118 pages • 3 hours read
Barbara KingsolverThe Poisonwood Bible
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
First published in 1998, Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible is a historical fiction novel following the Price family, led by Baptist missionary Nathan Price, during their mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Orleanna Price and her four daughters as they navigate cultural challenges and personal growth amidst political unrest and familial turmoil. The story explores themes such as colonization, guilt, and redemption. The book contains themes of religious fanaticism, domestic abuse, and political violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible is often praised for its rich storytelling and profound insights into culture and family dynamics. Critics commend its complex characters and vivid African setting, though some find its pacing slow and its narrative structure disjointed. Overall, it’s deemed a powerful, thought-provoking read that merits attention.
Who Should Read The Poisonwood Bible?
Readers who enjoy The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver typically appreciate historical fiction, richly developed characters, and themes exploring cultural and familial conflict. Comparable works include Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, which also delve into complex socio-political landscapes.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsLexile Level
960LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Classic Fiction
Religion / Spirituality
Race / Racism
Disability
Society: Colonialism
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt
Identity: Disability