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)

interesting but...

I found the father character to be unbelievable. The story kept me listening to the end, and the book takes some strange twists towards the end.
Theres also a lot of history that I did not know.

My primary reason for picking this up was the name; & the fact that when I was a kid, there was a missionary in my church. We supported him & his family. He spent the 60s & 70s in Africa. I don't think he was anything like the father in the book. At least I hope not. But I always wondered about their experiences. After listening, I believe I have a somewhat better picture.

Wonderful book well narrated

I love The Poisonwood Bible - it's one of my favourite books of all time. I sometimes find the problem with audiobooks is that the narration can spoil your memories of a great book - however I found this version very well narrated. The stories of the four girls and their mother intertwined beautifully; the narrator didn't try to give each person too much of a different voice which I think would have sounded contrived. I highly recommend this book.

excellent and interesting historical events

I loved this book as I have with all Kingsolver's stories. She is an excellent writer. I also thought the reader did an
exceptional job reading with all the languages needed to give the story an extra spice .

Kingsolver's best work... but the narration is ugh

Look I feel bad for the narrator, I do. It must stink to see all these poor reviews of your performance. But this book really did need a different narrator. I've read it and then listened to it over a decade later and I actually had to get past the narrator. It was an obstacle.
The book itself is a work of art, truly.

Wonderful, thought provoking

Wonderful with humor and serious subject matter
Narration was spot on not certain why there were previous comments that narrator was off

Beautiful words beautifully read

I feel as though this book will be with me for the remainder of my life. It is excellent.

I savored this book

It was hypnotizing and powerful. The Price women were completely endearing. An important, enjoyable read!

What We Don’t Know

I had a tough time in the beginning of this book. In the end I wanted it to keep going. We don’t know what we don’t know but if we are quiet and listen we can learn.

Don’t miss this one

Everyone has something to say about the performance of this book. It takes a little effort to keep the characters straight until you get to know them. Listen for the names closely.

I finished this book ten minutes ago and enjoyed it so much I am starting it over as soon as I’m done with this review.

Spend a credit on this book. You won’t regret it.

A real work of art!

Barbara Kingsolver includes so many minute details and philosophical perspectives that her books are like a painting created with many colours on a delicate earth-tone background. The result is complex and beautiful--I couldn't put it down!. As with DEMON COPPERHEAD the narrator was perfect
for this story told in the first person. I would highly recommend this book to any serious reader.I