I just finished reading The Poisonwood Bible. The writing was delicious. I've heard a lot about this book over the last year or so, and I'm immensely glad I've finally read it.
The book is about a Baptist preacher from Georgia who takes his wife and four daughters into the Congo on a mission in 1960. Essentially. Except, really, it's about so much more than that.
This year I've watched a handful of movies dealing with Africa: God Grew Tired of Us; Blood Diamond;Out of Africa; Lord of War (which is only somewhat about Africa); and The Last King of Scotland.
All these works have really made me think a lot about Africa - its problems, the rampant corruption, the horrendous violence, the devastating diseases. Not only that, but also the causes of (contributors to?) these things (I'm looking at you, imperialism and neo-colonialism.), as well as the treatments and solutions to some of these problems.
I wish I had something really insightful and intelligent to say, but I don't. All I can think of is how Africa makes me sad. It makes me want to help. Last year Eric and I were going to buy a goat for a village or something along those lines. Maybe we will do it this year now that we are both working again. Plus there's always the Perpetual Education Fund.
This isn't much of a post. Sorry.
3 comments:
Yes, this is a good post. First of all I had no idea what The Poisonwood Bible was about, so thank you for telling me.
The plight of most Africans is sad. You worry about it. It shows you care about others. So thank you again.
Thoughtful musings make for great posts. I read the poisonwood bible years ago, and really enjoyed it. I might just have to re-read it now.
Oh BOY if you could have seen my grin upon reading the first line of your post. DEEEeee-light. I think "delicious" is an excellent way to describe its writing.
And I agree with Jenny - thoughtful musings are tops! I think this is one of my favourite posts of yours to date!
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