Behind the Desk: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

TL;DR

A review of the 1998 novel, 'The Poison Wood Bible,' tells the story of the Price family's missionary work in the Belgian Congo in 1959.

Transcript

good afternoon my name is dave and i'm coming to you from the allied gardens benjamin branch library we are part of the san diego public library system this is another edition of behind the desk and today i'll be talking to you about a book i just reviewed for the union tribune the title is the poison wood bible by barbara barbera kingsolver it's a... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ 'The Poison Wood Bible' is a highly acclaimed novel that was a finalist for the 1999 Pulitzer Prize in fiction.
• 💦 The book explores the clash between Western ideals and African culture through the lens of the Price family's missionary work.
• 👻 Each chapter's narration by a different daughter allows for diverse perspectives and character development throughout the story.
• 😀 The challenges faced by the Price family in the Congo highlight themes of adaptability, cultural misunderstandings, and resilience.
• 💝 'The Poison Wood Bible' offers an immersive reading experience by vividly depicting the harsh living conditions and political turmoil of the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s.
• 📔 The book delves into complex themes such as colonialism, religion, and the effects of cultural imperialism.
• ❓ The characters in 'The Poison Wood Bible' undergo personal transformations, challenging their initial beliefs and perceptions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main storyline of 'The Poison Wood Bible'?

'The Poison Wood Bible' follows the Price family's year of missionary work in the Belgian Congo, narrated through the perspectives of the four Price daughters.

Q: What challenges do the Price family face in the Congo?

The Price family encounters a lack of basic amenities like water, electricity, and medical facilities. They also struggle with the unfamiliar culture and harsh environment.

Q: How does the book explore the dynamics within the Price family?

Each chapter is narrated by one of the Price daughters, providing insight into their individual experiences, relationships with their parents, and personal growth during their time in the Congo.

Q: What are some similar books recommended by the reviewer?

The reviewer suggests 'Deliverance' by James Dickey, 'Old Jules' by Maurice Sandoz, and 'At Play in the Fields of the Lord' by Peter Matheson as similar titles with survival and missionary themes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The book 'The Poison Wood Bible' is set in the Belgian Congo in 1959 and follows the Price family's missionary work.

• Nathan Price, the head of the family, is enthusiastic about their mission, but his wife and daughters struggle with the difficult living conditions.

• Each chapter of the book is narrated by one of the Price daughters, offering different perspectives on their experiences in the Congo.