The Poisonwood Bible by

The Poisonwood Bible is a multi-generational saga told through the voices of the Price family, who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959 with their evangelical Baptist father, Nathan. The novel explores the family's struggle to adapt to a foreign culture, the impact of colonialism, and the personal transformations that occur over three decades. /n/n Barbara Kingsolver's masterful storytelling weaves together themes of faith, family, and the consequences of cultural imperialism, creating a rich and complex narrative that spans political upheaval and personal growth.

Reviews

Yvette Carol's Blog · Yvette Carol · 2021-01-16

thought-provoking 4.50

The novel is a meaty behemoth that requires time and attention, but it is a rewarding read. The characters are complex and the story is powerful.

Yvette Carol describes The Poisonwood Bible as a substantial and meaty novel that demands the reader's full attention. She appreciates the complexity of the characters and the powerful storytelling that Kingsolver employs. The novel is seen as a rewarding read, despite its length and the time it requires. Carol highlights the way the story explores themes of family, faith, and the consequences of colonialism, making it a thought-provoking and impactful read.

Quick quotes

This is the perfect sort of novel to tackle when you have time at your disposal, because it's a meaty behemoth that takes more than a bit of effort.

The characters are complex and well-developed, each bringing their own unique perspective to the story.

The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, filled with rich and evocative prose.

The Guardian · 2013-05-03

insightful 4.50

The novel's narrative form with five narrators is remarkable, offering a unique and powerful storytelling experience. The themes of colonialism and family dynamics are explored deeply.

The Guardian highlights the unique narrative structure of The Poisonwood Bible, which uses five different narrators to weave a compelling story. This approach allows for a rich exploration of themes such as colonialism, family dynamics, and the impact of cultural clashes. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters, noting that each narrator brings a distinct perspective that enhances the overall reading experience. The novel is praised for its ambitious scope and the way it challenges the reader to consider multiple viewpoints.

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Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible is remarkable not just for its story but also for its narrative form.

Orleanna's voice is particularly poignant, offering a mother's perspective on the unraveling of her family.

The novel is a powerful exploration of the consequences of colonialism and the resilience of the human spirit.

Stuck in a Book · 2012-01-11

engaging 4.00

The novel is confusing at times but also phenomenally good, with a rich and engaging narrative. The characters are well-developed and the story is compelling.

The reviewer from Stuck in a Book acknowledges that The Poisonwood Bible can be a confusing read at times, but they also highlight its phenomenal qualities. The novel's rich narrative and well-developed characters are praised for their depth and complexity. The reviewer appreciates the way Kingsolver weaves together the stories of the Price family, creating a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience. Despite the occasional confusion, the novel is seen as a powerful exploration of family, faith, and the impact of colonialism.

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So, there you are. A confusing review, I daresay, but also a confusing read.

At its best, The Poisonwood Bible is phenomenally good.

Barbara Kingsolver's writing is both searingly perceptive and beautifully crafted.

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