Sense and Sensibility

Enjoyable reading of a great classic

I can't add more to what has already been said of this great classic early novel by Jane Austen. Times and customs certainly have changed since the early 19th century in England, but Austen's portrayal of human relationships comes through with a sharpness, wit and tenderness that can still engross the interest of a reader from the early 21st century. Nadia May's narration, as always, is faultless and brings each of the characters to life with a distinct voice.

29 of 29 people found this review helpful

My Favorite AAM (Austen Awkward Moment)

This book contains my favorite AAM (Austen Awkward Moment) when poor Edward Farrers pays an ill-timed visit to the woman with whom he was in love, Miss Elinor Dashwood and found that the woman to whom he was engaged, Miss Lucy Steele was also visiting. One of course, should note that these are two separate women and also note they each knew the status of the other and did not like each other one little bit. This was a gloriously satisfying AAM. Poor Edmond, such an unlikely hero, shy, awkward, maybe even inelegant, not at all handsome but I like him. When the critical moment arrived, Edmond stood tall and manly.

Ours is a time of fast books; off with clothes and into bed then on to the next person. With the possible exceptions of P&P and Northanger Abbey, Austen novels are relatively slow. Except for the presence of children one would think nothing interesting ever happened outside the drawing or ball rooms. Oh yes, certain disgraceful activities are alluded to. Still, most of the action takes place in the mind and conversations; vital information is conveyed by letters and notes. Miss Austen often refers to novels and plays of the day to make social commentary or funny points. In Mansfield Park, there was a big fight over who was to play Agatha and Cecilla. Until one reads Lover's Vows by Mrs. Elizabeth Inchberg (nom de plume), a person just can't understand what the fight was about. To figure out Austen, works such as Regency Etiquette, Vanity Fair, and books by Fanny Burney, Mrs. Anne Radcliffe, with trips to the Shakespeare and Cowper sections of the library are helpful. Miss Austen can sure keep a body on his toes even after 200 years. Two other authors helped make Austen works real to me: Ms Pamela Aidon and Ms. Laurie Viera Rigler who clothed their extensive research in very enjoyable novels.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

enjoyed it

To be fair, I have to admit that I had previously just listened to "pride & prejudice" and had found that to be a wonderful experience, both for the book itself and for the reader (irene sutcliffe).
I was a little disappointed in "sense & sensibility" on both counts. Nadia May insisted on giving the two main characters (Elinor & Marianne) girlish, high-pitched voices, which deterred me from taking them seriously as they deserved. That the book was written when Austen was very young is remarkable, and yet it does feel like the work of a very young writer, a little confusing and a little unsatisfying.
All in all, I was glad to hear it, and to get a deeper understanding of English life from nearly 2 centuries ago.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Sufficient for enjoyment

I found Nadia May's narration to be mediocre. Some of her female voices were in such a falsetto as to be annoying, but they were not predominant enough to ruin the audiobook. The quality of the recording was wanting. Perhaps this is only because all my other audiobooks are in the enhanced mode and this is not available in that mode.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Jane Exhaustion

This book is populated by the most annoying characters in all of western literature. It is exhausting to read. Listening to it is only slightly less burdensome.

great narrator

Loved it! Great character voices. Kept me interested. It's a long story with a lot of dialogue and thoughts, and the narrator presents these effectively.

Perfect

Love of Jane Austen & love of audiobooks joined here two of my favorite pleasures.

My Favorite Of All The Jane Austen Books

Would you consider the audio edition of Sense and Sensibility to be better than the print version?

Hmm, that would be a hard one to be honest. I remember growing up and reading Sense and Sensibility, so many fond memories. But listening to the audio edition does bring the characters to life and off the page. The narrator did a marvelous job.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters, all of them!

What does Wanda McCaddon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brings the characters to life and makes them real.

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

Every Jane Austen book has those reactions in them.

Any additional comments?

Out of all of the Jane Austen titles, this one would have to be my favorite. From the movie, to the novel, and now the audio book, I can never get enough of these delightful characters. In my opinion, Jane Austen was one of the best authors of her time, and in my heart still continues to be today.

The narrator, Wanda McCaddon did a marvelous job in keeping with the tradition and spirit of the theme of the book. Her voice was a great pleasure to listen to. This was an audiobook listen that I recommend highly.

By George this is well done! (ie: I'm lovin' it)

If you could sum up Sense and Sensibility in three words, what would they be?

The best of the best what more can I say? One of the greatest books every written, a veritable gift to humanity.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elinor because her integrity, patience and self control is admirable. Second would be Colonel Brandon for his patience, humility and kindness. Tying for third place would be Marianne and Edward for they are both so splendidly written.

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

No, she's absolutely wonderful!

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

Yes!!!!

A Great Read

What did you love best about Sense and Sensibility?

This one of my favorites of all time. Austen does a great job of making you feel connected with the characters.