Brief Plot Synopsis
The Poisonwood Bible is a novel that is set against one of the most vivid political chronicles of the 20th century. This is the fighting for independence by Congo from Belgium, the slaying of its initial elected prime minister, the CIA coup to put in his replacement and the sinister advancement of a world economic order that robs the young African nation of its self-rule. In the novel, the story is told by Nathan’s wife Orleanna and his 4 daughters. In the year 1959, an evangelical Baptist known as Nathan Price takes his wife (Orleanna), his 4 young daughters (Leah, Ruth May, Rachel and Adah) and his mission to Belgian-colonized Congo. In his mind, he is convinced that he will be able save needy souls. However, the seeds they sow (both spiritual and plants) do not blossom as expected within this intricate culture.
Price’s wife and his 4 daughters are keen to take with them supplies that will enable them have a comfortable stay for the following one year. On their arrival in Congo, they are directed to a village called Kilanga. Soon they realize that they brought with them the wrong kinds of supplies and are thus dolefully ill-equipped to cope with life in this significantly different climate and culture. However, Nathan seems rigid in his approach to both his family and the Congolese and thus his wife and daughters become beleaguered by their altered circumstances. Thus, the women become affected by the culture around them and shaken by the emerging events. Ultimately, the women have to strike their own separate paths and survive as the events and conditions around them become harsh. At one particular point, Orleanna even tries to fly her daughters out of Congo by bribing a mercenary pilot. However, this attempt fails since the pilot cannot work without cash upfront. This is novel that has intertwined stories which explore personal responsibility and moral risk.
Works Cited
Kingsolver, Barbara. Poisonwood Bible. New York: HarperCollins, 2003.
