118 pages 3 hours read

Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

First published in 1998, Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible is a historical fiction novel following the Price family, led by Baptist missionary Nathan Price, during their mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Orleanna Price and her four daughters as they navigate cultural challenges and personal growth amidst political unrest and familial turmoil. The story explores themes such as colonization, guilt, and redemption. The book contains themes of religious fanaticism, domestic abuse, and political violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible is often praised for its rich storytelling and profound insights into culture and family dynamics. Critics commend its complex characters and vivid African setting, though some find its pacing slow and its narrative structure disjointed. Overall, it’s deemed a powerful, thought-provoking read that merits attention.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Poisonwood Bible?

Readers who enjoy The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver typically appreciate historical fiction, richly developed characters, and themes exploring cultural and familial conflict. Comparable works include Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, which also delve into complex socio-political landscapes.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Lexile Level

960L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Topics

Religion / Spirituality

Race / Racism

Disability

Themes

Society: Colonialism

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Identity: Disability