Poisonwood Bible, The
Kingsolver, BarbaraKingsolver waited thirty years to write this book, having experienced the Belgian Congo as a child. In 1959, Baptist missionary, Nathan Price, sets off for the Congo with his wife, four daughters, and Betty Crocker cake mixes. They are woefully unprepared for the isolation, climate, and political upheaval as the Congolese seek independence from Belgium. [big read]
Comments from Groups
Really enjoyed it - talented writer - unusual setting/situation for a family (from a Western country) to be in. Auckland 211 We talked for hours...It brought up a lot of issues regarding politics, colonialism and the struggle for independence.Queenstown 010Clever writing, great characters and humour.Very good descriptions of the Congo and life in the jungle. Mangaweka 001Decided it was a mammoth read! Good discussion re colonisation of Africa (and other countries) and types of missionary work. Auckland 261 Members felt this book gained from being read twice and generated much discussion. Timaru 007 Interesting, compelling, lots of 'big' issues to discuss. All thought the chapters from different perspectives clever and so true to life. Cromwell 002 Without exception we all felt this was a brilliant book in so many ways. Beautifully written - Kingsolver has wonderful descriptive powers. Her portrayal through the eyes of the children and mother adds to its power. We had very interesting discussions about the cultural differences displayed through language, and about the West's arrogance. We saw similarities with the West and Iraq, Iran etc Most of us had read it previously , and still thought we could read it a third time. Whitby 003 Complex book which stimulated great discussion! Recommended reading. Demanding reading however. Wanaka 015 A tough read, only 4 of the 12 members finished it. Those said it was worth it at the end, but they had to push themselves to finish it. Hastings 007 A book that divided our group. Some struggled to finish, but those who did enjoyed it. The beginning was hard to get into, and the different 'voices' for each chapter took some getting used to. Auckland 248 Those members who completed the book were impressed with the quality and depth of writing, the characterisation of the Price family, and the sensitive awareness of their life amongst the people of the Congo. We thought the book notes were very good. An outstanding book on many fronts. Whakatane 005
Pages
614
614
Year
1999
1999
Reviews
09-03-2020
A well-written book, provoking much discussion. Several read the book for the second time and picked up more on the political side of the Congo. Some thought it could have been two books. Well structured book with its various complex characters.
09-03-2020
Enjoyable read, although some found it hard going and depressing, although realistic. Well-written and well received.
06-03-2020
Mixed reviews - generally favourable. Several had already read the book.
06-03-2020
Enjoyed by all. Highly recommended.
06-03-2020
An excellent book enjoyed by all. Distinctive writing for each character. African life and Congo history revealed and appreciated. GOOD notes.
06-03-2020
Popular book - generally all enjoyed. Gave a good insight into The Congo.
06-03-2020
Most of the group had read the book before and had enjoyed it. Mainly, the members had dipped into it again to refresh their recollection of it, and all agreed that it was a well-written novel which stimulated discussion. We thought the book notes were excellent in both the political information of that region of Africa, and the discussion topics.
06-03-2020
We only had a small group because of illness, however telephone discussion showed that most people really enjoyed this novel.
06-03-2020
Conversations around the history of the Congo - interesting. We loved the way the book was written through each of the female characters. Very much enjoyed.
04-03-2020
Great book! Most of us had read this book before but still enjoyed it the second time.
04-03-2020
Everyone enjoyed reading it, although some thought it was a bit dark. Good discussion.