Natural History

Stories

By: Andrea Barrett

Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt

A masterful new collection of interconnected stories, from the renowned National Book Award-winning author

In Natural History, Andrea Barrett completes the beautiful arc of intertwined lives of a family of scientists, teachers, and innovators that she has been weaving through multiple books since her National Book Award-winning collection, Ship Fever. The six exquisite stories in Natural History are set largely in a small community in central New York state and portray some of her most beloved characters, spanning the decades between the Civil War to the present day. In "Henrietta and Her Moths," a woman tends to an insect nursery as her sister's life follows a different path. In "Open House," a young man grapples with a choice between a thrilling life spent discovering fossils and a desire to remain close to home. And in the magnificent title novella, "Natural History," Barrett deepens the connection between her characters, bringing us through to the present day and providing an unforgettable capstone.

Told with Barrett's characteristic elegance, passion for science, and wonderful eye for the natural world, the psychologically astute and moving stories gathered in this collection evoke the ways women's lives and expectations—in families, in work, and in love—have shifted across a century and more.

©2022 Andrea Barrett (P)2022 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Characters linked to Barrett’s other stories

I really like the author’s way of following threads of observation, discovery, and new scientific ideas over the past 200 years, via her characters. Smart women and men investigating the natural world. I’ve read everything she’s written. These stories were not as elegant and engaging as some, but they fill in missing pieces. This is the first of Barrett’s writing that I’ve listened to rather than read, so it’s not a fair comparison. The reader is so mannered and self-conscious that she did not convey the natural or earthy qualities of the female characters, important traits that are braided with their inquisitive minds and dedication to inquiry. Rather, all the female characters sound arrogant, upper-class, and too delicate. Even the last stories set in the 20th century. The reader’s treatment irritated me throughout, sorry to say. I think I’ll go back and reread some earlier Barrett stories and then read (not listen) to this collection to appreciate how they braid together. Without the voice.

(Note to voice editors: Why do misfits of text/reader happen so very often? Do you actually read the books you’re producing? A poor or off-base reader just spoils fine writing. I know this is an issue for many many serious readers who would like to be able to enjoy audiobooks too. Bah humbug.)

Sooo many different characters

This book could have so good, but I was lost. Too many different characters. In one chapter 50 names were mentioned. Sorry I used a credit on it.