Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sineadw9 's review for:
The Poisonwood Bible
by Barbara Kingsolver
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is an impressively rich, complex novel. I felt like I “inhabited” it and got to know each character fully. Kingsolver is a master of voice - by telling this story through multiple characters’ perspectives, this skill shines.
While reading, I was asking myself what it meant for an American woman to be telling the Congo’s story. It seems like she hit the right perspective - she speaks from an American lens (flaws and all), with consistent respect for the Congolese. The story is beautifully written, challenges your assumptions, and never tries to oversimplify things.
Overall, this was a long and somewhat slow read, but I’m glad I read it. The bible format was effective and not overdone.
While reading, I was asking myself what it meant for an American woman to be telling the Congo’s story. It seems like she hit the right perspective - she speaks from an American lens (flaws and all), with consistent respect for the Congolese. The story is beautifully written, challenges your assumptions, and never tries to oversimplify things.
Overall, this was a long and somewhat slow read, but I’m glad I read it. The bible format was effective and not overdone.