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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I’d forgotten how wonderful this book is. One of our high school volunteers at the library was struggling with this, and I can’t stand by while someone doesn’t like Barbara Kingsolver because of a misguided teacher.
This is such a rich text and timeless, layered, human story. I loved rediscovering it as an adult.
This is such a rich text and timeless, layered, human story. I loved rediscovering it as an adult.
My favorite of Kingsolver's books. The subject matter can be grim, but her insight into human behavior and how families operate is stellar. She can get a little preachy and obvious with her symbolism in other books, but it was subtle and beautiful in this book. Images from the book haunt me more than a decade after reading it.
Ok, this will be the longest review I've ever done, but I have lots of feelings and needs to express, sorry. For starters, the book ended much better for me than when it started. I think the intense religious overtone put me off rather quickly in the beginning, which is not entirely the author's fault, but a personal opinion on the topic. I just think everything in this book was about two times too much- 2x as long as it needed to be, the descriptions of the jungle had amazing imagery, but lasted for like 8 pages, and most the characters were way more extreme then needed to be to get the point across. Also, I thought it was a bit biased in general, with the only character (Rachel) representing any opposing views (and perceived American lifestlye) to be an extremely vapid and materialsitc girl who's p.o.v tone didn't change from 16 to 50 years old. On the other hand, I thouroughly enjoyed Adah's character (even though at times extremly cynical) she had very interesting views on the natural order of things. Overall though, I enjoyed the ending tone of the book, and agree with the author's view that many of us live with way more then we need while others barely scrape by (if you can even call it that), something I have experienced while traveling. It has also sparked an interest in the Congo/Zaire history, which I currently have only limited knowledge of. Ok, I'm done... I give it a 3.5, but for the sake of goodreads coarse ratings it gets a 4.
Took awhile for me to get into it, but really enjoyed this novel and deeply admire the author’s range of voice. I learned so much about the Congo, could vividly picture every scene, and really liked how each person’s life unfurled throughout the book.
It took me a while to really get into this book. Once I did, however, I was greatly impressed. Kingsolver is a masterful writer and gifted with words. She did a great job of giving each character in this book their own individual voice. I really liked that she allowed us to stay with these characters for three decades. It really gave the story more depth and resonance. I knew absolutely nothing about the Congo before I read this so appreciated learning about it. It took me about 300 pages to really get into this book but once I did, I was hooked.
This is the first book I’ve read with such a piercing look at evangelical Christians. The fierce father jack’s his daughters and wife to a life of loneliness, poverty, and fear. The complete disregard for the native customs and beliefs lead to a tragic death, remorse and longing. I despised the weak willed mother and wife who seemed confused and lethargic throughout the novel.
Everything Barbara Kingsolver writes is gorgeous. This one has been on my TBR for years and I want to go back and read it again. A breathtaking tale of the perils of colonialism, the hazards and hard truths of living on this earth, with the most poignant description and interpretation of a mother's grief that I've ever read. Everyone must read this book!!!
This was a slow read for me at first, but I really grew to enjoy this book.
I will always be drawn to a higher rating for a book that changes my perspective on the world, and teaches me actual history through human stories. I knew very little about the actual history of Congo, only that it was tumultuous and "bad." (Note that I'm using bad here as a reflection of my limited understanding and ignorance.) I certainly can't claim to fully understand the Congo and its people after reading this, as it is a very complex place, but I now understand the complexity that exists-- and the fault the US played in the conflicts and death there.
Also, Kingsolver writes about nature in a way that would make any biologist/ecologist/naturalist proud. She sees nature like only a person who is connected to it deeply can- and draws out the intricacies and revelations with wonder, but with fairness- nature is a force here, not a thing to conquer or be pacified.
I will always be drawn to a higher rating for a book that changes my perspective on the world, and teaches me actual history through human stories. I knew very little about the actual history of Congo, only that it was tumultuous and "bad." (Note that I'm using bad here as a reflection of my limited understanding and ignorance.) I certainly can't claim to fully understand the Congo and its people after reading this, as it is a very complex place, but I now understand the complexity that exists-- and the fault the US played in the conflicts and death there.
Also, Kingsolver writes about nature in a way that would make any biologist/ecologist/naturalist proud. She sees nature like only a person who is connected to it deeply can- and draws out the intricacies and revelations with wonder, but with fairness- nature is a force here, not a thing to conquer or be pacified.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I tried to get through this book a couple of times previously without any success. Years have passed and I have it another try because I generally enjoy Kingsolver’s writing and because others have enjoyed and praised this book. I do not know what it is that people like about this book. The book goes on for way to long in all of its part and is disjointed. I’m also not interested in the religious aspect/missionary work and the whole time I couldn’t ignore how white and colonial the perspectives were of Africa (perhaps that is part of the point). There was one part where the plot seemed to pick up but it fell flat quickly again. The characters are all insufferable. Makes me second guess if I want to pick up Kingsolver’s newest (Demon Copperfield).
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes