Bean Trees

Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver, is a story about the lives of two very inimitable girls Taylor Greer and Lou Ann Ruiz. The book illustrates the lives of Taylor and Lou Ann and their struggle to dodge all the curveballs that life throws at them. Throughout the story, both girls undergo complete physiological transformations changing their perspectives on life completely. Throughout their transformation, Taylor and Lou Ann learn to depend on each other in order to achieve their goal of beating life at its own game.

Kingsolver also focuses on family as a major theme. Taylor ends up with Turtle, and together they form a family. When they move in with Lou Ann and her son, their family grows. Neither Taylor nor Lou Ann can afford much, but by sharing expenses, they help each other survive difficult times. Taylor and Lou Ann develop an enduring friendship and love for one another, ultimately being able to consider each other as family.

To start off, both Lou Ann and Taylor are alike in that both girls are from Kentucky. Each girl left Kentucky seeking a new life, or to start over, although in Taylor’s case it is a bit more extreme. Lou Ann leaves Kentucky with her husband Angel and son Dewayne Ray, while on the other hand Taylor’s reason is a bit different. In Kentucky Taylor knew right away that she did not belong in Pittman County. Her only goal was to avoid pregnancy until she could afford a car, and then drive until her car ran out of gas.

When Taylor’s is in Taylorville she unwillingly assumes custody of a baby girl whom someone drops in her car. Bewildered she names the baby Turtle and then drives on until her car finally breaks down in Tucson, Arizona in front of a “Jesus is Lord” automotive garage. Taylor meets Mattie who works there and then gets a permanent room at a motel and gets a job at a burger joint. From there she meets Lou Ann, who helps illegal immigrants get to America, and immediately they connect and become dependent on each other financially. Yet in no time, Taylor knows all about Lou Ann and her family.

Kingsolver portrays Taylor to be the rebellious girl who left Kentucky in search of a new life. Taylor is anxious and ready to take on the world, although when she meets