Unsheltered

Does Willa ever reach a conclusion about the social issues that are discussed during her storyline? If so, what is it? (Use direct quotes from the book to support your viewpoint.) If not, why might Kingsolver have made that decision?

Discuss the various marriages that are portrayed in the book—you might consider Willa and Iano’s, Thatcher and Rose’s, the Treats’, and/or the Carruths’. What similarities and differences are there? What could be implied from Kingsolver’s portrayal of these relationships?

How might the book have been different if the 21st-century timeline had been moved to a different era, say, the 1980s or 1990s? What would have been the same?

Do some research on the real-life Vineland and its inhabitants, including Charles Landis, Mary Treat, and Uri Carruth. Did Kingsolver change any historical facts for this novel, and if so, what is the significance of her changes?

Consider Rose’s miscarriage in light of the rest of the material on parenthood and mother-child relationships. Does it align with the other themes around motherhood? If not, why not?

Consider the various food chain images and examples that are incorporated into the book (for example, Mary specializes in carnivorous plants). Is there any significance to them in relation to the economic discussions in the book? If so, what?

What messages about infidelity are present in Willa and Iano’s marriage? What about in the other romantic/marital relationships portrayed in the book?

What similarities and differences do you see between Nick and Aurelia, who are both the oldest members of their respective families? What role does each of them play in their family?