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When Mrs. Dashwood is forced by an avaricious daughter-in-law to leave the family home in Sussex, she takes her three daughters to live in a modest cottage in Devon. For Elinor, the eldest daughter, the move means a painful separation from the man she loves, but her sister Marianne finds in Devon the romance and excitement which she longs for.
Shy, fragile Fanny Price is the consummate "poor relation". Sent to live with her wealthy uncle Thomas, she clashes with his spoiled, selfish daughters and falls in love with his son. Their lives are further complicated by the arrival of a pair of witty, sophisticated Londoners, whose flair for flirtation collides with the quiet, conservative country ways of Mansfield Park.
Anne Elliot has grieved for seven years over the loss of her first love, Captain Frederick Wentworth. But events conspire to unravel the knots of deceit and misunderstanding in this beguiling and gently comic story of love and fidelity.
When Catherine Morland, a country clergyman's daughter, is invited to spend a season in Bath with the fashionable high society, little does she imagine the delights and perils that await her. Captivated and disconcerted by what she finds, and introduced to the joys of "Gothic novels" by her new friend, Isabella, Catherine longs for mystery and romance. When she is invited to stay with the beguiling Henry Tilney and his family at Northanger Abbey, she expects mystery and intrigue at every turn.
One of Jane Austen’s most beloved works, Pride and Prejudice, is vividly brought to life by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl). In her bright and energetic performance of this British classic, she expertly captures Austen’s signature wit and tone. Her attention to detail, her literary background, and her performance in the 2005 feature film version of the novel provide the perfect foundation from which to convey the story of Elizabeth Bennett, her four sisters, and the inimitable Mr. Darcy.
The backbone of Mansfield Park is based around the marriages of sisters Lady Bertram, Mrs. Norris, and Mrs. Price. Each of these sisters marries a man from a different social class. Lady Bertram marries an extremely wealthy baronet, Sir Thomas Bertram; Mrs. Norris marries a clergyman who makes a decent living; and Mrs. Price marries a naval lieutenant who is injured shortly after they marry, causing his career to end with living in poverty.
When Mrs. Dashwood is forced by an avaricious daughter-in-law to leave the family home in Sussex, she takes her three daughters to live in a modest cottage in Devon. For Elinor, the eldest daughter, the move means a painful separation from the man she loves, but her sister Marianne finds in Devon the romance and excitement which she longs for.
Shy, fragile Fanny Price is the consummate "poor relation". Sent to live with her wealthy uncle Thomas, she clashes with his spoiled, selfish daughters and falls in love with his son. Their lives are further complicated by the arrival of a pair of witty, sophisticated Londoners, whose flair for flirtation collides with the quiet, conservative country ways of Mansfield Park.
Anne Elliot has grieved for seven years over the loss of her first love, Captain Frederick Wentworth. But events conspire to unravel the knots of deceit and misunderstanding in this beguiling and gently comic story of love and fidelity.
When Catherine Morland, a country clergyman's daughter, is invited to spend a season in Bath with the fashionable high society, little does she imagine the delights and perils that await her. Captivated and disconcerted by what she finds, and introduced to the joys of "Gothic novels" by her new friend, Isabella, Catherine longs for mystery and romance. When she is invited to stay with the beguiling Henry Tilney and his family at Northanger Abbey, she expects mystery and intrigue at every turn.
One of Jane Austen’s most beloved works, Pride and Prejudice, is vividly brought to life by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl). In her bright and energetic performance of this British classic, she expertly captures Austen’s signature wit and tone. Her attention to detail, her literary background, and her performance in the 2005 feature film version of the novel provide the perfect foundation from which to convey the story of Elizabeth Bennett, her four sisters, and the inimitable Mr. Darcy.
The backbone of Mansfield Park is based around the marriages of sisters Lady Bertram, Mrs. Norris, and Mrs. Price. Each of these sisters marries a man from a different social class. Lady Bertram marries an extremely wealthy baronet, Sir Thomas Bertram; Mrs. Norris marries a clergyman who makes a decent living; and Mrs. Price marries a naval lieutenant who is injured shortly after they marry, causing his career to end with living in poverty.
A moving love story displaying all of Austen's signature wit and ironic narrative style. Persuasion is Jane Austen's last completed novel. She began it soon after she had finished Emma, completing it in August 1816.
In Northanger Abbey, a young woman's penchant for sensational Gothic novels leads to misunderstandings in the matters of the heart. Austen's first, this is considered by many to be among her most charming novels.
Following Jane from her childhood as an orphan in Northern England through her experience as a governess at Thornfield Hall, Charlotte Brontë's Gothic classic is an early exploration of women's independence in the mid-19th century and the pervasive societal challenges women had to endure. At Thornfield, Jane meets the complex and mysterious Mr. Rochester, with whom she shares a complicated relationship that ultimately forces her to reconcile the conflicting passions of romantic love and religious piety.
Lady Susan, a clever and ruthless widow, determines that her shy and intimidated teenaged daughter will going to marry a man whom both detest but who will make a good financial "catch". Lady Susan sets her own sights on her sister-in-law's brother, all the while keeping an old affair simmering on the back burner.
Sense and Sensibility is a novel by Jane Austen, published in 1811. It was published anonymously; "By A Lady" appears on the cover page where the author's name might have been. It tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, both of age to marry.
Written at the request of Charles Dickens, North and South is a book about rebellion that poses fundamental questions about the nature of social authority and obedience. Gaskell expertly blends individual feeling with social concern and her heroine, Margaret Hale, is one of the most original creations of Victorian literature. When Margaret Hale's father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience she is forced to leave her comfortable home in the tranquil countryside of Hampshire....
Dorothea Brooke is an ardent idealist who represses her vivacity and intelligence for the cold, theological pedant Casaubon. One man understands her true nature: the artist Will Ladislaw. But how can love triumph against her sense of duty and Casaubon’s mean spirit? Meanwhile, in the little world of Middlemarch, the broader world is mirrored: the world of politics, social change, and reforms, as well as betrayal, greed, blackmail, ambition, and disappointment.
"Wuthering Heights" is Emily Brontë's only novel. It was first published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, and a posthumous second edition was edited by her sister Charlotte. The name of the novel comes from the Yorkshire manor on the moors on which the story centers (as an adjective, "wuthering" is a Yorkshire word referring to turbulent weather). The narrative tells the tale of the all-encompassing and passionate, yet thwarted, love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.
Award-winning Jane Austen narrator Alison Larkin is back with this hugely entertaining recording of Mansfield Park, followed by fascinating bonus material! Eleven-year-old Fanny Price is "adopted" by wealthy relatives and leaves her life of poverty in Portsmouth for a much better life at Mansfield Park. Mansfield Park is followed by opinions on the novel by Austen's family and friends, never before heard on audio.
A coming-of-age tale for the young and naïve 17-year-old Catherine Morland, Northanger Abbey takes a decidedly comical look at themes of class, family, love and literature. Revelling in the sensationalist - and extremely popular - Gothic fiction of her day, the story follows Catherine out of Bath to the lofty manor of the Tilneys, where her overactive imagination gets to work constructing an absurd and melodramatic explanation for the death of Mrs Tilney, which threatens to jeopardise her newly forged friendships.
William Dorrit has been a resident of the Marshalsea debtors prison for so many years that he has gained the nickname "The Father of the Marshalsea". However, his suffering is eased by his close bond with youngest daughter Amy, or "Little Dorrit". The dashing Arthur Clennam, returning to London after many years in China, enters their lives and the Dorrits' fortunes begin to rise and fall. A biting satirical work on the shortcomings of 19th century government and society.
What will happen to the Bennet females now that Mr. Bennet has died? With Mr. Tristan Collins on his way from America to claim his property, Mrs. Bennet hatches her plan. The new heir to Longbourn simply must marry one of her daughters. Nothing else will do. Will it be Mary or Kitty singled out for this dubious honor? When the gentleman in question turns out to be quite a catch after all, the contest between the sisters is on. Which one will be the next mistress of Longbourn?
One of Jane Austen's most popular novels. Arrogant, self-willed, and egotistical, Emma is her most unusual heroine.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
Jane Austen decided to write a heroine that no one but herself would like. Maybe then but now Emma lives on as the most delightfully spirited, frequently needing a good shake but still most loveable of all Austen's heroines.
The novel is all wit and sparkle. Juliet Stevenson narrates it beautifully (wait for her Mrs Elton!).
I loved this buy from Audible and recommend it to all customers!
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a really nice version of Jane Austen's Emma. Emma can be a little harder to like than some of Austen's other heroines. However, Juliet Stevenson's reading breaths life into this in a really positive way - not playing down any of the negative characteristics of Emma, but not making you think that Emma was too much of a dolt.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
An exquisite reading by Juliet Stevenson, who understands each character so well.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had forgotten how much more subtle Emma is than the film dramatisations manage.
As ever, Juliet Stevenson does a cracking job.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This epic story by Austen is brought to life by Juliet Stevenson. She is an absolute gem at story telling.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I've listened to Juliet Stevenson's narration of this story once before, and loved it so much I chose to listen to it again - all 16+ hours! The story is Austen at her best - great characterisation and witty story line. But Juliet Stevenson really brings this story to life. Her interpretation of the characters and her choice of accents and 'voice' are brilliant. Give it a few months, and I'm sure I'll want to listen to it all over again!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
excellent novel beautifully rendered by Juliet Stevenson. A real joy to listen to. One to listen to over and over
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my favourite Jane Austen novel, and anyone who is only familiar with Pride and Prejudice should definitely give this a try too. This version is well read by Juliet Stevenson, as her voice is easy to listen to and she uses different voices for different characters. I don't always like it when narrators do this, as sometimes the voices are silly, but I think Juliet Stevenson pulls it off. Recommended.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Emma is a wonderfully witty novel, filled with many comic characters. All the characters are flawed in some way, making them all very real.
Juliet Stevenson's narration is very good. While she doesn't quite "become" the characters as much as narrators of novels I've listened to, she very much understands the motivations and attitudes of each, thereby bringing the novel to life.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Would you try another book written by Jane Austen or narrated by Juliet Stevenson?
"Emma" is a must in any classically orientated reading list however, I really struggled with Juliet Stevenson's narration to the extent that it is one of the very few books I have ever given up on. Will now complete in paper form.
Juliet Stevenson, by far, does the most delightful narration for Jane Austen novels.Her voice is strong and clear and she creates memorable characters with pitch and accent so that you always know who's speaking. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
64 of 66 people found this review helpful
Some people don't much like the main character in "Emma". I disagree, because Emma Woodhouse, although she initially has an inflated view of her own intelligence and position in the world, really learns something during the course of the novel. Handled with humor and understanding, the story brings self-knowledge and a measure of humility to Emma. She is one of Austen's most well-rounded characters.
Other characters in Emma are among Austen's very best. And they are presented with enthusiasm and distinction by Juliet Stevenson.
Although there are less expensive versions than this one, Stevenson is truly worth the extra. If you have credits, then it's a bargain at just one. Jenny Agutter is also a very good reader. Just make sure you go for an unabridged recording! Jane Austen's main appeal is in her wonderful use of language -- don't miss any of it!
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
The narration was great but above all else the story was simply as I expect it to be. It is so hard to find really good literature in modern times and that is why we have the classics... Authors like Jane Austen are constantly my 'fall back' plan really when I am looked to be immersed in a story with actual characters, characters that are so imperfect and yet so absolutely perfect in the roles they play.
Most persons already know the story of Emma, there are enough movies about the book in modern time for many persons to at least have some idea of the story. The novel was rightly named Emma and is easily one of my favorite female characters and, at the time the novel was written, was decades ahead of her time. The dynamics and description of details between the very relationships between the characters in the book by Jane Austen is what sets this novel apart I believe. Truly, just plain majestically written.
The narrator was good, she did a credible enough job to carry the book off. I will admit that she could have done more, but in all honesty the content itself more than overcompensates for the less than stellar narration.
All in all.... Stellar book... Beautiful title...
44 of 48 people found this review helpful
To me the most important review for any Jane Austen novel is the reader. Most likely you are familiar with the author. Emma is however, one of Austen's lesser known novels so I'll simply say, if you enjoyed "Sense and Sensibility" or "Pride and Prejudice", you will enjoy Emma.
I was surprised to see how many audible versions of Emma are available. How to choose? Happily, I spent a bit more and went with this version. Even Emma would approve this marriage of Jane Austen's writing and Juliet Stevenson's narration.
If you love the beauty of the English language used to it's best advantage (as Jane would say) you don't get better than Jane Austen (Shakespeare is a given) but any reader can do the exquisite writing justice. Juliet Stevenson is such a reader. Her tone reminds me of the great Julie Andrews. Soothing, expressive, imparting emotion with every passage, inhabiting the various characters with subtle differences that make each one distinct. Jane Austen and Emma would both be proud of their story as told by Juliet Stevenson.
28 of 31 people found this review helpful
Emma, one of Austen's three most polished, perfect novels, is comfort food for the brain even in print, but this recording transcends any other possible reading experience. Juliet Stevenson is the ideal narrator for the material, and expertly brings to life Emma (the character Austen feared "that no one but myself will much like") and all other characters without exaggerating any (with the possible exception of Mrs. Elton--the character Stevenson plays brilliantly in the 1996 film version starring Gwyneth Paltrow--who inexplicably has a heavy Cockney accent in her final scenes here). This Audible selection truly is chicken soup for the soul, and a recording you will want to listen to again and again. Each time you read or listen, you'll notice new clues, dropped by the author, which Emma notoriously overlooks in her zeal to see her ultimately doomed matchmaking schemes to fruition. It's very much like a delicious Easter egg hunt, and the perfect comic novel in which to marvel at that fine line between comedy and tragedy, as you realize the dreadful consequences which COULD have resulted from Emma's various "imaginistic" meddlings. I finished listening while recovering from a severe cold, and immediately started the recording over when I realized how fun, comforting, and healing I had found it. Enjoy!
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
Juliette Stevenson does a wonderful job narrating this story. It's one of my favorites!
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
What made the experience of listening to Emma the most enjoyable?
I was in the mood for a lighthearted, well written story to enjoy while sitting in my cubicle longing to be outside enjoying the early spring sun. Emma was just the ticket.
Who was your favorite character and why?
My favorite character in the story is the heroine herself, Emma. I enjoyed her progression and growth during the story. She is misguided but lovable due to her warm regard for friends and family.
Which character – as performed by Juliet Stevenson – was your favorite?
This was the first novel I have listened to Juliet Stevenson narrate. I was blown away by her talent. She has an excellent range with which she brings so many individual characters to life. Juliet Stevenson was clearly familiar with the story, the characters and the various moods; the story was that much more enjoyable due to her inflection. I could not pick a single favorite.
Any additional comments?
Highly Recommended.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've loved Jane Austen's novels for a long time, but I recently decided to go on a little audio-version kick. I'm not going to review the novel itself, but I will say that Juliet Stevenson's performance of this novel is outstanding. Her Harriet is just a bit ditzy, her Mrs. Elton is properly condescending, her Mr. Knightly stern and upright.
Whether you're already an Austen fan or you just want to know what the fuss is about, this is a great recording to go with.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
As much as I love language and the narration of audiobooks, I must admit that there were almost more words than I could cope with. You could sum up the story with "and they lived happily ever after." Were the setting of the story a modern one, the story could be termed "chick lit", not my favorite. Even so, because the narrator did an excellent job of using various voices and expression, I enjoyed the listen. I will look forward to listening to work by Juliet Stevenson.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The ambitions of each character was easily determined as Jane Austen's work quickly got underway. With all the matchmaking that took place in the times, Emma's social meddling gets her into a predicament with her friend Harriet, who Emma tries to set up with a man whose ego will not allow such a match to be made. Such a social hierarchy was a staple of the times and Austen illustrates both its purpose and its ridiculousness at the start. Due to Emma's fear of ruining her friendship with Harriet, she avoids her friend's company as best as she can, until the examination of her own romantic life requires a meeting.
From the beginning of their encounters, it is clear that Emma and Mr Knightley would make a great couple, as he is the only one who can put up with her sarcasm and dish his own out as well. But her lack of interest in a partner (or perhaps her own ego) keeps their romance from reaching the levels the reader knows it could - at least, at the beginning. Once Emma decides to quit meddling in other people's affairs, she begins to examine her own life and her desires of a relationship, something she's slipped to the side until now. Finally, she begins to wonder what she wants in a man and comes to identify her wishes in the end.
Juliet Stevenson's performance of each character is terrific, especially when it comes to those of Miss Bates and Mrs Elton. Just as the sentence structure displays, Miss Bates rambles on to no end, rather annoyingly at times, and the narrator's performance of such a characteristic feature is flawless, as is the pronunciation and clarity of every line in the book. Well done Juliet Stevenson!
4 of 5 people found this review helpful