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)

Poisonwood

I really enjoyed reading, and I hope the teachers in my department can approve for me to teach it in World Literature.

Beautiful

An amazing story that transported me(an American) to the Congo. I learned a bit of history and felt deeply for the characters.

Masterful narration.

Interesting and captivating

I loved the details in the story. I could barely pause the audiobook because it was so captivating. Loved the humor as well.

A great book in every way

Rereading after 10 years, I admire the author's power to touch and teach. Best.

moms favorite writer

I loved the depth of the characters. Leah was my favorite. tachel my least favorite

I can't believe this is fictional

The author did a wonderful job of storytelling from many different personality perspectives, so enlightening.

Will I Finish This Book?

One of the reviews I read gave negative comments about the reader! I disregarded this and since a Kingsolver fan downloaded the book. Each time I listen, I find the reader more annoying. Speaking fast, almost in a monotone with no deference to character age or change of character. I am tempted to stop now! Not finish but this is usually not my way. It is a shame really. Good writing, marginal reading!

Incredibly insightful and beautifully written

Being a missionary’s daughter, this book has meant so much to me from validating my upbringing, challenging my beliefs and expanding my understanding of how white Christian supremacy left it’s scars on the world, but especially Africa. Captivating and detailed, I’d recommend this book to any and all.

wow, just wow!

I lived this book. the characters and the different written voices. the superb way the narration captured those voices. the writing that could fill me with sadness or make me laugh. totally highly recommended. but with a warning... it will challenge what you believe about God and America and goodness.

A journey

I simply loved it! Such rich playing with words and images, wonderfully shared! want to read it again and again.