Pride and Prejudice

Practically perfect in every way

This has always been one of my favorite audiobooks. It was one of the first unabridged audiobooks I ever listened to, on a set of cassette tapes checked out from the local library. After listening to it again, I'm struck by the unique collaboration between Jane Austen and Flo Gibson: both are here at the absolute top of their game.

Austen is sometimes characterized as superficial, more interested in the economics of marriage than in the "higher feelings." But the economics were important, and in any case it would be hard to think of another character more defined by genuine, deep feeling than Elizabeth Bennet.

There is darkness here. It's not just in large things, like the frankly described disgrace that follows Lydia's impulsive attachment to Wickham. (Austen would never use the word "sex," at least not in reference to sex; but she leaves no doubt about what Lydia and Wickham are up to, or what it means for the family in the conservative, judgmental world of the novel.) There are small tragedies scattered throughout the novel. Charlotte's marriage to the odious Mr Collins is one: she has to endure constant embarrassment at the hands of her ridiculous husband; but worse, a wall drops down between her and Lizzie, a wall that does, in fact, put a permanent end to their former intimacy.

The ending may be a fairy tale for Jane and Lizzie, but others are not so lucky. Mary remains at home with her parents, forced to leave aside her own pursuits, pathetic as they are, to listen to her mother's endless babbling. And Lydia and Wickham never learn: they wander from house to house and town to town, always looking for a situation they can afford, always leaving behind debts and diminished reputations.

Gibson's voice is a bit raspy, not at all the kind of lilting sound you'd expect from the prose itself. And yet one after another, she captures the essence of each of Austen's brilliant characters, from the insufferable Collins, to the eccentric and (later) regretful Mr Bennet, to the generous and impertinent glory of Elizabeth Bennet herself. Over and over again, I found myself laughing at loud, both at Austen's wit and Gibson's perfect articulation of it.

I've tried to listen to other readings of the book, but for me none of the others comes close.

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

Great Classic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really enjoyed this audio ebook. It was really easy to listen along too. I quite often closed my eyes whilst listening and would picture in my mind the story as it rolled along.
I dont beleive you will go wrong in following Flo Gibson as she is quite good, and the way that she changes tones and pace to suit the characters, really gives this book justice and merit. Well done, and I am certainly going to be looking for more narations by Flo Gibson.

What did you like best about this story?

The narration is great, and gives the whole book feeling.

Which character – as performed by Flo Gibson – was your favorite?

Mr Darcy is well done

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes , i just didnt want to turn my Kindle off, as i really enjoyed it,, Like a good book, once you start it , you just cant put it down,,

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Powerful Jane

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I listen to several Pride and Prejudice books. Flo Gibson interpets the characters very well.

What did you like best about this story?

The visit to Premberly was always the best part of the book.

Which character – as performed by Flo Gibson – was your favorite?

Mrs. Bennet, is my favorite character, her nerves is my second favorite.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Jane realized, Bingley's sisters did not like her or her family.

Any additional comments?

I first read Pride and Prejudice when I fourteen. Jane Austen was boring and knew nothing about women's right. After I turned 21, I began to appreciate her novels and her fight for women Lizzie, was her mouthpiece for 19th century. Now at the age of 63, Mrs. Bennet became my favorite because she controls the story; despite her crying and fainting spells, her daughters married. Of all the novels written by Jane, Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion are my favorites.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

good

I can't possibly rate this book any lower that a 4-star. However, I was somewhat disappointed in this reading, and would recommend trying one of the other available productions.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Wonderful book but...

This is a wonderful book! I had never read the book before getting the audio version and I had great difficulty catching the meaning of intricately worded passages when I listened to it - a momentary distraction meant I missed one word which caused me to lose the meaning of what someone was saying. I finally gave up and got the book. After I read it and knew what was coming and what people were getting at in their ever so polite speeches the audio book was shear delight!

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Great story!

Would you listen to Pride and Prejudice again? Why?

I really enjoyed the story and character development.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lizzy or Elizabeth was my favorite character, because she is not easily fooled and admits when she is wrong.

What didn’t you like about Flo Gibson’s performance?

It was a little difficult to tell the difference between the characters voices. I had a hard time identifying who was talking and when.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end of course! :)

Any additional comments?

Thank you for providing this book for me to listen to. I am very grateful.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Flo Makes the Masterpiece

No other performance of P&P compares. Flo takes my favorite book to new heights with her flawless narration. My dad bought this for me on CD when Borders Books still existed but I no longer have any disc drives available, so I'm thrilled to find a low cost digital version that I can listen to on my phone. If you've never finished P&P or thought the story bland, I would highly recommend this version. It's so enjoyable that I've listened multiple times and catch a new joke or witty remark each time I listen.

wonderfully read

Flo Gibson does a wonderful job in reading this wonderful classic. she also does a wonderful job with the character voices

What is there to say, it's perfect!

Would you listen to Pride and Prejudice again? Why?

Yes. I've listend to this version of P&P over 5 times.

What other book might you compare Pride and Prejudice to and why?

Any of Jane Austen's book would be comparable to the wit and great story line.

Have you listened to any of Flo Gibson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first, but she does a tremendous job with all of the characters. I loved it!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Anything by Jane Austen always make me chuckle.

Love the voicing

The voicing for this book is amazing. I can just see the A And E movie as she reads the book. Such a joy to hear.