Thoughts on "The Poisonwood Bible"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Thoughts on "The Poisonwood Bible"

Opinions on the most famous Barbara Kingsolver book.

247
Thoughts on "The Poisonwood Bible"
learnmoreeveryday

When people ask you what your favorite book is, you would often expect them to reply with, "that's a great book!", or "I haven't read that yet". For me, the typical response I'm given is "I hate that book!", and the reason they give behind it is hardly a good reason at all.

My favorite book - and an underrated one at that - is Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.

If you haven't read it, I would obviously recommend that you do. The Poisonwood Bible tells the story of a family who moves to the Congo because the father, Nathan Price, drags his family there on a mission to "save" the people of Africa. Nathan is a Baptist who feels he can change the lives of the people in the Congo, and promises his family they will only reside there for a year. The trip lasts much longer than a year, and Nathan's wife and four daughters learn to adapt or not adapt to the environment. Some love their new home, while others try to find a way out.

This book will have you in tears (if you're one of the people who learns to love it).

The themes of this book, like many others written by Barbara Kingsolver, are feminism, forced religion, and individuality. There could be many other themes embedded in this novel as well, but these are the most reoccurring themes.

This novel is remarkably raw - which is why most people dislike it. It's realistic and heartbreaking but pulls you further into the story the more you read. The majority of people love a whole, peaceful ending in a book. To close a book and be completely content with the ending is a great feeling, but the outcomes of such books are unrealistic.

The Poisonwood Bible demonstrates likely situations and likely outcomes. While it is written pragmatically, it is also written just as beautifully. The first sentence of the book reads, "Imagine a ruin so strange it must have never happened." This line is powerful throughout the book because it tells the story of ruin and redemption within a family dealing with similar and individual hardships. These stories are meaningful and moving, and I will never understand why people don't like an ending that isn't entirely happy.

That sounds ridiculous - but why does every ending need to be happy? Endings to a story do not always need to be fortunate. People struggle through life and grow after trauma, which is what each character in this book does.

The Poisonwood Bible is too real, and a dramatic read. If you haven't read it, please consider doing so. I hope it will bring you as much heartbreak and joy as it did to me. It's incredibly emotional, and the ending will leave you feeling unresolved - but that's the best part.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53742
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34584
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957025
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181718
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments