'26 April - theme: Prizes - read a Pulitzer winning novel
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
“Tata Jesus is bängala”
I need to rave about this book - it is brilliant and I loved it. I related to all the females in the family in different ways, each was nuanced with her own distinctive voice. All the characters were flawed human beings and each was understandable in their flaws. Although Leah was my favorite.
Often historical fiction becomes merely a book about the history where some characters are shoehorned in, the history becomes the main character. This was truly an ensemble cast affair. The formation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo took on about as much importance as the apartments or cafe in a friends episode. Each daughter is equally important with the parents, villagers and later Anatole taking a slightly lesser part.
I was conflicted about the pace change at the turning point of the book, for a while I felt like I was reading an extended epilogue, but as I relaxed into the change of pace I understood why Kingslover made the change and it felt totally appropriate to do so. Leaving the book in 1996 with a hopeful Leah and Anatole is just mean though. I know enough history to know they should not have been hopeful at that time. Speaking of history - I had to look up a lot; geography too. Now I want to learn more about African history and have been plotting trips to Benin.
Funny thing - I copied the book cover image from a website called "Christianbook.com". I'm going to go out on a limb here and say - I don't think they read the book before they decided to sell it. No one who has read this tome can possibly think it is pro - christianity; the father of the house is a pastor of the southern baptist flavor and he is an utter tyrant to his family. Kingslover does manage (somehow - amazingly) to make him a relatable despot but in no world could one argue that his faith has helped him or his family in any way.
About the quote - you have to read the book to understand how beautifully ironic that quote is and how it sums up the whole book I think. So go read it, I don't want to do spoilers.