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Summary: The magic of deep, dark Africa comes alive
Review: This historical novel was compelling and alive in its portrayal of the depiction of Africa during the 1950's. While remembering alot of the historical points, I also could relate to the growing pains exhibited by the children.I truly enjoyed reading this novel and would highly recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the 50's
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Summary: I waited too long to read this book!
Review: Despite the excitement of finally seeing another Kingsolver novel in publication, I did not rush out to buy this book when it finally hit the stores. After reading a synopsis of the book, I decided that this story wasn't for me. I can't express how wrong I was! I LOVE THIS BOOK! My entire self was consumed with this book, these characters. I found them whole, with a range of complexities. I NEVER became bored or lost. The smells, taste, languages, thoughts, emotions, etc. - everything captivated me. I look forward to savoring it again. I recommend this book to my friends and anyone else who will listen.To Barbara Kingsoler: You've created a wonderful bit of work. Thank you.
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Summary: ABSORBING READ
Review: Thouroughly enjoyable novel by a great writer. Kingsolver totally sucked me in and made me care about every character. Highly recommended for its expose of life on the other side of the world
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Summary: An Enjoyable Tale of Life on the Congo.
Review: This was a great book for me. I enjoyed the weaving of the story and the voices of the different characters. The whole while I was reading this it reminded me of the many devoutly religious "fanatics" I knew. Thanks to Ms. Kingsolver for bringing these characters to life for me. I look forward to reading other works by her.
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Summary: Barbara Kingsolver's best work to date
Review: This book was truly ambitious, the story unfolding through no less than five different voices. I loved the biblical imagery: Patrice Lumumba as Christ-like figure, Adam & Eve/serpent imagery, etc. Kingsolver brings the full measure of her wit and character development abilities to this book to make it an absorbing page-turner as well as a substantive read. I've never read anything of Kingsolver's I didn't like (and I've read all of her books) however, in my mind, she now joins the ranks of twentieth century greats such as Jane Smiley, Margaret Atwood, and A.S. Byatt.
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Summary: Kingsolver jumps light-years in new book
Review: "The Poisonwood Bible" is the most absorbing book I've read in a while. I agree with readers who say it was difficult to get into, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. She managed to make each narrator a total person, yet universal so that I could identify with them all (except Nathan Price). I enjoyed some of her earlier work, but I LOVED Poisonwood Bible for what it has taught me about history (that I'm ashamed to say I should have known about), human endurance, and the old "East meets West" nexus. I am absolutely in agreement with its philosophy regarding how missionaries or other outsiders relate to native cultures. Reminded me in parts of Elspeth Huxley's "Flame Trees of Thika." We white Westerners have a lot to answer for in our arrogant attitudes toward so-called Third World countries and also in our appalling ignorance about Africa and the diversity of its own countries and cultures. Congratulations to Kingsolver for her important, educational, soul-touching, and just plain entertaining book.
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Summary: Potentially life changing...
Review: Kingsolver's novel is a rare, wonderful combination of intellect and emotion. Readers who "just don't get it" must be the "Rachels" of the world. It is not the sort of novel one finishes, because its lessons live on in the mind and in the heart.
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Summary: A successful departure by a talented writer!
Review: Having read all of Kingsolver's previous works, I was a bit apprehensive about how she would do with a change of period and setting. Although slow to get into (stick with it - you'll be glad), this tale of the Price family successfully weaves a story that is equally about family, God, politics and race. Although certainly not perfect (often didactic), what impresses me most about The Poisonwood Bible is that it continues to be thought-provoking long after you have turned the last page. Perhaps even growing richer the more you think about it!
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Summary: Too long and too derivative.
Review: This form was perfected by Faulkner in the Sound and The Fury. Kingsolver's approach is twice as long without the wonderful story telling ability that Faulkner had.The African portions of the book have been done before by Nadine Gordimer. Gordimer and Faulkner were both Nobel Prize winners: Kingsolver won't be.
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Summary: This is the most enjoyable book that I have read recently
Review: I liked this book from the first paragraph. I knew that the author had the ability to write in an intoxicating style from that first chapter. I was disappointed a bit with her Rachel character. I didn't think we needed to be repeatedly slapped in the face with how self absorbed she was. That was the only drawback to this wonderful story. I loved her Congolese, and all the other female characters in the story. I learned quite a bit about recent African history. This was a very good tale. Take this book with you on your summer vacation and let yourself be consummed with this story and these people.
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