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Barbara Kingsolver’s New Novel Explores Music and Ambition

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Barbara Kingsolver will release her new novel Partita on October 6, 2026, her first work since the Pulitzer Prize for Demon Copperhead.
The novel follows a married woman and former pianist who grapples with unfulfilled musical ambitions.
Kingsolver studied music before switching to biology.
She has received a National Humanities Medal and a National Book Award for lifetime achievement.

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Story summary

Barbara Kingsolver will release her new novel Partita on October 6, 2026, her first work since the Pulitzer Prize for Demon Copperhead.
The novel follows a married woman and former pianist who grapples with unfulfilled musical ambitions.
Kingsolver studied music before switching to biology.
She has received a National Humanities Medal and a National Book Award for lifetime achievement.