It is infrequent to read a novel that highlights the imperfections of America. Kingsolver's choice to represent America with a negative connotation was extremely bold, especially as an American author. I believe she chose to represent the Congo as real as it gets because she wants to show the stark contrast between the two countries.
American authors often glorify characters that are from their own country because they know much more about their own territory rather than a foreign place. I believe that Kingsolver did an incredible job at informing the reader of a place that one might have not known. She chose the American, Nathan Price, to be the "bad guy" to give a balance and entail that Americans do not always have to win the hearts of the reader. In essence, Americans are not always the hero's of a novel, and Kingsolver chose the outlet of the Price family missionary goals to provide an example. Further the author shines light on Eisenhower's presidency, and how the American system of legislature was imposing upon the ill-structured government in the Congo. U.S. History textbooks for instance, may be bias and only show the strong attributes that the U.S. has accomplished, however, Kingsolver does not fear telling the reader the negative effects of American intrusion. I believe Kingsolver had a deeper purpose to tell the readers that the Congo has so many layers, both culturally and geographically. America's interference with this natural beauty can be harmful especially toward a place such as the Congo.
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