
In 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver, a missionary family led by the fervent Baptist preacher Nathan Price moves to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The story unfolds through the perspectives of the four daughters and the wife as they navigate survival and adaptation in a vastly different culture amidst the backdrop of political upheaval during the Congo Independence movement. Each character develops uniquely in response to their exposure to the Congolese environment, creating a rich tapestry of family dynamics and individual growth.
Kingsolver masterfully weaves historical context with compelling storytelling, drawing readers into the vividly portrayed lives of the Price family and the Congolese people. Through her poignant writing style, she explores themes of faith, cultural clashes, family relationships, and personal evolution, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they have turned the final page.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of abuse, racism, religious fanaticism, loss, trauma, and cultural insensitivity.
Has Romance?
While the primary focus is on family dynamics and personal transformation, there are elements of romance especially in the interactions of the daughters as they navigate their lives.
From The Publisher:
This story is told by the wife and four daughters of Nathan Price, a fierce, evangelical Baptist who takes his family and mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959.They carry with them everything they believe they will need from home, but soon find that all of it - from garden seeds to Scripture - is calamitously transformed on African soil.
Ratings (183)
Incredible (57) | |
Loved It (70) | |
Liked It (35) | |
It Was OK (11) | |
Did Not Like (6) | |
Hated It (4) |
Reader Stats (311):
Read It (186) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (98) | |
Did Not Finish (5) | |
Not Interested (20) |
2 comment(s)
One of those books I've been wanting to read for years and just recently requested from the library. I loved most parts of the book, well written and easy to get invested in. Bit didn't feel like it's quite a five star read. Might change my rating later when it's been sitting in my mind a bit
Don't know. Just could not get into it. Perhaps to much hype at the time.
About the Author:
Barbara Kingsolver's thirteen books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction include the novels The Bean Trees and the international bestseller The Poisonwood Bible which, amongst other accolades, won the 2005 Penguin/Orange Reading Group Book of the Year award. Her most recent novel is The Lacuna.
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