Small Wonder (essay collection)
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Barbara Kingsolver |
| Products | Essay anthology |
| Parent | HarperCollins |
Small Wonder is a 2002 anthology comprising 23 essays focused on environmental and social justice themes, authored by American writer and biologist Barbara Kingsolver and released by HarperCollins. In May 2003, it attained the third position on the New York Times non-fiction paperback bestseller chart. The book’s cover displays two scarlet macaws—featured in one of the essays—soaring against a backdrop of lush tropical forest.
Context
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Kingsolver composed this work to offer a form of patriotism aligned with Americans critical of the nation's trajectory. The essay titled "And Our Flag Was Still There," which first appeared in the Los Angeles Times, generated debate due to remarks such as "In my lifetime I have seen the flag waved over the sound of sabre-rattling too many times for my comfort." Several pieces within the collection were co-authored with her spouse, ornithologist Steven Hopp.
Reception
Rosemary Canfield-Reisman observed that, relative to Kingsolver’s other publications, Small Wonder received a more mixed reception, with some critics branding it unpatriotic and others deeming it overly idealistic. The San Francisco Chronicle commended Kingsolver’s compassionate and succinct prose but criticized the book for being overly centered on personal perspective, which weakened its argument concerning topics like the Kyoto environmental accords and social equity. Natasha Walter from The Guardian conveyed ambivalence, noting that certain rhetorical aspects diminished her enthusiasm. Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly recognized some optimistic tones but praised Kingsolver’s rich descriptive style and meticulous attention to nature. Laura Ciolkowski of the New York Times concluded that although the collection provides valuable insights, its forceful approach somewhat restricts its overall impact.