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The Poisonwood Bible
I must confess up front that this is a difficult novel to get into - I found the style of the 5 different narrators off putting. But I perservered because the subject matter interested me, and I was amply rewarded. It is a novel which makes you count your every day blessings, and it is a novel which will make you look at things you take for granted in an entirely new light.As the novel progresses you do come to identify with the characters and their trials and tribulations. Some of the issues it addresses are shocking. It is also very sad. But it is a well crafted novel.I feel that it loses some of its momentum in the final chapters after their "escape" from the Congo, but this is only a small criticism, and the novel is pulled together nicely by the last chapter.This is a difficult novel to read at several levels, but this is also a very good novel, and well worth your time.
The Poisonwood Bible
Truly one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Ms. Kingsolver is more than adept at putting feelings into words, and matching words with feelings. The story is about a family living in the Congo with an extraordinarily insane father whose sole reason for being there is to change the Congolese into Christians. With that goal in mind, he is oblivious to the slow, torturous ordeals of his family, and remains oblivious to the steady destruction of their lives. The trials faced by mother and daughters are so uniquely described you will find yourself absorbed. I took this book with me everywhere I went, I could not be without it. It's a beautifully woven tail. I could smell Africa and the Congo, and I have never been there. I could taste the manioc, and I don't even know what it is. Mostly I could feel the hearts of the family in peril. This book is worth much more than five stars, and you should rush right out and buy it today.
The Poisonwood Bible
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Not only was it a moving story but I feel like I have visited Africa at it's best and worst. I also feel as though I have known this family personally. I could not put it down.
The Poisonwood Bible
I was truly meant to read this book. A woman I didn't even know pulled me by the arm in the store and told me if I enjoy reading Oprah book selections I just have to read this one. I stopped, picked it up, and bought it without even reading the cover. I thought, if this woman felt this strong about it then it couldn't be too bad. Well I have no idea who that woman was but "THANK YOU!" I found this book very hard to put down. I didn't have the feeling of being preached to like other reviewers felt nor did I even notice that there was a so-called political agenda. I felt pulled into the middle of this family and at times cheered for them and cried with them. It brought the Congo to me, and I am most certain that I would never in my life sought to learn about the Congo. The part where the ants invaded the village is the real turning point for me. That is what the story was all about in my opinion. I had to think about my child hood.... would my mother choose me or a younger sibling and then I had to think about my children...would I choose one over the other. I can't get the picture out of my mind. I had such a connection with each daughter and the mother. I found a little of myself in each of them. Read this book and read the emotion!
The Poisonwood Bible
An outstanding story with an absolutely truthful historical reflection of U.S involvement in The Congo in the 50's and 60's. The chapters written in Adah's voice are exquisitely done.
The Poisonwood Bible
The novel raises important questions about the role of missionaries and the clash of cultures that results when progress, fueled by religious fanaticism, collides with poverty and thousands of years of survival on instinct. The daughters' characters breathe. The visual imagery is stunning. Read this.