The Poisonwood Bible - Softcover

The Poisonwood Bible shows what happens when one of the most talented writers of our generation comes to maturity... [It] ranks with the most ambitious works of postcolonial literature and it should at last establish Kingsolver’s reputation in Europe as one of America’s most gifted novelists. (Independent on Sunday)

The Poisonwood Bible is a book club classic... The novel begins as a family saga but evolves into a polemic about how African lives are ruined by Western greed and fear ... There is humour, history, love and loss. The characterisation is exquisite. (The Times)

A quantum-leap breakthrough... learned, tragicomic and sprawling. (NY Times Magazine)

Brilliant. Now, that is no sort of measured critical reaction but it is how I feel I must begin – with a one-word shout of praise for this superb epic novel... [Barbara Kingsolver] says she spent thirty years waiting for the wisdom and maturity to dare to write this book. Never has such patience been more rewarded. (Margaret Forster Literary Review)

Barbara Kingsolver's acclaimed international bestseller tells the story of an American missionary family in the Congo during a poignant chapter in African history. It spins the tale of the fierce evangelical Baptist, Nathan Price, who takes his wife and four daughters on a missionary journey into the heart of darkness of the Belgian Congo in 1959. They carry with them to Africa all they believe they will need from home, but soon find that all of it - from garden seeds to the King James Bible - is calamitously transformed on African soil. Told from the perspective of the five women, this is a compelling exploration of African history, religion, family, and the many paths to redemption. The Poisonwood Bible was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1999 and was chosen as the best reading group novel ever at the Penguin/Orange Awards. It continues to be read and adored by millions worldwide.