The Poisonwood Bible

The spirit of Ruth May declares, “I am muntu Africa, muntu one child and a million all lost on the same day” (537). She explains that death is not worse than life, but she has a “larger view.” She describes the journey to the picnic outlined in Orleanna’s memory in Book 1. She also explains that every life affects other lives in profound, but unknowable ways.

She observes her mother and sisters on their reunion trip, ostensibly to find Ruth May’s grave and say goodbye, but actually to say goodbye to Orleanna. They intended to find Ruth May’s grave so that Orleanna can leave a marker on it. Unfortunately, they cannot make the journey, as Zaire has descended into war once more. Mobutu dies of cancer, having fled. After his death, there is a moment of pregnant silence just as there was after Ruth May’s. The women are in the marketplace and find a woman from Bulungu. Orleanna buys wooden elephants for Leah’s grandchildren and is given an okapi carving as a gift. The family is disturbed to learn that the woman claims there is no village called Kilanga—there is only jungle south of Bulungu.

Ruth May’s spirit forgives her mother and encourages her to forgive herself and move on: