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)

Historical novel set in Africa

It’s a really well written book, told through the eyes of its four main characters: three sisters and a mother whose father/husband is a missionary I the Congo. It’s very explicit about the wrongs done by the USA and other exploitative countries. The glimpse we get of the desperate poverty most people had to deal with, and the many injustices, is eye opening if you aren’t familiar with the history.

A Masterpiece of Writing, Scope & Affect!

Brilliantly conceived & Composed. Kingsolver’s wit & insights sneak up on you in some places so pay attention! Other times her social commentary slap you across the face. The pace & revelations may lull some into submission, but don’t succumb! This novel is a must read.

Quite incredible story

Reading this book via Audible is the way to go. The narrator does an incredible job on a story that makes you laugh, cry and mourn those lost. This book was recommended by my Episcopal priest and Bishop and I now know where to go for future books.

Wonderful, but one complaint

The story was powerful and I loved the focus on regret, grief and “how do we live with what it?” My only complaint is that I really wish they had used multiple narrators for the 5 ladies that were sharing their story.

Love the book. Narrator terrible!

I love Barbara Kingsolver as an author. This is a great story of a difficult time and place - humanely told. The narrator, I'm sorry to say, lacked any affect or any pretense of acting. She simply read aloud and not well. No change of voice to denote the change of protagonist with each chapter. Each chapter was organized around one person's POV with the person's name actually given. It couldn't have been easier for an actor to say, "ok, now I have to use a different voice." It was as if she was told specifically, "Do not act. Do not do anything to reveal emotion through your voice. Do not alter your pace no matter what's happening in the story. Do not think. Just read." you it was that bad. I kid you not!

I'm glad I kept listening bc the story is worth it.

Remarkable piece of writing

Although often not an easy listen the characters really come to life. It was hard to have any empathy for the egotistical father willing to put his goal to baptize all the village children above the safety and well being of his own family. Interesting that the author chose not to include the father’s perspective in the telling of the story. While all the daughters had their own faults the author did an excellent job of making each one relatable, even Rachel who brought some humor to an otherwise humorless novel.
Unlike many books I’ve read, this one, like others by the same author, does not short change readers with how it wraps up the story.
I am now inspired to find out more how Zaire and Angola have, or have not, progressed since this book was published.

Wonderfully written story. Narration not so much.

The story itself was beautifully written. The detail and nuance led me to believe it was a memoir of sorts. The narration was flat and too fast.

A most memorable book!

Barbara Kingsolver is a joy to read. As time spent in Africa will change you, this book will forever alter your ability to observe situations before jumping to conclusions. These characters leap into consciousness to be a part of you forever.

Insightful

An insightful view from each character and their experience in the same world.
Might read again

Wonderful listening

Beautifully written story of mission to Africa and family struggles adjusting to living in remote village. The experience divides the family and each the four daughters finds her path forward. Terrific book.