The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
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Book Reviews of The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel
Book Review: Powerful and compelling!
Summary: 5 Stars
Barbara Kingsolver is undoubtedly one of the most gifted contemporary novelists. She has the ability to draw her readers into her books in such a fashion that they will believe they are a part of them.
The Poisonwood Bible is one of the most powerful books I have read in the last decade. It became an exotic journey for me to travel into an unknown land containing unknown beauty and horror. As in both of the books I have read by her, she draws upon her background in biology so that you will feel as if you are witnessing nature firsthand.
The story is not for the faint of heart. It is heart-wrenching at points. Yet it is a story of the strength of the human spirit. As the author of a series of spiritual novels, [...], I especially appreciated this. Any book that can get a person in touch with one's heart and soul is so important in this often divisive and violent world in which we live. This book will definitely do it for you! I highly recommend it.
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
Book Review: Merits multiple readings
Summary: 5 Stars
The editorial reviews and the other 1409 reader reviews provide as much commentary on this remarkable book as one might want. Needless to say, I enjoyed the story. It operates at several levels just like life. You might dislike some characters but they all seem real to me, sharply etched. You might not like what they say, it can be provocative, thought provoking. You might even imagine the story to be true. I can.
As I reread the story, I find new aspects, not necessarily intended by the author, but ones that result from the interaction of the story and the life I know. If you enjoy deep literature, you will probably enjoy this book. If you are a scientist, as is the author, you will be pleasantly reminded that some scientists write extraordinarily well. The descriptions of the natural world are noticeably precise which alone separates this book from the average contemporary novel.
If, like me, you find the narrative sometimes difficult, especially child Adah's, I recommend an audio version.
Book Review: The Perfect Story
Summary: 5 Stars
I am sorry, but anyone giving this book any less than five stars should have his/her head examined. I just finished this book and it was absolutely perfect. Kingsolver has a true gift for storytelling, and quite frankly, I am always impressed with an author who can write in multiple narratives.
Not only was this one of the most entertaining books I have ever read, but I "believed" every word of it. Who can resist the tale of misguided Christian missionaries living in the Congo to proselytize the "dark continent"? This is a story packed full of accidental adventure and gorgeous prose. I could not recommend it more highly.
I am a student of literature and therefore have run into a lot of snobs out there who look down their noses at "Oprah books," but if you ask me, the woman knows how to pick 'em. This story is a paragon of great storytelling. Period.
Read this book today; you will become a Kingsolver fan for life.
Book Review: Couldn't put this down.
Summary: 5 Stars
I do a lot of reading and always try to have an enjoyable book at hand. I've read many excellent books through the years but this was one of my favorites. Even when stories don't "grab" me and hold my interest, it's hard not to enjoy good writing. Kingsolver does both. She's an excellent writer, and she tells a stunning story. Having been a preacher's daughter myself, I ordinarily would not be drawn to reading about missionary life in the Congo. But "The Poisonwood Bible" is life-changing as the reader lives vicariously through the eyes and hearts of a mother and her four daughters who struggle to survive in a foreign culture. The overly-zealous, abusive father is the personification of what Christians DO NOT want others to think about Christ and his church. I've recommended it to many friends already and am glad I have this book for my personal library to refer to in the future. Excellent read!Book Review: Superb Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought this book was just amazing. For me, a good book is separated from a great book by four things: story, writing style, what I learn while I am reading it, and pace. The Poisonwood Bible gets 5 stars from me on all counts.
The story here is intricate, interesting, and cleverly told. The writing style is like a rich, luxurious tapestry, made so especially since there are 5 different voices narrating the tale. I learned so much about the Congo, its traditions, roots, and struggles. I loved despising Reverend Price, and all his abysmally misguided,bigoted religious buffoonery. I did not want to put this book down. I savored every moment I was reading it.
Although there are lots of good books out there, true gems like the Poisonwood Bible are harder to find. You will not be disappointed.