The Poisonwood Bible: Summary

The Poisonwood Bible is a story about a missionary family, the Prices, and their experience in the Belgian Congo in 1959. The novel follows the Price family’s struggles to adjust to a foreign culture and their attempts to make a difference in the world. It is told through the perspectives of five different characters – Nathan Price, his wife Orleanna, and their four daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May. The book explores themes of faith and religion, colonialism and imperialism, racism and sexism, family dynamics and personal identity. It looks at how these forces shape individuals and how they impact the lives of those around them. It also examines how we face our own mortality when we are far away from our homes.

1. How does the novel's structure and format—the alternating, first-person narration of five different characters—influence the story?
2. How does the novel address themes of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural clash?
3. How does Kingsolver use religious symbolism, imagery, and themes to develop her narrative?
4. What roles do faith and spirituality play in the lives of the Price family?
5. How does Nathan Price's character evolve throughout the novel?
6. In what ways are or are not the experiences of the Price sisters similar?
7. What is the significance of Leah's conversion to Christianity in the Congo?
8. How does Orleanna cope with her guilt and grief following her husband's death?
9. What are some of the major cultural differences that Adah and Rachel observe during their time in the Congo?
10. How does The Poisonwood Bible illustrate how a person's environment can shape their identity and worldview?

• The Poisonwood Bible is an incredible exploration of the power of faith and family.
• Barbara Kingsolver's ability to create memorable characters and bring them to life is remarkable.
• I found the shifting perspectives throughout the novel to be particularly interesting and rewarding.
• The central themes of colonialism, identity, and belonging are powerfully portrayed in The Poisonwood Bible.
• I was moved by the bravery of the characters in their struggle against a foreign environment and culture.
• The depiction of religion in the novel is complex and thought-provoking.
• Kingsolver's writing style is both lyrical and captivating - it transports you into another world entirely.
• The symbolism woven throughout the novel adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
• It's amazing how Kingsolver uses language to convey emotion and atmosphere so effectively in her writing.
• The Poisonwood Bible is an insightful, powerful novel that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.

1. "Don't try to make me into something I'm not. I'm a Baptist preacher, and that's all I'll ever be." - Nathan Price
2. "What you do in this world is a matter of no consequence. The question is, what it does to you." - Nathan Price
3. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." - Adah Price
4. "I have been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do." - Leah Price
5. "You can't measure the mutual affection of two people by the number of words they exchange." - Rachel Price

The Poisonwood Bible has not been adapted for TV, film, radio, podcast or theatrical productions. However, the novel has been adapted into a stage play by playwright Lisa Peterson and composer David Cale in 2006. The play has since been performed around the world, including a 2017 Off-Broadway run at New York’s Atlantic Theater Company.

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