Review : Well versed

Poetry is at the heart of Barbara Kingsolver’s wayward but penetrating
essays in High Tide in Tucson, but the whole is shot through with Kingsolver’s
scientific sagacity. Her subject matter, ranging from rock’n’roll to housework
and conservation, is always handled with originality (plus the odd hint of
worthiness, but that’s probably unavoidable). A highly readable and provoking
collection. Published by Faber & Faber, £6.99, ISBN 0571179509.