*originally posted 2010 on another site.
I was a little leery about reading this book. Too many people loved it, and it was an Oprah Book Club selection. I’ve read several of her picks, and ugh, are they awful. She’s gotten better (I actually have two other of her picks on my summer reading list), but most everything she has recommended was something I truly disliked. This book, however, didn’t suck at all! Shocking, I know.
The Price family, consisting of a father, mother, and 4 daughters are missionaries in the Congo during the 1950s. Devout doesn’t even begin to describe the father. The girls are frequently punished by having to write Bible verses over and over. This story is told from the perspective of the girls while they are in Africa, and from the mother after they have left. Rachel is the oldest, snobbiest, and hates Africa. Leah constantly seeks her father’s attention, but never truly receives it, so she is forced to find her own path. Adeh, is Leah’s twin, was born with brain damage, limps, and is brilliant. Ruth May is the youngest and the most inquisitive about her new surroundings.
As much as they want to go to Africa, do their Christian duty, and head back home, Africa simply won’t let them. They experience love and loss, and no matter how hard they try, they cannot leave Africa behind. It stays with them for the rest of their lives.
I usually don’t enjoy books with multiple narrators, but this is an exception. While reading, I kept thinking how great it would be to use as an example of voice in the classroom. As much as I was dreading this book, I quickly breezed through it and did enjoy it quite a bit.
Pleasant Nights 