unsheltered

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
Used - Near Fine
Jacket Condition
Near Fine
Edition
First Edition, First Printing
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover, 471 pp.
ISBN 10
0062887041
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Sewell, New Jersey, USA
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Book and dust jacket are in near fine condition. The image provided is the actual book I'm offering for sale. No markings or damage to any pages. No sunning. No clips. Structure of the book (covers, binding, spine, hinges) is tight and free of damage. Page block is nice and square. Uncut fore edge.… Read more about this item
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Unsheltered (Signed)
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Unsheltered (Signed)

by Kingsolver, Barbara

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Used - Fine
Jacket Condition
Fine
Edition
Signed, First Edition, First Printing
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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SIGNED, FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING (stated, complete number line to 1) New York, Harper, 2018. Signed by the Author on the Title Page, not on a tipped-in page, no inscription. NEW, Unread. Dust Jacket Fine in Brodart cover, no wear, no tears, not price clipped ($29.99). Boards Fine, no bumps. Text Clean, no marks. Books are Carefully Packed and Shipped… Read more about this item
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Unsheltered: *Signed*

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
As New
Jacket Condition
As New
Edition
First Edition
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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carson city, Nevada, USA
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New York: Harper, 2018. Book. As New. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). First Edition. SIGNED by the AUTHOR on the Title page. Signature only A First edition, First printing. Book is in Near Fine condition. Boards are clean, not bumped. Fore edges have a tiny bit of shelf wear. Interior is clean and legible. Not remaindered. Dust Jacket is… Read more about this item
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Unsheltered: A Novel. First Edition, First Printing, B&N Exclusive Afterword
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Unsheltered: A Novel. First Edition, First Printing, B&N Exclusive Afterword

by Kingsolver, Barbara

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New
Jacket Condition
New
Edition
1st Edition 1st Printing
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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New York: Harper, 2018. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. New/New. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. Stated First Edition, first printing, ISBN 9780062684561 (see scan of copyright page). Also contains the exclusive 7-page afterword, written by Kingsolver in May, 2018, which is concordant with the additional ISBN # 9780062887047 (see rear cover scan). New, and pristine. See… Read more about this item
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Unsheltered: A Novel

by Kingsolver, Barbara

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New
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New
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1st Edition
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Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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Harper. 1st Edition . Hardcover. New/New. 0062684566 First edition, First Printing. Signed by the author on the title page. Not inscribed, price clipped or otherwise marked. Securely wrapped, dust jacket in protective cover and shipped in a box. Full # line starting with a 1. Book is new never read.
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Unsheltered: A Novel

by Kingsolver, Barbara

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Used - Acceptable
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First Edition
ISBN 10
0062684566
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Harper. First Edition. Acceptable. Acceptable. Ship within 24hrs. Satisfaction 100% guaranteed. APO/FPO addresses supported
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Unsheltered

Unsheltered

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
Used - Very Good
Jacket Condition
Good
Edition
First Edition
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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Harper, 2018. First Edition . Hardcover. Very Good/Good. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. Dj Has Light Edgewear With A Couple Small Tears & Light Soiling. Light Wear.Stated "First Edition" But If Number Line Means Anything, The Lowest Number Present Is A 2.
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Unsheltered: A Novel

Unsheltered: A Novel

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
Used - Good
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062887041
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HarperCollinsPublishers, 2018. Hardcover. Good. Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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£4.84
Unsheltered: A Novel

Unsheltered: A Novel

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
Used - Good
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062887041
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Seattle, Washington, USA
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HarperCollinsPublishers, 2018. Hardcover. Good. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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£4.84
Unsheltered : A Novel

Unsheltered : A Novel

by Barbara Kingsolver

Condition
Used - Good
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062684566
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Seattle, Washington, USA
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HarperCollins Canada, Limited, 2018. Hardcover. Good. Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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£4.97
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Unsheltered

by Kingsolver, Barbara

Condition
Used - Near Fine
Jacket Condition
Near Fine
Edition
First Edition
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062887041
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Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
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New York: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2018. Clean and tight and square. Sharp corners. Appears unread. The dust jacket has just a little shelfwear and is in new mylar.. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine/Near Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Fiction.
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£8.03
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Unsheltered: A Novel

by Kingsolver, Barbara

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UsedGood
ISBN 10
0062684566
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UsedGood. All orders ship by next business day! This is a hardcover used book. Has no markings on pages. Pages have moderate wear. Dust jacket (if applicable) is not included. The cover/boards have moderate wear. Spine has been opened/creased. For USED books, we cannot guarantee supplemental materials such as CDs, DVDs, access codes and other materials. We are… Read more about this item
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Unsheltered
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Unsheltered

by Barbara Kingsolver

Condition
Used - Near Fine
Jacket Condition
Near Fine
Edition
A family that does everything right loses it all
Published
2019
Binding
H
ISBN 10
0062684566
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West Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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New York: HarperCollins, 2019. A family that does everything right loses it all. H. Near Fine/Near Fine. Hardback with Dust Jacket. Fiction. First Edition. In Near Fine condition with no damage.
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Unsheltered: A Novel

Unsheltered: A Novel

by Barbara Kingsolver

Condition
Used - Acceptable
Published
2018
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0062887041
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Seattle, Washington, USA
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HarperCollinsPublishers, 2018. Hardcover. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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£4.84