Poisonwood Bible

"Do I ever think about the life I missed in the good old U.S.A.? Practically every day would be my answer. Oh, goodness, the parties, the cars, the music- the whole carefree American way of life. I've missed being a part of something you could really believe in. When we finally got TV here, for a long while they ran Dick Clark and the American Bandstand every afternoon at four o'clock. I'd lock up the bar, make myself a double Singapore Sling, settle down with a paper fan, and practically swoon with grief. I know how to do those hairstyles. I could have been something in America. Then why not go back? Well, now it's too late, of course" (Kingsolver 614).

Even now when Rachel owns a successful hotel with all the conveniences Africa could offer, she still misses living in the United States. Despite all her best efforts, including running away with a man she did not love, deserting her family, and trying to be apart of a more civilized community within Africa, Rachel is not able to duplicate the lifestyle she would have lived in America. Because of that she is miserable and lonely for her family or any sort of true companionship. When presented with the truly obvious solution of returning to America, she realizes it's too late; Africa has become so much a part of her persona that without it, she would no longer be the Rachel who survived everything set against her and is still thriving, but rather a woman who is too old to start over and trying to live in a time that has already past.