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

interesting,Americans are always bad guys but everyone always comes begging narrator was fine would not mind listening to more read by this person

Great story and Wonderful Reader!

Who was your favorite character and why?

All The character are captivating and beautifully rendered.

Have you listened to any of Dean Robertson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, This is the first audio book I have listened to by her. But, I would definitely listen to more by her if given the choice.

Powerful book

I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a notion of African history and the role Europeans played. I did feel that the book could have ended before the girls grow up and it wouldn’t have lost anything.

Really Good!

An alternative type of book, off the beaten track that shows how far people will go to fulfill their egos in the name of religion. But a good story, that I thoroughly enjoyed!

This is a masterpiece!

I have read and listened to this masterful book more times than I can count. I disagree with the criticism of the narrator. I think she is superb! This would have been better if read by multiple talents as "The Help" was, but I thought that the narrator did an admirable job.

This book has so many layers and as a lay missionary, I can so relate to the characters and their struggles-- especially when it comes to the daughters of Nathan Price.

This book makes my lifetime top ten. In fact, it ties for number one!

Best Audio Book I've heard in a long time

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

I've recommended this to people who would enjoy a well crafted story which is better heard than read. The telling of this tale is extraordinary and Dean Robertson's interpretation and command of character accents brings the book to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The hotel owning, sassy daughter and Robertson's interpretation is very real.

Have you listened to any of Dean Robertson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to any others by this performer but will sek them out.

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

I highly recommend this author and the reader without hesitation.

Comical look at the webs we weave

What did you love best about The Poisonwood Bible?

I liked the author's view on Family/ Siblings. We can't pick them but we still keep them near.

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

There was a bit of suspense in what was going to happen next.

Which scene was your favorite?

When they decided to leave.

Any additional comments?

Narrator mispronounced words, which lead me to rewind in my head and miss some of her narration

Captivating

The author paints a stunning picture of the Congo and creates characters that are very human and relatable.

interesting

As a person who cares about mission work, it was interesting to hear about this family's experience. From the acceptance or rejection of the message to the gains or loses that occurred, I believe that I was able to travel through this experience with them. A well written journey.

just finished, and already itching for a re-listen

After listening to this book for the first time, I'm already hungering to re-listen to it, only in part because there is a small reveal at the end that might help me understand earlier parts better. Really, there's a lot about this book old like to understand better. The only difficult thing about the book is how much of the later chapters feel like an epilogue, with the conclusion being imminent, but the book keeps continuing. In any case, the book was a very worthwhile listen, with skilled narration.