jbks 's review for:

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

5.0

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I'll start off by saying I normally do not read these types of books. Very rarely do I find a contemporary novel that interests me. I was required to read some Kingsolver in high school, and I don't even remember really especially enjoying her writing style. However something made me pick up this book from the bookstore one day and I did give it a try.

I've recently discovered that I really do enjoy stories told from multiple points of view. They force you to relive the same story in different ways, and make it hard to just assume people's personalities are black and white. So that's probably one thing that made me love this book.

Second, I thought Kingsolver had some really beautiful quotes in here. There were many passages that I just felt the need to stop and underline. I can't say that I've really ever felt that way about a book before this one.

I never felt this book being "preachy" which is something I've seen others describe it as. It's about a missionary family from Georgia who move to the Congo. God is a huge theme in this book. Huge. Not just God that's being "preached," but his real and primal creation. Tragedy happens to everyone, even those who hide behind the Good Book. If you can't stand religion in your novels, then I'm sorry but this probably isn't for you.

The description of Africa is very beautiful. She managed to capture both the beauty and horror in nature and paint a very vivid picture of the environment.

I'm always hesitant to give any spoilers in my reviews, especially if they are for my favorite stories. Besides there are many other reviews out there with plot lines if that is more your style of review. :)

I've ended up reading this book multiple times, and it has claimed a place in my favorites section.