“The serpent is the most clever of all the creatures the Lord God ever made.”
Book One: Genesis
The Price family—Nathan, a zealous Baptist preacher; his wife, Orleanna; and their four daughters, Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May—arrive in the Belgian Congo in 1959. Nathan is determined to convert the villagers of Kilanga, ignoring the political unrest and cultural barriers. The family struggles with the harsh environment, while the daughters adapt in different ways: Rachel clings to her vanity, Leah embraces her father’s mission, Adah observes silently, and Ruth May befriends the local children.
Book Two: The Revelation
As the Congo moves toward independence, tensions rise. Nathan’s rigid beliefs alienate the villagers, and Orleanna grows disillusioned. A tragic snakebite kills Ruth May, fracturing the family. The remaining sisters and Orleanna flee during the political chaos, leaving Nathan behind. The event marks a turning point, forcing each character to confront their guilt and beliefs.
Book Three: The Judges
Years later, the surviving sisters grapple with their past. Leah remains in Africa, marrying a Congolese teacher and embracing activism. Adah becomes a scientist, reconciling her disability with her intellect. Rachel thrives as a businesswoman but remains emotionally detached. Orleanna lives in guilt, haunted by Ruth May’s death and her own passivity.
Book Four: Bel and the Serpent
The narrative shifts to the long-term consequences of colonialism. Leah witnesses the exploitation of the Congo’s resources, while Adah reflects on the arrogance of Western intervention. Rachel’s shallow life contrasts with her sisters’ deeper engagements. The serpent motif resurfaces, symbolizing both danger and wisdom, as the women reckon with their roles in the Congo’s suffering.
Book Five: Exodus
In the final section, the sisters reunite briefly in Africa. Leah remains committed to justice, Adah finds peace in her work, and Rachel remains unchanged. Orleanna’s closing monologue reflects on loss and redemption. The novel ends with a meditation on the enduring scars of colonialism and the Price family’s fractured legacy.
Key Ideas
- The destructive impact of religious and cultural imperialism
- The resilience and agency of women in oppressive systems
- The moral complexities of colonialism and its aftermath
- The duality of nature as both life-giving and deadly
- The unreliability of memory and perspective in shaping truth
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in postcolonial literature and historical fiction
- Those exploring themes of faith, guilt, and redemption
- Fans of multi-perspective narratives with strong female voices