I read this book as a new release and remember sitting in the living room, rushing to finish the book the day before book club. That was the book club I belonged to where we didn't discuss books, we passed them along.
Five years ago the Omaha Bookworm's read it and I happened to be traveling for business the day we discussed the book.
I finally get a chance to discuss this one!
Synopsis: The Poisonwood Bible is a story told by the wife and four daughters of Nathan Price, a fierce evangelical Baptist who takes his family and mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. They carry with them all they believe they will need from home, but soon find that all of it - from garden seeds to Scripture - is calamitously transformed on African soil.
This tale of one family's tragic undoing and remarkable reconstruction, over the course of three decades in postcolonial Africa, is set against history's most dramatic political parables.
The Poisonwood Bible dances between the darkly comic human failings and inspiring poetic justices of our times. In a compelling exploration of religion, conscience, imperialist arrogance, and the many paths to redemption, Barbara Kingsolver has brought forth her most ambitious work ever.
Type: Fiction
Quick Take: Highly Recommend - This is the first book that I have read twice. I am so thankful I read it again, so much so that I want to reread my favorites now (I wonder if they will still be favorites).
I had forgotten that the story covers the life of the characters, beyond the mission timeframe. I can't wait to discuss Nathan and his wife. Did you relate to one daughter more than others? If you were the mother, how do you think you would have handled the challenges of the Congo? Would you have stood up to Nathan and taken control earlier?
These are just a few questions I have for our discussion. I can't wait!
Have you read this book? Do you have any questions for us?
Source: Personal copy