The novel features some Hispanic and Native American themes. Codi’s sister, Hallie, moves to Nicaragua to teach local people more sustainable farming techniques and dies after having been captured by the Contras. Another political theme in the novel is the town’s fight against the mining interests whose polluted water will eventually force residents to abandon it.

In addition to political themes like these, many of Kingsolver’s novels also feature images and themes from biology. Animal Dreams is rich with natural imagery and the study of the created world. And, as with most Kingsolver novels, this one is laced with genial humor.