The Bean Trees: A Novel

The Bean Trees is the work of a visionary. . . . It leaves you open-mouthed and smiling.”  — Los Angeles Times

An acclaimed bestseller that has come to be regarded as an American classic, The Bean Trees is the novel that launched Barbara Kingsolver’s remarkable literary career. Kingsolver has gone on to win the Pulitzer Prize for her novel, Demon Copperhead, and is the recipient of the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguish Contribution to American Letters

The Bean Trees is the charming, engrossing tale of rural Kentucky native Taylor Greer, who only wants to get away from her roots and avoid getting pregnant. She succeeds, but inherits a three-year-old Native American girl named Turtle along the way, and together, from Oklahoma to Arizona, half-Cherokee Taylor and her charge search for a new life in the West. Hers is a story about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in seemingly empty places.

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Published May 7, 2013

272 pages

Average rating: 7.78

130 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Khris Sellin
Jul 05, 2024
10/10 stars
I'm not sure if this was her first book or one of the first, but she just seems to have had more fun writing this book than her others that I've read. This one was so engaging. There's, of course, a message in here, but you don't feel as though she's hammering it in (again, like some of her other books). Interesting immigration issues that are still relevant today, or maybe more so.
Suzanne82
Aug 16, 2025
8/10 stars
Sometimes it's really hard for me to know what to say about a book when I like it this much. It's a lovely story about good people. And I enjoy Kingsolver's literary style - it's a very easy read, but by no means devoid of depth or food for thought. This story nourishes.
CharetteC
Jul 30, 2025
8/10 stars
It’s an insight into a different life. I don’t quite understand why a young girl would assume motherhood responsibility for a two/three old abused orphan. I can understand getting her to a safe place. Allowing Steve and Hope to keep her would have made sense. Barbara Kingsolver is an excellent writer.
wardbunch
Mar 26, 2025
10/10 stars
Absolutely wonderful. Can't believe it took me three tries to get into this story.
caileytebow
Dec 01, 2024
10/10 stars
okay, i officially LOVE everything barbara kingsolver. i knew not even half way through this book that it was going to be a new all time favorite and by the time i finished it, i was sobbing on public transport. feminism, rural american poverty, immigration, indigenous land, child abuse, motherhood, suicidal ideation, wrong place wrong time romantic love, friendship, raw and lovable and complex characters, and everything in between- this book is complete and utter excellence.

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