The Poisonwood Bible Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

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Summary

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 all 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.

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10 comments

  • Amie K.
    •October 29, 2023 at 8:41 am
    I struggled with identifying the characters and keeping track of their conversations. There were moments when I was close to giving up on this book. The performance of the narrator can either elevate an average book to greatness or diminish a great book's impact. Unfortunately, in this case, it had the latter effect. The narrator's fast pace and lack of distinction between the dialects of the four daughters who narrate the story made it challenging to fully comprehend. However, the final quarter of the book redeemed the overall listening experience. I believe it could have received a higher rating if a more skilled narrator had been chosen.
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  • Caron Bjerken
    •October 27, 2023 at 8:32 pm
    I chose to download The Poisonwood Bible as my very first audiobook from this service, and boy, was it a fantastic choice! The narrator really knows how to make the story come alive. Not only is it an exciting adventure, but it also provides a valuable history lesson. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and I cannot stress enough how much I loved it. I have already recommended this incredible book, or should I say audiobook, to at least 50 people since I finished it. It has definitely earned a spot as one of my all-time favorites.
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  • Cherlyn Bullock
    •October 27, 2023 at 3:28 pm
    Many other reviewers have already covered the story in detail, so I won't repeat it here. However, if you're thinking about getting this audiobook, I strongly recommend opting for the printed version instead. The narrator's performance takes away from the brilliance of the book. She lacks proper intonation and shows very little emotion, never bothering to create distinct voices for the characters. Furthermore, she speaks way too quickly. Despite my suggestion to choose the printed book, it would be unfair to give this work anything less than 5 stars. The writing deserves a solid 10 stars for its literary merit, but the narrator's performance only earns a disappointing 2 stars.
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  • Ian Muhammad
    •October 20, 2023 at 4:29 am
    I'm currently halfway through my second read, and I hardly ever read a book twice. The narrative is alternately told from the perspective of a missionary wife and her four young daughters, set in the Belgian Congo during the 1950s. While it's classified as a historical novel taking place amidst political turmoil in the country, the primary focus remains on the missionary family's experience in a poverty-stricken Congolese village. Kingsolver's characters are exceptionally well-developed, as always, and the reader is able to understand each character's unique viewpoint through a thorough examination of Kingsolver's beautifully crafted writing style. I just wish the reader would take it down a notch and allow us to fully appreciate Kingsolver's exquisite use of language. This book has easily become one of my all-time favorites, and that's saying something.
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  • Nicol S.
    •October 18, 2023 at 1:35 am
    I wanted to bring attention to this book for those who may have missed the excellent listener reviews that are already available. I apologize for accidentally giving a negative response to a very interesting review by Westergren Viveca. I wish there was a way to correct such mistakes on the service. I do want to mention that this is not a book that can be easily listened to with distractions or when you're busy. It is filled with richness that can be missed if not fully engaged. This may explain why some people have had issues with the narration. Dean Robertson does a brilliant job capturing the rhythm, inflection, and unique qualities of the Georgia-bred women that Kingsolver has written, giving them authentic voices. Since the speaker is clearly identified at the beginning of each chapter, there is no need for dramatic vocal changes. The result is a truthful and compelling characterization every time. A slower reading would not have served the text well, as these women do not speak slowly. This truth adds to the delight of the book. Like any truly excellent piece of writing, there may be moments when you want to go back and delve deeper into the meaning and beauty. It is worth the time and effort. Sorry for the long caveat! But I highly recommend treating yourself to Barbara Kingsolver's captivating book when you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in it.
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  • Andy E.
    •October 16, 2023 at 4:42 pm
    I was really looking forward to listening to "The Poisonwood Bible," but I have to say, I'm quite disappointed so far. The narrator doesn't do justice to the author's work. She reads way too quickly, making it difficult for me to fully appreciate Kingsolver's lovely descriptions. It feels like she's rushing through the novel, as if she's been told to speed read it. Despite the narrator's shortcomings, I'm still trying to find enjoyment in the story. However, I really think the producer should consider finding a different narrator and redoing this narration. Honestly, it's the worst narration I've ever come across.
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  • Delma Flam
    •September 26, 2023 at 3:47 am
    A Southern Baptist minister from Georgia embarks on a journey to the Congo accompanied by his wife and four blonde daughters with the goal of saving souls. I agree with the author's perspective and appreciate her intricate, precise, and unpretentious writing style. However, I found this book to be monotonous, tiresome, and uninspiring. I understand the concept and appreciate the subtle sarcasm, but I wish the story could have concluded earlier. With six more hours to go, I had to put it down. Perhaps I missed something significant at the end, but at this point, I would rather move on to more captivating books. I'm not sure why this book consistently receives high ratings on lists. Maybe it's because someone is shedding light on the unfortunate reality that some individuals feel compelled to impose their beliefs on "uncivilized" people who are perfectly satisfied. It is indeed a revelation, but I believe Ms. Kingsolver would benefit from working more closely with her editor. Additionally, the southern accent was grating and echoed in my ears.
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  • Delmar C.
    •August 22, 2023 at 2:53 pm
    This book is hands down one of the most captivating audiobooks I've ever encountered. Right from the start, I was completely engrossed in the lives of the family and the unfamiliar setting of the Congo that I never could have envisioned. Admittedly, there were moments when the political aspects were quite prominent, but it didn't take away from the compelling narrative. Moreover, the narration itself was top-notch, making it one of the finest audiobooks I've come across. I can confidently say that this is one of those rare books that I'll gladly revisit.
    0 0 •Reply

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