La biblia envenenada
- Language
- Spanish
- Published
- 2001
- Publisher
- Ediciones del Bronce
- Pages
- 675
- ISBN
- 9788484539674
In 1959, the fervent Baptist missionary Nathan Price moves his wife and four daughters from their home in Georgia to the Belgian Congo. They carry with them American ideals and Christian faith, expecting to uplift the souls of a remote village. Instead, they find themselves in a world with its own complex traditions and beliefs, a place where the seeds they brought from home refuse to grow and their scripture is calamitously transformed on African soil. The story is told through the eyes of the five Price women as they navigate the unpredictable dangers of their new environment and the turbulent political climate of a nation on the brink of independence.
What unfolds is the suspenseful story of one family's tragic undoing and remarkable reconstruction over the course of three decades in postcolonial Africa. Faced with personal betrayals and political upheaval, each woman must forge her own path to salvation in a world she can no longer recognize. The novel confronts the consequences of cultural arrogance and blind faith, exploring the profound ways a place can change a person and how a family must grapple with the guilt of their own part in the ruin of a nation.
What unfolds is the suspenseful story of one family's tragic undoing and remarkable reconstruction over the course of three decades in postcolonial Africa. Faced with personal betrayals and political upheaval, each woman must forge her own path to salvation in a world she can no longer recognize. The novel confronts the consequences of cultural arrogance and blind faith, exploring the profound ways a place can change a person and how a family must grapple with the guilt of their own part in the ruin of a nation.
- Genres
- Fiction › Historical fictionFiction › Action & adventureFiction › Literary fiction › Psychological fictionFiction › Family sagaFiction › Religious fiction
- Themes
- FamilyReligion & faith › ChristianityRace & ethnicity › Black experienceGender › WomanhoodArt & creativity › Film & Hollywood
- Protagonist
- Female protagonist
- Where and when
- Democratic Republic of the Congo United States 20th century
- Style
- Form: Novel
Original edition
The Poisonwood BibleOriginally published in 1998 English Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Other editions (114)
No summary for this edition yet.
What readers say
4.12
816K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The Poisonwood Bible is widely praised for its exceptional writing, with many reviewers highlighting the poetic beauty and evocative nature of its prose. The author's ability to create a vivid and compelling atmosphere of African life, customs, and landscape is frequently commended, transporting readers into the heart of the Congo. The novel's unique structure, told through the distinct and developing voices of the mother and her four daughters, is celebrated for its strong character development and the engaging exploration of diverse perspectives on cross-cultural interaction. Many found the story engrossing, emotionally investing, and profoundly thought-provoking, appreciating its multi-layered examination of complex themes without offering simplistic answers, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
However, a significant point of contention among reviewers is the book's perceived lack of objective balance and a strong authorial agenda. Critics argue that the narrative is at times overly preachy, critical, and manipulative, particularly in its portrayal of the father character as a one-dimensional caricature of Western arrogance and religious fanaticism. This perceived bias extends to the depiction of missionaries and American foreign policy, which some readers found disrespectful to the characters and historically inaccurate in certain aspects. Other drawbacks mentioned include a slow pace, especially in the latter sections, and a feeling that the plot sometimes dragged or lacked sufficient progression. Some also felt that certain character dialogues required a considerable suspension of disbelief and that the individual voices did not always ring true.
Ultimately, The Poisonwood Bible stands as a deeply polarizing yet widely acknowledged work of literary fiction. While some readers found its strong viewpoints challenging and its pace demanding, many others appreciated its immersive storytelling and the profound questions it raises. It is recommended for those who enjoy beautifully crafted prose, complex character studies, and a narrative that encourages deep reflection on themes of colonialism, faith, identity, and cultural clashes. Readers who are prepared for a demanding read with a distinct perspective on historical and social issues, and who value books that spark conversation and critical thought, are most likely to find this novel a rewarding experience.
However, a significant point of contention among reviewers is the book's perceived lack of objective balance and a strong authorial agenda. Critics argue that the narrative is at times overly preachy, critical, and manipulative, particularly in its portrayal of the father character as a one-dimensional caricature of Western arrogance and religious fanaticism. This perceived bias extends to the depiction of missionaries and American foreign policy, which some readers found disrespectful to the characters and historically inaccurate in certain aspects. Other drawbacks mentioned include a slow pace, especially in the latter sections, and a feeling that the plot sometimes dragged or lacked sufficient progression. Some also felt that certain character dialogues required a considerable suspension of disbelief and that the individual voices did not always ring true.
Ultimately, The Poisonwood Bible stands as a deeply polarizing yet widely acknowledged work of literary fiction. While some readers found its strong viewpoints challenging and its pace demanding, many others appreciated its immersive storytelling and the profound questions it raises. It is recommended for those who enjoy beautifully crafted prose, complex character studies, and a narrative that encourages deep reflection on themes of colonialism, faith, identity, and cultural clashes. Readers who are prepared for a demanding read with a distinct perspective on historical and social issues, and who value books that spark conversation and critical thought, are most likely to find this novel a rewarding experience.
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