SUMMARY

THE POISONWOOD BIBLE

BASED ON THE BOOK BY BARBARA KINGSOLVER

SUMMARY WRITTEN BY: LIBRARY OF STORIES

CONTENT

Genesis in Georgia

Arrival in Kilanga

The Burden of the Word

Cultural Collisions

The Weight of Secrets

Shifting Perspectives

Revelation and Loss

Exodus

The Aftermath

General Analysis

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL BOOK

"The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver tells the story of the Price family, a group of American missionaries, who travel to the Congo in the late 1950s. The narrative follows the family’s difficult journey as they attempt to impose their religious beliefs and American culture on a Congolese village. The story is primarily narrated through the perspectives of the mother and her four daughters. As the family tries to adapt to life in the Congo, they must deal with cultural differences, political unrest, and the consequences of their father’s actions. The book delves into themes of colonialism, cultural arrogance, and the effects of religious zealotry, exploring how these forces impact both the family and the Congolese community. The narrative highlights the family’s internal struggles and evolving relationships, while reflecting on their complicity in the tragic events that unfold.