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The Poisonwood Bible cover art

The Poisonwood Bible

Written by: Barbara Kingsolver
Narrated by: Dean Robertson
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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.

What the critics say

"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)  

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What listeners say about The Poisonwood Bible

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  • Mel
  • 2021-02-09

Make sure to listen to the sample reading first

I never thought narration would matter that much with a good story....but apparently it does! Make sure to listen to the sample first. I think I need to abandon the audiobook and get the print copy! The narration feels rushed and like she's just trying to get through it with no pauses or attention to tone or feeling. Kind of monotone. And the voice of each character sounds the same, so it's hard to feel like you are getting to know each character.

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7 people found this helpful

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Poisonwood Bible

I’m sorry to say that it’s taken me this long to read this book. What an amazing story. I’m glad I have it for all time to refer and reflect back on. Heartwarming heartbreaking historical drama.

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3 people found this helpful

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Wow!

Overwhelming at times. Slowed the reading to 95% to absorb every word. Incredible. Informative. Inspirational.

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Loved this book

Loved the richness and depth of this book. It gave me an appreciation of life in the Congo and it’s struggles through diverse perspectives within the same family. The narration was very well done but I slowed it down as recommended to truly appreciate the wonderful writing. Glad I listened to it versus reading as hearing the spoken references in local language added to the richness of the story.

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the bible of poison

       Obviously, dear readers, I have become quite immersed in literature in the form of audiobooks. Some are simple fluff stories, others great pieces of literature that I have longed to enjoy. Each one from fluff to epic stories have helped me to grow, ever so slightly. This next book was recommended to me by my aunt. 
    My now passed on mother's youngest sister. In honor of the recently passed mother's day. This story meant a lot to me. 
My mother was a very hard worker. As a registered nurse in OR and Emergency. Then on retirement she continued to dedicate herself to continuing her work as a Frontier nurse in northern Canada. She worked hard and sacrificed a lot. Including our relationship. Not at all entirely her fault. I was never an easy child, and definitely not the best son. 
  In the wake of her death I have come closer with one of her sisters, my aunt Cindy. Who out of many of my relatives I have always had the easiest time relating to. A kindred spirit as it were.
   This may be a poor attempt to heal wounds. What it truly is, is an attempt to understand the individual my mother was as a person. Who was just trying to do her best. Making mistakes and triumphs in this world. 

  The Poisonwood Bible is set in the 1950 to 1990s. Focusing around a fictional family with a misogynistic white preacher who drags his wife and 4 caucasian daughters into the heart of Congo Africa.                                    The story is told from the perspective of the woman who begrudgingly followed their righteous father. Bring the word of god in a misguided attempt to save the African people. 
  Although fiction, the book depicts very well the mindset of both man and woman at that time and how and why both men and women began changing their roles.
   The book is well written. Showing the different personalities and perspectives of the 5 women. Giving me an interesting view because my mother has 3 sisters. 
   It also shows the lifestyle of the indigenous Africans in their own country invaded by American, Belgian and French ideologies. While the country is being taken advantage of. 
    It uses real life events and people and is very well researched. It tackles real topics like cultural differences, religious differences, and the expectation of both sexes of the 1950s. Also why this has changed and to this day both men and women are changing and redefining our expectations and roles. 
    Also points out the problem that can occur when traveling to a different part of the world, not understanding its nature.
      After a tragedy each member of that family goes off in their own direction making life in their own way. With the scars of the Congo that forever changed them. 

   As ever I wish to give my thanks. First and foremost to my aunt Cindy. Thank you for the recommendations. Thank you for giving me a chance to get to know you and my mother a bit more. Like the characters in this book mom and I grew apart and neither of us really made the effort to heal the gap that we let grow too wide for too long. It may be too little too late. But I am trying and in you I have a doorway, a friend, and am part of a family
  I wish to take a moment to include my 2 sisters Tracy, Taya and aunts Carline , Pam  in acknowledgement as will. This has opened my mind a bit into me mentally of women. This book has shown me even sisters have their differences and can grow close or apart with the flow of time. Know despite the distance, wrong words, arguments, and the gap. I do love you. I do think of you. I do want you both to have fulfilling lives. 
   And of course from the author to narrator and everyone involved in the process of making this audiobook. My deepest thanks 

Yours, an avid listener,
David Evil Midknight 

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Outstanding book.

It’s been years since I’ve read a book that made me think so deeply. After finishing this book, I returned immediately to Chapter 1 and reread it. Although I’ve never done that before, it made great sense to do it with this book. It is a memorable read and I recommend it!

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Brilliant

I like everything about this book. I like the characters, the story, the structure, the remarkable way Kingsolver tells the story through 5 viewpoints that provide a wide understanding of the Congo in the 1960s and of the effects of religions on those who believe & those who don't. The performance works & I like to listen to the book every now and then. There's always something new.

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A medium length book that felt like it lasted an etirnity.

I usually like Barbaras writting...but this wasnt for me. I am sure it is technically a good book.... but to me it was hard to understand and as interesting as watching paint dry.

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Humours

Deep, symbolic, makes you think about what you always believe was right. Europe central thought.

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Great Writer tells a great story

I am an author myself and I rate myself a 1 in comparison to Barbara Kingssolver at 90 plus. Many books tell a story and there well written, but she is an incredibly talented writer. Frankly, I don’t know how she does it. If you are looking for a beautiful, heartbreaking, intricate novel about a family from Georgia to the Congo in the 60’s this is for you. Along the way, you learn about the history of the Congo and the devastating effects of colonialism. I also highly recommend Demon Copperfield by the same author. I cant wait to listen to my next book by her.

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