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The Poisonwood Bible

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The Poisonwood Bible

By: Barbara Kingsolver
Narrated by: Dean Robertson
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About this listen

“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. Africa Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Emotionally Gripping Tear-jerking

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)

All stars
Most relevant
This extraordinary narrative is captivating from start to finish. I can't think how to review it without merely producing a string of superlatives. The story as it unfolds is gripping, funny, harrowing, informative, touching, tragic and real to the point of emotional bonding. If the reader has any experience of subsaharan Africa all of the above are magnified. If the reader does not, then there are parts of the book which are an educational knife to the heart. Kingsolver writes so beautifully that one can read and re-read passages and sentences and savour them. I have read the book on several occasions and it has been a great pleasure having it read to me by this wonderful narrator who captures the spirit of each character so well.

No praise high enough

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I remember seeing this book on the shelves when it first came out years and years ago. I always fancied reading it but something held me back every time. Then it popped up on audible when I was looking to use my monthly credit and I thought I'd give it a go. I have recently listened to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Go Set a Watchman' (brilliantly read by Cissy Spacek and Reece Witherspoon) so the Southern accent was something that I have found very relaxing and soothing to listen to. The story really captured my imagination and I liked the characters tremendously for their individuality and courage. Historically it was fascinating seeing how the Congo was fought over and 'claimed' by other countries while the Congolese just got on with life as best they could. I think the author does a great job right at the end summing up how the West think they can solve all of the third world country's health problems and then by doing so just create a brand new even bigger problem - overpopulation, and a result of that is starvation, famine and war.

My only criticism would be the way that we follow the family very closely with only months between sections and then suddenly at the end it jumps any number of years, and does this several times. I think the author could have filled us in on some of the really big events that took place when the girls were adults, that are simply glossed over.

Aside from that it was a really enjoyable listen and the lives of the family will definitely stay with me for a while yet.

As good as I hoped

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I chose.this book for its peculiar title and felt the need to listen intently. The history of the Congo interests me. The church and its vision once held me. Barbara Kingsolver weaves a story of many parts and she tells it with such visceral aplomb.

The poetic nature of this work sings. The portrayal of a people in the Congo is a work of art. This book in my view is chillingly enthralling.

Chillingly Enthralling

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A wonderful book. Fascinating story with fully formed characters. Loved the multiple naration by the different charcters despite missing the swap over occasionally. However because of the quality of the writing it very soon became clear who was talking. Personal experience and deep research producing a memorable listen.

An amazing tour de force

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One of the most poignant books I’ve read in a while. The narration is incredible.
Kingsolver has accomplished a massive feat with this novel - it educated me on the DRC and its erstwhile years, the impact of the missionaries and interfering western countries in this nation. Thoroughly informative and enjoyable.

A must-read / listen

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