February 2013 Host: Sarah
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
Summary
This novel is set in
Appalachia and opens with 27-year old Della Turnbow, who is ready to escape her
marriage and closed-in life with two young children by having an affair. Her plans are thwarted however, when she
comes upon an amazing natural phenomenon which changes everything for her. This phenomenon centers on the migratory
patterns of the monarch butterfly and the potential harmful effects that climate
change can have on their fragile ecosystems. In this novel, we learn about the
life cycle of monarchs and the science of their study, the effects of climate
change, sheep caretaking, and what it is like to live in a closely knit small
southern town. Although at times the descriptions were somewhat lengthy, Kingsolver’s
novel is artfully written, her characters have just the right amount of nuance,
and the landscaping of the area is beautifully portrayed. Ms. Kingsolver leaves us with the
question: What is the use of saving the
world that has no soul left in it… such as continents without butterflies and
seas without coral reefs – what if we end up striving only for a place to park
ourselves.
Menu
Basil Tomato Bruschetta
(easily prepared by combining prepared pesto with petite diced tomatoes and serving on toasted french bread)
Salad
Lasagna
Assorted Desserts