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Book Review of The Poisonwood Bible

The Poisonwood Bible
The Poisonwood Bible
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
clebbin avatar reviewed on + 3 more book reviews


I have never had much interest in African history, but this book made me want to find out more. Her characters, as in her earlier books, are very well realized and fascinating. The story begins with the arrival in the Belgian Congo of Nathan Price, fire and brimstone Baptist preacher, and his reluctant family. The family's story is told by Nathan's wife, Orleanna, and their five daughters - shallow teen-age Rachel, twins Leah and Adah, and five-year-old Ruth May. The voices of the characters are authentic and believable.

I was absolutely spellbound by the way the voices changed and the way they stayed the same from the first to the last of the book. One believes in the characters, they change and grow as the book progresses.

I felt very complete when I finished the book. It was a satisfying experience.