The Poisonwood Bible

by Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4018
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780571201754
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Poisonwood Bible is a powerful narrative told through the voices of the Price family—Nathan, a fervent Baptist missionary, and his four daughters—as they navigate the complexities of life in the Belgian Congo in 1959. The story explores themes of cultural clash, personal transformation, and the enduring strength of family bonds over three decades. /n/n Barbara Kingsolver's masterful storytelling weaves together historical events with deeply personal experiences, offering a rich tapestry of postcolonial Africa and the human spirit's capacity for both destruction and renewal.

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.

Quick quotes

    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.

Quick quotes

    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.

The New York Times · 1998-10-16
powerful 4.25

The novel is a powerful, old-fashioned tale of sin and redemption. It is a dark and necessary exploration of family and colonialism.

The New York Times review describes 'The Poisonwood Bible' as a powerful and old-fashioned novel, reminiscent of 19th-century literature. The reviewer notes that the book is a dark and necessary exploration of sin, redemption, and the complexities of family dynamics. They appreciate the novel's depth and the way it delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of colonialism. The review suggests that the book is a significant work of historical fiction, offering a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Barbara Kingsolver's powerful new book is actually an old-fashioned 19th-century novel.

    A Hawthornian tale of sin and redemption.

    The dark necessity of confronting the past and its consequences.

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