This story made me look at the world and other cultures in a way that I never considered. I have a new appreciation for Africa that I never had before. This is possibly the best story I have ever had the privilege of reading.

Reading this, I was reminded of another great long novel Lonesome Dove and again amazed that like McMurtry, Kingsolver could find a groove and keep the reader riveted, fascinated for 500+ pages. People who would like this book: 1) People who have worked overseas such as missionaries, PCVs, NGO & development specialists, and EFL teachers; 2) Social science types into intercultural interactions; 3) Readers who like novels told from multiple points of view; and 4) Victims of parents who practiced mean religion. People whose blood pressure will be raised: 1)People who like Ike and 2) People who don't get the idea, "There are Christians and then there are Christians." But beyond the religion and politics, the book is a work of art, with characters we feel we know, suspenseful narrative, intense setting.

This is one of my favorite books. Kingsolver has a rich narrative style and she describes the land the way other writers might describe a fine meal. The cultural and political subtext are intriguing. I highly recommend this book.

This book completely took my breath away. The beauty, the tragedy, the people of Africa and how it affected each individual member of this family's life on so many different levels was just so encompassing. I found myself reading and rereading passages just for the beauty of the wording or of the images it conjured up. A definite must read. This is a book that will stay with you for a lifetime.

This book is probably the most amazing book I have ever read in my life wich is why I just requested it from a memember so I can REread it. It contains humor and grief and happiness and family and Christianity and dysfunction and more all rolled into one. It is simply an amazing read and Barbara Kingsolver is an awesome, amazing writer. You need to read this. It is such an adventure. Wow.

Don't be mislead by the book description or some of the reviews - this story is not about religion or missionary work. Yes, the missionary father drags his wife and four daughters into the Belgium Congo during a time in history of political upheaval believing he can convert each and every child within the village. This book is insightful, historically revealing, and entertaining as each of the daughters tells her version of events with the voice of their individual personalities.

I read this book when it was first published in 1998 and have just finished re-reading it. It still rates a place as one of my Top 10 favorites. The first chapter is a bit hard to get into so I recommend you come back to it after you’ve read a few chapters into the book. I won't provide you details of the story as it would spoil the read for you . . . but suffice it to say, you'll laugh out loud, cry, and upon turning the last page realize you might be a better person for reading this book if you reflect on the real message it holds. Worth quoting, "Everything you're sure is right can be wrong in another place."

This book is a wonderful book to read. Kingsolver writes from the perspective of four different characters and effectively captures the difference in ages and personalities. The story is gripping from the first page. Although the book is long, you will not want to put it down until you are finished reading it.

I was leery when I picked up this book, as many of the previous "Oprah's Book Club" selections were not all they were talked up to be. After arriving just one or two chapters into the book, I was truly entralled. It is an amazing and extremely promising read from front to back. I will be sorry to part with it, but it is time. After reading it (at least) 4 times now, I don't think I have missed anything.

Super book, vivid writing. About a family that becomes missionaries in Africa. It tells the story from each main character's point of view. One of the most thought provoking books I've read on missionary work- especially for Christians.

i have not read a book this good in a while. i highly recommend it. i was not into it during the first couple of pages, when i got to about page 50 or so, i couldn't put it down. read it within a few weeks of subway and bus rides to and from work. so clever. i can't imagine the extraordinary task of writing this book. written from the point of view of a mother and her four daughters who move to the congo with their husband and father on a mission. history and fiction all wrapped up into a powerful lesson.

Read All Book Reviews of "The Poisonwood Bible"

I loved this book. I have never read a book by this author before. I will be reading more of her work.

Very awsome eye opening learning experience every good

This book was a little hard to get in to. I put it down twice, read something else, and came back to it. I'm so glad I finished it out. It's worth it in the end and really gave me a lot to think about as far as family, what I'd be willing to sacrifice, and my faith.

Good story.

I have read several of Barbara Kingsolver's books. This one is easily my favorite and its high on my list of all time favorites.

This is one of my favorite books. Love Kingsolver's narrative style. Very thought-provoking and well-written. I highly recommend it.

This is an amazing book. I would consider it to be one of my favorites. Definitely heavy, gives you a lot to think about.

What a writer! Not an easy book to read -- depends on your political and religious views. Very, very well written.

Wonderful story. This one really drew me in and I felt like I knew each woman in the story. This is my first Kingsolver book, but I plan on reading more.

One of my favorite books. Iraq is not the first country we have invaded for our own interests. The story of the family that gets swept up in the revolt in the congo.

Read All Book Reviews of "The Poisonwood Bible"