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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I was expecting to like this book a lot more than I did. The imagery in the prose is spectacular and I found myself highlighting and underlining a LOT. But the story just didn't do it for me. It went on a lot longer than it needed to and by the end I found myself hating all the characters. I have about 30 pages left but just don't have the motivation to finish it.
a family's story about how 15 months in Africa changed them (or didn't)for the rest of their lives. excellent read.
This is the story of the Price family, who travel to the Belgian Congo in 1959 as missionaries. Kingsolver creates nuanced, multifaceted characters who are navigating their new life in the Congo. Themes explored are colonialism, religion, gender roles, and the well-meaning but misguided attempts at cultural and religious imposition.
To me, the start was a slow trudge -- setting the groundwork for the second half of the book -- which was excellent. It's a commitment to read, but I would recommend it. The ending stuck with me long after I finished reading it.
To me, the start was a slow trudge -- setting the groundwork for the second half of the book -- which was excellent. It's a commitment to read, but I would recommend it. The ending stuck with me long after I finished reading it.
Nice tone, pretty miserable. I enjoyed reading it, but I'm glad it wasn't longer. Kept thinking it was almost done.
Props for linguistic tidbits though- the gender systems and tones in a lot of African languages are awesome, and you hardly ever hear about them.
Props for linguistic tidbits though- the gender systems and tones in a lot of African languages are awesome, and you hardly ever hear about them.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
It’s been many years but I remember REALLY enjoying it
It took me quite some time to really get into this book--it was supposed to be a summer read and now it's December. That being said, once I did get into it the pages seemed to fly by and I was truly touched by the story. The whole not imposing or shoving our faith in our people's faces really stuck out to me, among other things. I highly recommend this book!!
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
You can’t just sashay into the jungle aiming to change it all over to the Christian style, without expecting the jungle to change you right back.
This is, quite frankly, one of the best books I've ever read. And that's really saying something since I hated it when I first read it 20+ years ago. (I've grown a lot as a reader.) This book hits all the sweet spots: a compelling story, richly drawn characters, a realistic setting, and gorgeous language. There is plenty of sarcasm and dry humor to balance out the heaps of heartbreak and tragedy. The history of the Belgian Congo and colonialism is, sadly, as relevant today as it was when it was published and my hatred of Nathan Price knows no bounds. If you're looking for a book that will touch you to your core and break your heart in all of the best possible ways, look no further than The Poisonwood Bible.
This is, quite frankly, one of the best books I've ever read. And that's really saying something since I hated it when I first read it 20+ years ago. (I've grown a lot as a reader.) This book hits all the sweet spots: a compelling story, richly drawn characters, a realistic setting, and gorgeous language. There is plenty of sarcasm and dry humor to balance out the heaps of heartbreak and tragedy. The history of the Belgian Congo and colonialism is, sadly, as relevant today as it was when it was published and my hatred of Nathan Price knows no bounds. If you're looking for a book that will touch you to your core and break your heart in all of the best possible ways, look no further than The Poisonwood Bible.