This is simply one of the best books I have ever read. It will stay a treasured part of my home library. After I put this book down and reflected on it a bit, I headed to my computer to find out all I could about the Congo. I wanted, no desired, to learn all I could about the land and people. I wanted to help those who lived under such harsh conditions every day, and knew no easier way of life. It gave me a new admiration for the ministries who choose to do their work over there, as well as for all the others who volunteer to live in this harsh environment, helping those who reside there.

The novel takes place in the late fifties, and spans for a duration of over thirty years. A hard, harsh, unbending missionary brings his wife and four daughters to a remote village, only reachable by plane. Not only does the family have to worry about hostile neighbors who don’t agree with the missionary’s way of preaching, they also have to worry about all the illnesses that plaque the area, along with poisonous snakes and insects. The humidity is horrid and if that all weren’t enough, there’s a threat of war in the air. Most of the novel follows each of the daughters lives well into their adulthood. You are able to see how just a couple of traumatic years in the Congo affected each one of them for the rest of their lives.

Each character in the second half of the novel tells the history of the Belgean Congo. It is sure to move you, and at times make your eyes mist up and your mouth drop open.

Barbara Kingsolver is at her best. Her vivid descriptions will have you experiencing the trials of the family and village. When you’re not reading the book, you’ll find your mind drifting to the family and citizens of the Congo, as if they were your true life friends.

The father’s self-righteous, abusive behavior will make you steam. He won’t take anyone else’s beliefs seriously and thinks his way is the only way.

The emotional writing is sure to grip you – but her political writing is a bit strained and is not her creative forte. Though this bothers a few readers, I found it easy to forgive, as the rest of the book is deeply moving and well written.

Orleanna Price, the mother, does her best to keep her family going and together. With no electricity, no running water and horrible living conditions, she tries to stay strong and make it as gracefully as she can through all of the hardships; not to mention the abuse of her husband. Finally, after the heart-rendering loss of one of her daughters she finds the strength to leave him, but sadly the damage is too deep and she is forever scarred.

Poisonwood (based on the Poisonwood tree which grows next to their house) Bible will proudly remain in my home library, and will sure to become a proud addition to yours.

Tracey Criswell Wilson is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ Many of her writings which include non-fiction, prose, poetry and an array of fiction genres can be found on this site, which is a site for Writers.

Barbara Kingsolver (Signature: Contemporary Southern Writers) ...

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