The Poisonwood Bible

By: Barbara Kingsolver

Narrated by: Dean Robertson

Length: 15 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

“A powerful new epic... [Kingsolver] has with infinitely steady hands worked the prickly threads of religion, politics, race, sin and redemption into a thing of terrible beauty.” - Los Angeles Times Book Review

The Poisonwood Bible is a story told by the wife and four daughters of Nathan Price, a fierce, evangelical Baptist who takes his family and mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. They carry with them everything they believe they will need from home, but soon find that all of it - from garden seeds to Scripture - is calamitously transformed on African soil. What follows is a suspenseful epic of one family’s tragic undoing and remarkable reconstruction over the course of three decades in postcolonial Africa.

The novel is set against one of the most dramatic political chronicles of the twentieth century: the Congo's fight for independence from Belgium, the murder of its first elected prime minister, the CIA coup to install his replacement, and the insidious progress of a world economic order that robs the fledgling African nation of its autonomy. Taking its place alongside the classic works of postcolonial literature, this ambitious novel establishes Kingsolver as one of the most thoughtful and daring of modern writers.

©1998 by Barbara Kingsolver. (P)1998 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Haunting...A novel of character, a narrative shaped by keen-eyed women." (New York Times Book Review)

"Beautifully written....Kingsolver's tale of domestic tragedy is more than just a well-told yarn.. Played out against the bloody backdrop of political struggles in Congo that continue to this day, it is also particularly timely." (People)

"The book's sheer enjoyability is given depth by Kingsolver's insight and compassion for Congo, including its people, and their language and sayings." (Boston Globe)

Excelente

Great story of historical fiction and beautifully written. I loved this book. Worth the read.

Beautifully written and read

This book made me smile for every moment I listened to it. The southern accent it is read in just is icing on the cake. The story is beautiful, the characters are well developed, the historical facts sprinkled through are fascinating. I just loved going on this journey with these characters. I will probably listen to this one again. Sometimes the reader is just a voice, not playing that big of a part in the story, but this performance was A+. I may even try to find more books read by this reader!!! Loved it!

My favorite book EVER

This was absolutely engrossing. The perspective amazing - i was pulled in completely and did bot want this story to end.

Very Interesting and Educational

I enjoyed this book. I was never bored. It is historical fiction about an American family set in the Congo. It was an education. Apart from the crimes King Leopold of Belgium inflicted on the Congo, I knew nothing of the participation of the US and other European nations continued participation in the Congo's outrageous economic oppression and plundering. It was an eye opener. The story the American family is brilliantly told through the eyes of every member of the family.

GREAT!

This is one of the greatest books ever written! Read it years ago, after finding at a thrift store. so glad to listen to audio version! Just as imactful now, as when I read it the first time. in today's climate, probably more so. You won't be disappounted!

Fabulous, Stunning and Enlightening

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because I would not want them to miss such an engrossing story that is so well told.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Poisonwood Bible?

Many moments both great and small.

What does Dean Robertson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration only enhanced an already incredible story. I loved her voices, the richness of her tones. Beautifully interpreted prose.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had very strong reactions to this book and am looking forward to listening to it again some day. The author and narrator took me on an unforgettable journey that I will not soon forget.

The many faces of the Congo

I just loved the story and the story line from 4 different points of view.
I did find it difficult to follow who is who especially at the beginning and would have needed 2 narrators and not just one to follow who is telling the story at any point.
Any way this is very recommend.

Little women in the Congo

Amazing story about a family sent to the Congo, for a missionary work with the indigenous people of a small and remote Congolese village.
Really the best advice for everyone is just go read it. It will break your heart and open your eyes, in the best and worst possible way.

EXCEPTIONAL

A must read! I never wanted the book to end as complex as it was sometimes incredibly sad sometimes humorous and always fascinating. Turning the history of the Congo, the people among her, and the intimate details of this Dysfunctional Family was absolutely exhilarating and I will never forget this book. Neither will you so read it.

Loved this book all over again.

This is one of my favorite books. I read it long ago and missed the characters so much I decided to listen to it. Dean did an amazing job narrating with a southern accent so very well. Perfect in every way!