Adoption And the Bean Trees

In the book, The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver the idea of adoption is illustrated in an uncommon way. Taylor Greer does not actually adopt Turtle until the end of the novel. She does however take Turtle to Arizona with her and acts as a mother figure. Taylor has a lot of help raising Turtle: Lou-Ann, Estevan, Esperanza, Mattie, Edna, and Mrs. Parsons all play a role in the up bringing of Turtle. This novel …

…in I’m your ma, and that’s means I love you the most.” I don’t think that this was the best way to portray the adoption because it seems that Taylor needs this certificate to signify to Turtle that she belongs to her. I think that statement should have been stated before the adoption. Overall though I thought The Beans Trees gave as a unique, accurate depiction of adoption by a single parent.